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Sanctification: A Lifelong Journey of Holiness in Christ

Sanctification: A Lifelong Journey of Holiness in Christ

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Today, we reflect on one of the most crucial, yet often misunderstood, aspects of the Christian life: sanctification. Many believers embrace salvation but stop short of pursuing the daily transformation that God desires. To walk in victory and reflect Christ’s character, we must understand and actively engage in the process of sanctification.

1. What Is Sanctification?

Sanctification is the process by which believers are progressively made holy—set apart for God’s purposes and transformed into the image of Christ. While justification happens instantly when we believe in Jesus (Romans 5:1), sanctification is an ongoing process throughout the Christian life.

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality…”
(1 Thessalonians 4:3, ESV)

There are three phases of sanctification in biblical theology:

  • Positional Sanctification – We are made holy in God’s sight the moment we believe in Christ (Hebrews 10:10).

  • Progressive Sanctification – We grow in holiness daily through the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).

  • Ultimate Sanctification (Glorification) – We will be made perfectly holy when Christ returns (1 John 3:2).

2. Who Is a Saint?

According to Scripture, every believer is a saint—not by human recognition, but by God’s declaration. The Greek word hagios (ἅγιος), translated “saints,” means “holy ones” or “those set apart.”

“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints…”
(1 Corinthians 1:2, ESV)

A person becomes a saint not through years of religious deeds, but through repentance, faith in Jesus, and receiving the Holy Spirit. From that point, they are called to live out their holiness daily.

3. Why Sanctification Matters

Many Christians wrongly believe that once they are saved, no further change is required. But Scripture teaches that without sanctification, a believer’s spiritual life will stagnate—or even wither away.

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
(Hebrews 12:14, ESV)

This is a sobering truth: holiness is not optional. It is the evidence of true salvation and the path to eternal fellowship with God.

4. The Danger of Neglecting Sanctification

Jesus warned that in the last days, many would fall away and return to sinful living. The pursuit of holiness must be continuous, or we risk spiritual decline:

“Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”
(Revelation 22:11, ESV)

Just like a battery that dies when left uncharged, the soul that neglects sanctification becomes spiritually powerless.

5. How Do We Pursue Sanctification?

A. The Word of God

God’s Word is the primary tool for sanctification. As we read and obey, the Spirit transforms our minds and hearts.

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
(John 17:17, ESV)

“Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth…”
(1 Peter 1:22a, ESV)

Daily engagement with Scripture renews our minds (Romans 12:2) and equips us to resist sin.

B. Prayer and Fasting

Prayer sustains our spiritual connection with God, and fasting weakens the flesh so the Spirit can lead. Together, they produce spiritual strength and discernment.

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
(Matthew 26:41, ESV)

Fasting reminds us that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

C. Godly Discipline and Righteous Living

Sanctification requires intentional effort. Just like athletes train their bodies, we must train ourselves in righteousness.

“Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way…”
(1 Timothy 4:7–8, ESV)

Walking in obedience becomes easier as godly habits are formed.

D. Serving God and Evangelizing

Sanctification flourishes when we serve others and share the gospel. As we pour out, the Holy Spirit continually fills us.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
(1 Peter 4:10, ESV)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
(Matthew 28:19, ESV)

Evangelism reminds us of our mission and deepens our dependence on the Spirit.

6. The Final Goal: Christlikeness

God’s ultimate goal is to conform us to the image of His Son:

“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…”
(Romans 8:29, ESV)

As we grow in sanctification, we reflect Jesus more clearly to the world. This glorifies God and draws others to Him.

Conclusion: Remain in the Journey

Sanctification is not about perfection, but direction. It is about daily yielding to the Spirit, obeying God’s Word, and pursuing Christ with all our hearts.

“For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(2 Peter 1:8, ESV)

Let us not be passive in our faith. Instead, let us press on toward holiness, knowing that Jesus is coming soon.

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

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What Does “The Preparations of the Heart Belong to Man” Mean?Proverbs 16:1 (NKJV)

Proverbs 16:1 (NKJV)

“The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.”

Question:
What is the meaning of this verse?

Answer:
Proverbs 16:1 emphasizes a crucial truth about human planning and divine sovereignty. While we have the responsibility and ability to make decisions, think ahead, and formulate plans, the final outcome of those plans ultimately rests in God’s hands.

God created human beings with intellect and free will. He allows us to desire, plan, and make choices (Genesis 1:28; Deuteronomy 30:19). However, He remains sovereign over all outcomes. This means that even the most well-thought-out plans are subject to God’s will and timing.

The phrase “the preparations of the heart belong to man” acknowledges our role in planning. But the second part, “the answer of the tongue is from the Lord,” highlights God’s ultimate authority in determining what actually happens, including the words we speak and the direction our plans take.

