T2L2 Sanctification [Discipleship Class]

THE HOUSE OF FAITH CHURCH | REPLUM DISCIPLESHIP COURSE

REPLUM INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES | WWW.REPLUM.ORG | WWW.PS127.ORG

TERM 2 LESSON 2: SANCTIFICATION

KEY VERSE TO MEMORIZE1 Thessalonians 4:3

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality.”

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Introduction

In our previous study, we considered justification, God’s once-for-all declaration that the sinner is righteous through faith in Christ. Sanctification answers a different question. How does God actually shape redeemed sinners into holy people? Sanctification is not a moment but a lifelong work. It explains why growth is often slow, why obedience matters, and why holiness is both God’s gift and our calling.

What Is Sanctification?

Sanctification means to be set apart and made holy. It includes both belonging to God and being transformed into moral purity.

2 Thessalonians 2:13

“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Sanctification is God’s work in believers that sets them apart for Himself and progressively conforms them to Christ.

Sanctification and Justification

While inseparable, justification and sanctification are not the same.

Justification is a one-time legal declaration that changes our standing before God.

Sanctification is an ongoing transformation that changes our character and conduct.

1 Corinthians 1:30

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.”

Group Reflection: Why is it dangerous to confuse justification and sanctification in the Christian life?

The Three Aspects of Sanctification

Past: Positional Sanctification

At conversion, believers are set apart as holy.

1 Corinthians 1:2

“To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling.”

Romans 6:14

“For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”

Believers are no longer owned by sin. They belong to God.

Present: Progressive Sanctification

Sanctification continues throughout the Christian life.

Philippians 2:12–13

“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

God works within us, yet He calls us to active obedience.

Philippians 3:12

“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.”

Discussion Question: What does ongoing growth look like in real, everyday faith?

Future: Perfect Sanctification

Sanctification will be completed at Christ’s return.

1 John 3:2

“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”

This future hope fuels present obedience.

The Holy Spirit’s Role

The Holy Spirit is the primary agent of sanctification.

Titus 3:5

“He saved us, not by works which we did in righteousness, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.”

The Spirit produces Christlike fruit in believers.

Galatians 5:22–23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Walking by the Spirit means daily dependence, not self-effort.

God’s Word in Sanctification

God uses Scripture to cleanse, instruct, and renew His people.

John 17:17

“Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”

Romans 12:2

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Group Reflection: How does regular exposure to Scripture reshape our thinking and desires?

Our Role in Sanctification

While God supplies the power, believers must respond in obedience.

Ephesians 4:22–24

“That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old man, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”

Hebrews 12:14

“Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.”

Sanctification is not passive. It involves putting sin to death and actively pursuing righteousness.

Discussion Questions

1.   How does understanding sanctification protect us from both pride and discouragement?

2.   Where do you currently see the Spirit shaping your character?

3.   What habits help you cooperate with God’s sanctifying work?

4.  What is one specific area where you sense God calling you to greater obedience?

Application This Week

• Respond quickly to conviction from the Holy Spirit.

• Commit to daily Scripture reading, even when motivation feels low.

• Confess sin promptly and trust God’s cleansing grace.

• Encourage one another toward holiness within the group.

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