The tool of Sanctification

Scripture Read: John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth; Ephesians 5:26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word; Acts 20:32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Application: Notice how much the idea of sanctification is tied to the use of the Word. This is where the imbalance must be. Yes we want to live a sanctified life – but if we are not really in the Word the only possible sanctification that can take place is through the power of the flesh – which is not sanctification – it is self-reformation. We must step out in faith and really discipline ourselves to spend time in the Word – then as we exert effort to grow in Christ – it will be empowered by the Word of God. We must remember that the sweat that comes from exerting effort to yield to His will is very different than the sweat produced through the work of the flesh. When we reform ourselves we build pride, arrogance and self-righteousness. When we exert our new man’s will to yield to God it will grow a sanctification produced by God Himself. We may know this intellectually but how many of us are practicing it. I am astounded in counseling sessions how little of the Word individuals are getting into their lives. I do not think less of them because I have the same struggle. But when I committed myself to place that as a priority in my life – the fruit the Spirit has produced has amazed me. We want to be close to God but do not put the greatest tool He has to use into us. Lord - we want to spend more time in Your Word. Produce a love for it in our life. Grant us Your grace and Spirit fill us to seek a burning love for Your Word. We want to be sanctified by Your power Lord. We ask this all in the name of Your Son Jesus.