Example from Scripture: Balaam’s Story

A biblical example of this principle is found in Numbers 22–24. Balaam intended to curse Israel at the request of King Balak. However, when he sought God’s approval, the Lord instructed him to bless Israel instead:

Numbers 23:11–12 (NKJV):
“Then Balak said to Balaam, ‘What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and look, you have blessed them bountifully!’ So he answered and said, ‘Must I not take heed to speak what the Lord has put in my mouth?’”

Balaam’s original plan was overridden by God’s will, showing how divine intervention can redirect even the most determined human intentions.

The Call to Humble Planning

Proverbs 16:1 reminds believers to approach their plans with humility. The Apostle James echoes this truth:

James 4:13–15 (NKJV):
“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’”

This passage reinforces the idea that life is uncertain and that only God knows the future. Christians are called not only to plan but to submit those plans to God’s will.

Personal Application

You may have planned to pursue a certain career, such as becoming a doctor, but life circumstances led you down a different path—perhaps one you didn’t choose. As a Christian, instead of feeling defeated, remember that God’s purpose often surpasses our understanding:

Romans 8:28 (NKJV):
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

God’s redirection is never by accident. Sometimes, failed plans are divine detours leading to something better than we could have imagined.

Likewise, if you had a goal last year that didn’t succeed due to unexpected challenges, don’t be discouraged. Trust that God is still at work. The disappointment you experience may be preparation for a better opportunity ahead.

Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV):
“There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.”

Conclusion: Depend on God, Not Just Your Plans

Planning is not wrong—in fact, it is wise (Proverbs 21:5). But Christians are called to plan with a surrendered heart. Trusting God means acknowledging that His wisdom, timing, and outcomes are always better than ours.

So, every time you set goals or make decisions, invite God into the process. Say, “If the Lord wills.” Trust that if He approves, your plans will succeed. And if He changes them, it’s because He has something greater in store.

Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV):
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Shalom.

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What is the meaning of “What Is Crooked Cannot Be Straightened”? (Ecclesiastes 1:15)

Ecclesiastes 1:15 (NIV),“What is crooked cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted.”

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THE HIDDEN PRESSURE OF SIN:

There are parts of Scripture that both inspire us and humble us—where we see the tragic downfall of people once close to God’s heart. It is in these moments we come face-to-face with a crucial biblical truth: sin is not just an act—it is a power, a pressure that grows if left unchecked.

In Romans 7:11, the Apostle Paul explains the nature of sin:

“For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death.”
Sin doesn’t simply invite us to do wrong. It deceives, manipulates, pressures, and finally leads to death—spiritually, emotionally, and sometimes even physically.

Let us reflect on two figures: King David and Judas Iscariot—both anointed, both close to God’s work, and both tragically overwhelmed by the pressure of sin.

DAVID: The King Who Fell

David, described as “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), was not a stranger to God’s voice. He had won battles, written psalms, and led with humility. But even David was not immune to sin’s pressure.

His descent began with a glance—he saw Bathsheba bathing (2 Samuel 11:2). That look became desire, and that desire led to adultery. When Bathsheba became pregnant, David, in panic, devised a plan to cover up his sin by bringing her husband, Uriah, home from war, hoping he would sleep with her. But Uriah’s loyalty was stronger than David’s deceit:

“The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents… How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!” (2 Samuel 11:11)

When that plan failed, David orchestrated Uriah’s death on the battlefield (2 Samuel 11:15). Thus, the one who once spared Saul’s life out of reverence for God’s anointing now killed a faithful servant to hide his guilt.

David’s story illustrates how unchecked sin multiplies. James 1:14–15 captures it perfectly:

“Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

Though David repented deeply (Psalm 51), the consequences of his actions followed him. His story reminds us: sin grows silently but strikes forcefully.

JUDAS: The Disciple Who Betrayed

Judas Iscariot’s fall began subtly. John 12:6 reveals his heart:

“He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.”

A love of money opened the door to greater evil. What began as small acts of dishonesty culminated in the betrayal of Jesus Himself—for thirty silver coins (Matthew 26:14–16). Jesus, whom he walked with, witnessed miracles from, and whom he called “Rabbi”, was handed over by Judas.

And yet, this betrayal wasn’t born from hatred—it was the end result of tolerated sin. After the deed, Judas was filled with regret:

“When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse…” (Matthew 27:3)

Sin had carried him to a place he never meant to go. But instead of turning to Christ in repentance like Peter did, he was crushed under the weight of guilt and took his own life.

THE THEOLOGY OF SIN’S PRESSURE

The Bible does not treat sin as just a moral misstep—it is a spiritual force. Paul refers to it as a master that enslaves (Romans 6:12–14). Jesus said in John 8:34:

“Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.”

That’s why sin cannot be managed or negotiated with—it must be confessed, repented of, and crucified. Even small sins matter. They may seem harmless, but like seeds, they grow. And when fully grown, they produce consequences far beyond what we anticipated.

