Sanctification
Theologian Wayne Grudem defines Sanctification this way:
Sanctification is a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and more like Christ in our actual lives.
I believe that LifeGroups are an ideal environment for this process to take place. Not all small groups have sanctification in mind as a goal. In fact sometimes small groups can do more harm than good if the group is more of a social time and not focused on it intended purpose which is to fellowship in God’s love, study His word and apply it to our lives, then hold each other up in prayer. “to strengthen each others hand in God”. LifeGroups meet for a purpose, which is sanctification.
Justification
Is an instantaneous legal act of God in which he thinks of our sins as forgiven and Christ’s righteousness as belonging to us, and declares us to be righteous in His sight.
Justification refers to a Christian’s position before God. The moment you were born again, God justified you.
Sanctification refers to our practice before God. It is the ongoing process of battling sin and becoming more like Jesus.
Question:
If someone in your group pointed out what he/she thought was sin in your life, how would you respond?
1. Become offended and internalize it
2. Become offended and express it
3. Dissolve into tears
4. Point out sins in their lives
5. Thank him/he for care and concern
Read Romans 5:1-2
Meditate and be thankful
Gather, Grow, & Go
Pastor Tim