(Supplement) WE ARE 04: We Are In Process

Joyful City Church
Jul 31, 2018
3 min read

MESSAGE RECAP

"We Are In Process" is the fourth part of our "We Are" Sunday Sermon Series, and this sermon series is part of this quarter's Big4 theme of "Knowing Ourselves."

In this message we talk about how God created us in a way that "process" is a big part of our lives. At the beginning of this year, Pastor Jimmy shared a series called "Moving Forward" as we felt that God was desiring to "move all of us forward to the next level" in some significant area of our lives this year.

"Process" is a vital part of moving forward and as we were at the midway mark of the year, it was a great chance to be reminded that even though we may feel like we're not moving forward or feel like no progress has been made, we do not have to fear or rely on what we see, but instead by faith we can understand that we are still in process!

ABOUT SANCTIFCIATION

Because "salvation" is a huge part of what determines our identity in Christ, then "sanctification" is a very important part of our identity since it's a very important part of our salvation. Sanctification is: "It is a progressive work of God, with man, that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives." (Rom 6:11-14).

Understanding and embracing the doctrine of sanctification brings comfort, freedom and motivation for the Believer.

1. Comfort because it helps us have the right perspective on our failures, weaknesses, or lack of change, as we understand that God knows exactly where we are and is patient and kind to love us every step of the way through our ups and downs, successes and failures since He knows we are in process.

2. Freedom because it means that we are not defined by where are at now, but instead by what Jesus has done for us, is doing in us, and what He will accomplish in our lives in the future. Therefore, we are free to live boldly, passionately and joyfully with our confidence in Him and in the process of sanctification that He is working in our lives.

3. Motivation because sanctification means that we are headed somewhere with a purpose. God's grace is not a means to stay the same, but it is empowerment to move forward to where God desires for us to be. The more we understand that He loves us and died for us as we are - while we were still His enemies (Rom 5:6-11) - the paradox is that true faith and revelation of His love will motivate us to ultimate determination to never stop pursuing God's will for our lives.

SANCTIFICATION VERSES LIST

Here is a list of verses (not exhaustive) from Scripture that speaks to our sanctification:

- Isaiah 64:8 But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.

- Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.

- Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

- 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

- 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.