MODERN EXAMPLES: The Pressure is Still Real

Today, the pressure of sin continues to destroy. People sacrifice their integrity for temporary gain. Others destroy relationships, reputations, and even lives trying to cover up secrets.

  • Young women, out of fear of shame, abort pregnancies—often not because they are evil, but because the weight of societal judgment, rejection, and fear crushes them.
  • People steal from workplaces, rationalizing it as “small,” only to later find themselves trapped in corruption.
  • Even believers fall into grievous sins—not because they woke up planning to, but because they underestimated sin’s grip.

GOD’S CALL: Flee, Confess, and Be Free

David eventually repented with bitter tears (Psalm 51). And though his path was scarred, God forgave him. Judas, sadly, gave in to despair. This contrast shows us the heart of the gospel:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

The good news is this: no one is beyond redemption, but we must not wait until sin has consumed us.

Final Exhortation

Don’t toy with sin, no matter how small it seems. Whether it’s lust, greed, dishonesty, or pride—sin applies pressure, and that pressure leads to bondage. Flee from it. Resist it early. Confess it quickly. As Jesus taught in Matthew 5:29:

“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”

May we take seriously the danger of sin and embrace fully the grace of Christ, who came not only to forgive us—but to free us.

Shalom.

Please share this message—it might be the word someone needs to escape the trap of sin.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS CLEARLY

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” — 1 Timothy 4:1 (NIV)

Shalom! May the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be praised.

We live in a time when spiritual deception is widespread. The Bible does not leave us in the dark about this reality. In 1 Timothy 4:1, the Apostle Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit speaks clearly—without symbolism or hidden meaning—that in the last days, many will turn away from the Christian faith, listening to deceiving spirits and demonic doctrines.

This warning is not symbolic, like some prophecies that require spiritual discernment or revelation. It is straightforward, intended to open our eyes and prepare us for the times we live in.

When the Spirit Speaks Symbolically

Often in Scripture, the Holy Spirit speaks in ways that require spiritual discernment. For example:

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
— Revelation 2:29 (NIV)

This phrase implies that not everyone will immediately understand the message. Some spiritual truths are hidden and must be revealed through the Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 2:10-14).

Take Revelation 2:26-28 as an example:

“To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’—just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give that one the morning star.”
— Revelation 2:26-28 (NIV)

Here, key elements like “authority over the nations” and “the morning star” are not immediately clear. They require spiritual interpretation (e.g., the “morning star” could refer to Christ Himself—Revelation 22:16).

But in 1 Timothy 4:1, the message is unambiguous and direct: in the end times, many will fall away from the faith.

How Do Deceiving Spirits Speak?

Paul says people will listen to these spirits, meaning they communicate somehow. According to Scripture and Christian theology, deceiving spirits influence humans in two major ways:

1. Internally, through thoughts and impulses

This is when a person feels urged to do things contrary to God’s Word—such as lying, stealing, committing adultery, engaging in idolatry, or embracing immoral behavior. James explains:

“Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.”
— James 1:14 (NIV)

Spiritual warfare occurs in the mind and heart. If a person obeys impulses that contradict the Word of God, they are being led by a deceiving spirit—even if they are unaware.

2. Externally, through false teachers and preachers

Jesus Himself warned:

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
— Matthew 7:15 (NIV)

These individuals often look religious or spiritual, but they teach doctrines that contradict the gospel of Christ—encouraging sin, materialism, self-glorification, or compromise with worldly values. Listening to them leads believers away from truth.

Why This Warning Matters

Paul emphasizes the urgency and clarity of the Spirit’s message because many—not just a few—will be deceived. Jesus also spoke of this:

“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
— Matthew 24:24 (NIV)

This means even sincere believers can be misled if they are not spiritually alert.

How Can We Avoid Being Deceived?

The only way to test spirits and teachings is by comparing them with Scripture. The Berean Jews were praised for doing this:

“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character…for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
— Acts 17:11 (NIV)

Do not trust your feelings or personal experiences alone. Even Satan can appear as an angel of light:

“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
— 2 Corinthians 11:14 (NIV)

Only the Word of God is a sure foundation.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
— Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

A Call to Faith and Discernment

Dear friend, if you’ve delayed giving your life to Jesus because of confusion, doubt, or worldly distractions, it’s possible that deceiving spirits have already influenced you.

But today is your opportunity to turn to Christ. He is waiting with open arms.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Jesus desires that you live—and not perish. His warning through the Spirit is a sign of His love.

Final Exhortation

The Holy Spirit is not vague. He has clearly warned us: in the last days, many will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits. Let us be among those who remain faithful to Christ.

“The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
— Matthew 24:13 (NIV)

Let’s stay vigilant. Let’s stay grounded in truth. And let’s help others do the same.

Maranatha – The Lord is coming.

Please share this message of truth and hope with others.

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