The Three Key Steps towards Sanctification

Sanctification doesn't just happen. It is an intentional process in which God's Spirit and our bodies, minds, and spirits work together to change how we live as individuals and as communities.

Romans 8:12-13
Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live ...

Pick one word or phrase from v12-13 and meditate on it for at least 5 minutes. What do you discover?

Romans 8:14-15
... because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

Pick one word or phrase from v14-15 and meditate on it for at least 5 minutes. What do you discover?

Romans 8:16-17
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Pick one word or phrase from v16-17 and meditate on it for at least 5 minutes. What do you discover?

Questions:

The Alliance doctrine of sanctification says that we need separation from sin, dedication to Christ as our source, filling by Christ and identifcation with Christ. How do you see this played out in the above verses?

Over the ages theologians (e.g. Athanasius & Bonhoeffer) have said God became man that man might become God. The suggestion is that the perfect man paves the way for righteous living. More than simply being a moral exemplar, Christ's obedience allows him to be sanctified (John 17:19) by God, and in turn be our source for sanctification as well. What do you think?

Some eastern churches (e.g. the Orthodox Church) speak of theosis (or divinization) as the process of transformation by which humans are conformed to God's direction and energized by God. This transformation is a 3-step process: purification, illumination, and sainthood. How does this compare (and how is it different from) the Alliance 3-step process of separation from sin, dedication to Christ, and filling by the Spirit of Christ?

What will you do with what you have learned tonight?