Study Guide: Doctrine of Sanctification
(Use this study guide for deeper study of sermon preached on May 11, 2025)
The word “doctrine” refers to the body of teachings or beliefs that are considered authoritative and foundational to the Christian faith. These teachings are based on the Bible and help guide the beliefs and practices of Christ followers. Doctrines are essential for maintaining the integrity of the Christian faith and they help to ensure unity among believers because they reflect the core truths of Christianity.
The doctrine of sanctification is a vital aspect of the Christian journey, as it reflects the ongoing process of becoming more and more like Jesus Christ. It is God’s work in us, through the Holy Spirit, to transform our hearts and minds. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Paul says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification…” God desires that His people live holy lives, set apart for His purposes. Sanctification is not merely about external behavior, but about an inward transformation where the believer becomes more aligned with God’s character, love, holiness, and righteousness in every aspect of life.
Sanctification is both a “positional” and a “progressive” work. Positional means we are sanctified the moment we trust in Christ for salvation. Hebrews 10:10 states, “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” This means that through Jesus' sacrifice, we are made holy and righteous before God. Sanctification is also a progressive process. The Apostle Paul says in Philippians 2:12-13: “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” This ongoing process means that as we grow in faith, we become more and more like Christ in our thoughts, actions, and attitudes each day.
The process of sanctification is essential because it helps believers live out their calling and purpose in this world. As we are sanctified, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live differently than the world. We are called to show love, peace, patience, and kindness (Galatians 5:22-23) to those around us. Sanctification also strengthens our witness to others, as our transformed lives reflect the power of God’s grace. In 1 Peter 1:16, God commands, "Be holy, because I am holy," reminding us that our sanctification is not just for our benefit, but a way to bring glory to God and point others to Him. It is through this process of becoming more like Christ that we can truly fulfill our purpose to love and serve God and others.
Study Outline
Take some time to look up and read these verses in your Bible, highlight, or spend time reflecting as you read.
I. Definition of Sanctification
Sanctification is the process by which God sets believers apart for His purposes and makes them holy. It is both a one-time act (positional sanctification) and a lifelong process (progressive sanctification).
Positional Sanctification – The believer is set apart at the moment of salvation.
1 Corinthians 6:11 – "And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
Hebrews 10:10 – "And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Progressive Sanctification – The ongoing process of growing in holiness.
2 Corinthians 3:18 – "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another."
Philippians 2:12-13 – "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
Ultimate Sanctification (Glorification) – The completion of sanctification when believers are fully perfected in heaven.
1 John 3:2 – "Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is."
Romans 8:29-30 – "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son."
II. The Means of Sanctification
1. The Word of God
John 17:17 – "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
Psalm 119:9, 11 – "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word… I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
2. The Work of the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:16-25 – The Spirit produces fruit in the believer's life.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 – "But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
3. The Role of Christ
1 Corinthians 1:30 – "And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption."
Hebrews 12:2 – "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith."
4. The Role of Trials and Discipline
Hebrews 12:10-11 – "For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness."
James 1:2-4 – Trials produce steadfastness, leading to maturity.
5. The Role of the Church and Fellowship
Hebrews 10:24-25 – "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together."
Proverbs 27:17 – "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
III. The Evidence of Sanctification in a Believer’s Life
1. Growing in Holiness
1 Peter 1:15-16 – "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'”
2. Victory Over Sin
Romans 6:11-14 – "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus."
1 John 3:6-9 – Those who abide in Christ do not make a practice of sinning.
3. Love and Obedience
John 14:15 – "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
Galatians 5:22-23 – The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of sanctification.
4. Desire for God’s Word and Prayer
1 Peter 2:2 – "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation."
Colossians 4:2 – "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
IV. Obstacles to Sanctification
1. Worldly Influences – 1 John 2:15-17 warns against loving the world.
2. Sinful Desires – James 1:14-15 explains how sin originates from desires.
3. Spiritual Laziness – Hebrews 6:11-12 urges diligence in faith.
4. Satan’s Attacks – Ephesians 6:10-18 describes spiritual warfare.
V. Encouragement for the Sanctification Journey
Philippians 1:6 – "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
2 Peter 1:3 – "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness."
Hebrews 13:20-21 – "Now may the God of peace... equip you with everything good that you may do his will.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The following questions can be used for personal reflection, small group discussions, Bible studies, or for journaling.
How would you define sanctification in your own words?
What is the difference between positional, progressive, and ultimate sanctification? How do these aspects work together in the believer’s life?
Why is sanctification necessary for the Christian life?
According to John 17:17, how does God’s Word play a role in our sanctification? How can we ensure we are being sanctified through Scripture?
How do trials and hardships contribute to our sanctification? Can you think of a time when a difficult situation helped you grow spiritually?
How does fellowship with other believers encourage sanctification? What practical ways can the church help one another grow in holiness?
What role does personal effort play in sanctification, and what role does God play?
1 Peter 1:15-16 calls us to be holy as God is holy. What does holiness look like in our everyday lives?
What are some distractions or obstacles that hinder sanctification in a believer’s life?
What practical steps can you take to grow in sanctification daily?