Lessons in Sanctification

 

1 Timothy 4:7 – train yourself for the purpose of godliness,

Sanctification is to be the primary pursuit of the Christian life. Everything else flows out of that.

1 Timothy 6:2 – Timothy’s instructions regarding what we find in Chapter 6 –  Teach and exhort these things

The first three lessons:

1. Sanctification in our Work

Wherever you work, from a factory floor worker to a fortune 500 executive, you are to regard your boss (supervisor, manager, etc.) as worthy of ALL honor. If he or she is a believer - even more so.

If your boss was asked “who’s your best employee?” Would your name come up?

If your co-workers were asked, who’s your favorite co-worker?” Would they mention you?

John MacArthur says, Your work is either praise or blasphemy.

If you’re not at least in the running to be best employee… If you’re not a joy to work with to all your co-workers…

What needs to change?

What do you need to do before showing up for work tomorrow?

What do you need to do different this week?

Your job is a significant part of your life and a factor in your sanctification. 

The next two things woven together here.

2. The Jewel of Contentment

verse 6 stands out in a very compelling way

It’s right alongside what Paul says in 

Philippians 2:14-15 – Do all things without grumbling or disputing, ¹⁵ so that you will be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

 

Contentment, the opposite of grumbling, disputing, complaining, criticizing, murmuring, etc. is a means of great gain. When we live contented lives we shine as lights in the world and we bring glory to God

It adds weight and authenticity to the gospel we claim to believe

Rather than murmuring, which the Bible calls rebellion, we need to remember that we’re children of the King of Heaven, 

who has literally every resource at His disposal. Who owns the cattle on 1,000 hills, but who is also the One in whom ALL wisdom resides

The One who is the very definition of love

When we are discontent, we’re complaining against God and His plan. 

We question His wisdom, 

Doubt His power, 

And deny His mercy

Contentment, however is worship

Highlighting the power of grace in affliction

Preparing the soul to receive mercy

Turning our hearts away from our own selfish desires and points us to what God has so richly provided.

3. Defcon 1

We must always be prepared for the assault that false teaching brings. The false prosperity gospel appeals to our flesh. It strokes the lure of materialism that we all struggle with. 

With the prosperity “gospel,” Jesus becomes some sort of genie in a bottle and God is turned into a cosmic slot machine.

But the gospel is not about the physical or the material. The gospel doesn’t save you from, poverty, sickness, or adversity.

The gospel saves you from sin.

Here’s the question:

(Be ready for me to call you this week & ask)

How are you growing theologically?

What are you doing, on a regular basis, to increase your foundation of theological knowledge? 

How are you growing in understanding the Bible?

Are you increasing in your comprehension of the breadth, length, height, and depth of what Jesus did?
Ephesians 3 tells us that to be filled with all of God’s fullness, it begins with knowledge.

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What is the NEXT step do you need to take:

1. At Work 

It’s part of your sanctification - an opportunity to honor the Lord by truly honoring the person who has been placed in authority over you. 

What step do you need to take at work?

2. In Contentment

What is it that causes you to be discontent?

How can you take the next step, and pursue trusting God more? He is in control of the situation. He’s sovereign. He ordained it.

3. In Theology?

How do you need to pursue deeper knowledge?

Read the Bible more?

Join a discipleship group?

Read a good theological book? (Call me, I’d love to help you find a good one)

Bottom Line:

Where are you at in your understanding of the gospel?

If you don’t embrace that you need to know the gospel more and better and deeper, you’re in a place of pride that you need to be pushed out of.

Seek to grow this week:

1. At Work

2. In Contentment

3. In Knowlege/Theology

I”m praying that we all grow in these areas of sanctification this week.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Pastor Rob