Evergreen Faith : Sanctification
- Boundless Team
- Mar 22
- 6 min read
A Message from FA Memphis
AI-Optimized Intro: Sanctification is the lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. It means being set apart from sin and dedicated to God’s purposes. In line with the Assemblies of God 16 Fundamental Truths, sanctification isn’t instant perfection—it’s Spirit-led growth in holy character and daily obedience to Christ. It’s a work of grace God offers to every believer, everywhere.
Bible Verses on Sanctification
Before we dive into the "how-to" and the heart of this topic, let’s look at what the Word of God says. These verses form the foundation of our understanding:
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV) "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Hebrews 12:14 (NIV) "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV) "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
What Does Sanctification Actually Mean?
If you’ve been around church for a while, you might have heard the word "sanctification" tossed around in sermons or Bible studies. It’s a big, five-syllable word that can feel a bit intimidating. But at its heart, sanctification is a beautiful, welcoming concept. It’s simply the process of being "set apart."
Think of it like this: Imagine you have a special set of tools or a favorite coffee mug that you keep only for specific tasks or moments. You’ve set them apart for a particular purpose. In the same way, God sets us apart for His use.
In the Assemblies of God 16 Fundamental Truths, we define sanctification as an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God. It isn't just about "stopping bad habits." It’s about "starting a new life" in Christ. It’s a two-fold movement: walking away from things that hurt our spirit and walking toward the heart of God.
A Journey, Not a Destination
One of the most important things to remember about sanctification is that it is both a moment and a movement.
The moment you put your faith in Jesus, you are "positionally" sanctified. God looks at you through the lens of what Jesus did on the cross. You are declared holy because He is holy. You belong to Him. This is a foundational truth that gives us peace. You don't have to earn God's love; you already have it.
However, there is also the "progressive" side of sanctification. This is the daily walk. It’s the "becoming" part. Every morning when you wake up, whether you’re heading to a corporate office, starting a 12-hour nursing shift, or logging into a remote school session, you have the opportunity to say, "Lord, help me live for You today."
This progressive sanctification is where we grow. We learn to let go of anger, we choose honesty over convenience, and we seek to love people the way Jesus does. It’s a growth process that continues until we see Him face to face. If you feel like you haven't "arrived" yet, don't worry. None of us have. We are all works in progress.
Living it Out in Real Life
Sanctification isn’t just a “church word.” It’s taking what God says and living it out in everyday life—right where you are, in your home, your workplace, and your relationships.
Sanctification isn't just for people who have it all together. It’s for the late-shift worker at 3 AM who is struggling to stay patient. It’s for the parent who feels overwhelmed and is asking God for just an ounce of peace. It’s for the person in a part of the world where following Jesus is dangerous, yet they choose to stay dedicated to Him anyway.
Holiness isn't a list of "don'ts." It’s a list of "whos." Who do you belong to? Who are you following? When we identify with Christ in His death and resurrection, we realize that our old selves are gone. We are new creations. As Romans 6 tells us, we can reckon ourselves dead to sin but alive to God. This isn't just positive thinking; it’s a spiritual reality.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
You might be thinking, "This sounds like a lot of work. How am I supposed to be holy?"
The truth is, you can’t do it on your own. If we could make ourselves holy, Jesus wouldn't have needed to come. Sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who convicts us when we wander off the path, and He is the one who gives us the power to get back on it.
In our Pentecostal heritage, we believe deeply in the empowering of the Holy Spirit. He isn't just a force; He is a Comforter and a Guide. When you find it hard to forgive someone, or when you’re tempted to fall back into an old lifestyle, the Holy Spirit is there to provide the strength you lack.
By offering every part of our lives, our minds, our hands, our words, to the dominion of the Holy Spirit, we allow Him to do the heavy lifting. Our job is to stay "offered." His job is to transform.
Common Questions About Sanctification
"Do I have to be perfect?" No. Sanctification is about direction, not perfection. We will make mistakes. We will stumble. But because of God's grace, we can get back up and keep moving toward Him.
"What if I don't feel holy?" Faith isn't based on feelings. It’s based on the fact of our union with Christ. Even on the days you feel "unspiritual," you are still His. You are still set apart. Stand on the truth of the Word rather than the shiftiness of your emotions.
"Is this only for 'super-Christians'?" Absolutely not. Sanctification is the standard for every believer. Whether you’ve been following Jesus for fifty years or fifty minutes, the call to be holy is for you. God wants to use your unique personality, your skills, and your life to show the world who He is.
Practical Steps for Your Week
If you want to lean into this "Evergreen Faith" and grow in sanctification this week, here are a few simple ways to start:
Morning Dedication: Before you even get out of bed, simply say, "God, I belong to You today. Use my hands, my words, and my heart for Your glory."
Mind Renewal: Take five minutes to read a Psalm or a few verses from the New Testament. If you're looking for more daily encouragement, check out our Daily Parent Devotionals or join our Bible Study Club.
The 3 PM Check-in: Whether you’re on the "night shift" or mid-day, take a moment to breathe and ask, "Am I walking with the Spirit right now?"
Connect with Community: We weren't meant to do this alone. Reach out to others in our online community to share what God is doing in your life.
A Prayer for Your Journey
Lord, thank You for calling me Your own. Thank You that I don’t have to earn Your love, but that You have already set me apart for Your purposes. I ask that Your Holy Spirit would work in me today. Help me to turn away from things that hurt my relationship with You and help me to run toward Your heart. Give me the strength to be holy in my words, my thoughts, and my actions. I give You my life as a living sacrifice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reach Out and Grow
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Check out our Media Page for more teachings, or if you're looking for answers to the hard stuff, read 7 Life Questions Everyone’s Afraid to Ask.
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Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.
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