PHILIPPIANS 3:12–16
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me
(Phil. 3:12).
One of the greatest jewels in the Christian’s crown is that he is set apart as a child of God. This means that he is holy, just like the nation of Israel was holy in that it was set apart from other nations. But wherein does this holiness consist? In one sense it is simply an objective proclamation of God, but in another it is an inward principle, a more subjective change wrought by the Holy Spirit after regeneration and justification in Christ. This change is a process called sanctification, and it is a work done by the Spirit. But unlike regeneration, the individual is involved in the process. By the power of the Spirit, we are being conformed to the image of Christ. We manifest fruit of the Spirit through obedience to the law of Christ while, through the Spirit, we are being purified of remaining sin.
Much of the confusion concerning our role in redemption has to do with the relationship between regeneration and sanctification. At regeneration, we are brought to life, our souls are quickened by the Spirit, enabling us to repent of our former life of sin and to put our faith in Christ. But this does not mean that our sin nature has been eradicated. There are still remnants of the “old man” that need to be dealt with. Hence, we have the frustrating battle of the Christian life. How many of us have longed for sin to be completely wiped out of our souls? How many times have you moaned in the midst of the battle? If you are a growing Christian, the answer is probably “all the time.” Like Paul, we wish to be free from the “body of death.” You are being freed—it is just happening slowly. Day by day, you are being inwardly renewed by the Spirit. As you deal with sin, the battle ebbs and flows, but you are always marching onward. To sustain you during this sanctifying process, look to Christ’s promises: “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6).
As we struggle with sin, we possess this hope. The battle that we wage today will be won tomorrow because the Victor reigns and the Spirit empowers us to overcome even our greatest enemies. Do not be discouraged and above all do not be lax in your obligation to obey God’s laws and be conformed to Christ. Let this be your goal: to be holy as He is holy.
CORAM DEO
2 Kings 4–5
John 4:1–30
Read Romans 7:13–25. What depiction of the Christian life does Paul give? Should you be concerned about your salvation if you are not really bothered by your sin? Read Romans 8. Reflect on the thoughts of Paul—do you identify with the tensions and joys he experienced?
For further study: Rom. 12:9–21; 13:11–14 • Gal. 5:16–26 • Heb. 12:1–2
tuesday
may