Means of Sanctification

Means of Sanctification

   How does a believer grow in holiness? What means did God ordain in order for his children to be conformed more into the image of the Son? In other words, what can Christians do to assist in their sanctification?

  The primary means of sanctification is the word of God. Without the word there is no growth. It is in the Bible that we find the way of holiness and Christlikeness. Therefore, the Spirit of God uses Scripture to sanctify believers. “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth” (Jn. 17:17-19). He teaches, illumines our hearts, gives us understanding, applies the word, convicts, conforms, challenges, and corrects.

   There are twelve kinds of passages that show Scripture to be the instrument in sanctification. First, some connect spiritual life with truth (Jn. 6:63, 8:32; Jms. 1:18). Second, others teach truths that promote obedience (Ps. 119:34, 43-44). Third, there are verses that ascribe quickening power to the word of God (Ps. 119:50, 93; 1Pet. 1:23). Fourth, some passages warn in an effort to prevent sin (Ps. 119:11, 104). Fifth, cleansing from sin is attributed to God's word (Ps. 119:9; 1Pet. 1:22). Sixth, Scripture produces hatred for sin (Ps. 119:104, 128). Seventh, the word of God demonstrates the power to lead to salvation (2Tim. 3:15-17). Eighth, the scriptures possess all things that pertain to life and godliness (2Pet. 1:2-3). Ninth, growth in grace is implied through the knowledge of God's word (Heb. 5:12-14). Tenth, an infant level of knowledge accounts for weakness and immaturity (1Cor. 3:1-3). Eleventh, the word is set forth as the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). And twelfth, the word announces that all the gifts for ministry are for the perfecting of the saints (Eph. 4:11-16).

   The word of God is the primary means of sanctification; the chief instrument used by the Spirit to perfect his own. But, there are other means that the Lord uses. The providence of God rightly apprehended and applied through the word may benefit believers. Good works induced by the word causes growth. Prayer made effective through the believer's comprehension of the word of truth fuels development. Worship and Bible study promotes spiritual health. The fellowship of believers in connection with divine truth where prayer, preaching, watchcare, discipline, and any other grace and comfort are observed and administered can only profit the Christian. The ministry of pastors and teachers who properly handle the word of truth will be effective in the sanctification of the sheep. Also, the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper convey the truth of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord and his eternal covenant made with believers which in turn, causes reflection, joy, examination, praise, anticipation, excitement, humility, etc. In a word, all of these means lead to sanctification or growth in Christ.

   Weekly, Christians gather to hear the word of God read, taught, and preached (well, at least they ought to desire to attend weekly worship!). But, do they hear? Do they listen? Have they been taught how to hear and listen? Or, more importantly, do they know how to prepare themselves to hear and listen to the very words of the Living God? What follows are some suggestions for believers in order to prepare themselves to listen to and hear the word of God.

Weekly Preparation

   The importance of preparation before coming to church must not be overlooked. It would benefit believers to prepare throughout the week to hear from God and not merely on Sundays or when they walk into the church. Begin by praying for your pastor (and teachers) throughout the week. “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company” (Rom. 15:30-32). “Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you...” (2 Thess. 3:1). Ask the Lord to bless him and illumine his heart and mind so that he may bring God's word to God's people. Pray for the growth and understanding of your pastor. Pray that your pastor remains faithful to the word of God and that God would strengthen him against attacks, discouragement, apathy, and depression.

Prepare Physically

   You, the hearer, must also prepare yourself physically to hear from God. Be well rested so that you may be attentive to the preaching of the word. Pray for yourself, that the Lord may grant you alertness and the ability to hear and understand the word of God and remove any distractions. Prepare by lessening your routine on Sunday mornings by making preparations for church the night before. You may prepare food and clothes ahead of time to avoid being rushed in the morning. This saved time could be used to pray and focus upon the Lord.

Prepare Personally

   Next, believers may prepare by being excited and expecting to hear from God through his word. Anticipate hearing from God. Do not just go through the motions. Pray that you will be challenged, convicted, and changed. Pray for clarity of thought, the removal of distractions, and peace of mind so that you can focus on the word of God and not the cares of this world. Be prepared to be confronted by the living God.

Prepare Spiritually

   Listeners expecting to hear from God through the preaching and teaching of his word must repent and confess known sin. This restores fellowship between God and the believer. Believers may also pray for purity of heart and the illumination of the Spirit in order to not only hear, but to also understand and apply.

Pay Attention

   To listen and hear effectively, do not look around. Focus intently on the preacher and his message. Do not engage in idle or worldly conversations before the service. This takes the focus off of the Lord and is terribly distracting and irreverent. Be a good steward of the short amount of time that you are blessed with to sit under the word. Take advantage of the gift that you have to hear the word proclaimed. Do not take this for granted. Another suggestion is to take notes. This will enhance your listening skills and study.

After the Service

   The service may only last for an hour, but the time that you have afterward is much greater and could prove very profitable if used rightly. Reflect on what was said. Read and reread the passage of Scripture that was preached and read any notes that were taken. Discuss the sermon with family members or a friend. Pray that the Lord will apply his truth to your heart. Finally, make it a point to think about the sermon throughout the week. Do not hear it and forget it.

Search the Scriptures

   After the service and sometime during the following week, read and study the text further. Read other passages that relate to the one that was preached. Compare the sermon with the word of God. Make sure that the pastor is handling the word accurately. This is not judgmental or even negative. No, listener, you are responsible before God. So, take notice of what is being spoken from the pulpit. Seek to apply the truth of God to your heart and life. Or, better yet, seek to apply your life to the truth of God.

   Sadly, we are no longer good listeners. We are a visual people. That is to our detriment. We need, no, we must become listeners again! We must train and prepare ourselves to hear and listen. Christians must ignore distractions and hang on every word that proceeds from the mouth of our great and glorious God. This is a discipline. Disciplines are not easy. They take hard work and effort. But, we serve a powerful God and by his grace and for his glory, he can transform us and mold us into good listeners. Oh Lord, give your people ears to hear!