What is Progressive Sanctification? Progressive sanctification is the ongoing, incomplete, lifelong maturing process in which a Christian gradually becomes more holy, and in closer resemblance to Jesus Christ himself. How does it work? The Five Factors of Sanctification 1. God Changes You (Foundation) 2. Truth Changes You 3. Wise People Change You 4. Suffering & Struggle Change You 5. You Change The Five Factors of Sanctification 1. God Changes You (Foundation) “It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 Ask Yourself… ∙ How do you express your dependence on God for change? How are you building your life choices and daily habits on this foundation? ∙ What is the posture of your heart toward change? Are you genuinely and deeply dependent on God for change, or do you feel Ike your life is going well without him? 2. Truth Changes You 7 The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. 10 They are more desirable than gold— than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. 11 In addition, your servant is warned by them, and in keeping them there is an abundant reward. Psalm 19:7-11 Ask Yourself… ∙ What role does Gods word have in your daily life? Is it your source for truth and fellowship with God or just a reference booklet? 3. Wise People Change You Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise. Proverbs 13:20 Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 Ask Yourself… ∙ Who are the people in your life that are discipling you toward Christ? How do you allow wise people to speak into your life today? 4. Suffering & Struggle Change You 2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 Ask Yourself… ∙ What are the struggles and trials that God is using to shape your life into holiness today? What exactly may God be shaping in your character through your hardships? “I venture to say that the greatest earthly blessing that God can give to any of us is health, with the exception of sickness. Sickness has frequently been of more use to the saints of God than health has. . . . A sick wife, a newly-made grave, poverty, slander, sinking of spirit, might teach lessons nowhere else to be learned so well. Trials drive us to the realities of Christ.” - Charles Spurgeon “There is no university for a Christian like that of sorrow and trial.” - Charles Spurgeon 5. You Change 12 Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12 - Sanctification is a process that involves God and us working together. Ask Yourself… ∙ What are you doing to grow closer to Jesus? How are you putting yourself in places and positions to be more deeply transformed by Gods grace? Why is Sanctification Important? To grow in sanctification means ultimately to LIVE and to LOVE like Jesus. ∙ In what ways do you look, live and love more like Jesus today than when you first believed? Remember, Sanctification is… ∙ Unique and Dynamic ∙ Practice not Performance ∙ Progress not Perfection