LIVING A SANCTIFIED LIFE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 6:11
Key Verse: "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." — 1 Corinthians 6:11 (KJV)
Supporting Texts: Leviticus 20:7-8; Romans 6:19; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16
Description: Every believer is called to live a sanctified life that reflects God's holiness through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
INTRODUCTION
Sanctification is one of the greatest blessings of salvation. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers are not only forgiven but are also set apart for God's holy purpose. The Corinthian church had come out of a sinful background, yet Paul reminded them that they had been washed, sanctified, and justified in Christ.
Living a sanctified life is not merely avoiding sinful habits but yielding every area of our lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ. It is a daily process of growing in holiness as the Holy Spirit transforms our character and conduct to become more like Christ.
In a world where moral values are constantly declining, God's people are called to stand out as examples of purity, righteousness, and obedience. A sanctified life glorifies God, strengthens our testimony, and prepares us for fruitful service in His Kingdom.
1. UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification means being separated from sin and dedicated unto God. It is God's gracious work that begins at salvation and continues throughout the believer's life.
a) Sanctified Through Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2)
Every believer is made holy through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Our position before God is based on His grace and not on our personal merit.
b) Washed And Made Clean (1 Corinthians 6:11)
The blood of Jesus cleanses us from the guilt and pollution of sin. Our past no longer defines our future because we have become new creations in Christ.
c) Set Apart For God's Purpose (Leviticus 20:7-8)
God sanctifies His people so they can fulfil His divine purpose on earth. A sanctified life is one that is fully available for His service.
d) Called To Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)
God's standard for every believer is holiness because His own nature is holy. We are to reflect His character in every aspect of our lives.
Biblical Example: Isaiah experienced cleansing and consecration before being commissioned to serve the Lord faithfully (Isaiah 6:1-8).
2. PURSUE HOLINESS EVERY DAY
Sanctification requires intentional daily obedience to God's Word. Spiritual growth occurs as believers consistently submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
a) Present Your Members Unto Righteousness (Romans 6:19)
Our bodies, minds, and abilities should be surrendered to God as instruments of righteousness rather than sin.
b) Cleanse Yourself From All Defilement (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Believers must continually turn away from everything that contaminates the flesh and spirit, seeking maturity in holiness.
c) Abstain From Sexual Immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
God desires purity in our moral lives. Holiness includes honouring God with our bodies and relationships.
d) Pursue Peace And Holiness (Hebrews 12:14)
Holiness is an active pursuit that requires perseverance, discipline, and dependence on God's grace.
Biblical Example: Joseph refused the immoral advances of Potiphar's wife because he valued holiness above temporary pleasure (Genesis 39:7-12).
3. DEPEND ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
No believer can live a sanctified life by human effort alone. The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome sin and to grow in Christlikeness.
a) Walk In The Spirit (Galatians 5:16)
Daily dependence upon the Holy Spirit enables believers to overcome the desires of the sinful nature.
b) Produce The Fruit Of The Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
A sanctified life is recognised by godly character such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control.
c) Renew Your Mind (Romans 12:2)
Transformation begins with a renewed mind that is continually shaped by God's Word.
d) Be Filled With The Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)
The continual filling of the Holy Spirit gives believers strength to live victoriously over sin.
Biblical Example: Stephen lived a life full of faith and the Holy Spirit, demonstrating holiness even in the face of persecution (Acts 6:5-10; 7:54-60).
4. DISPLAY THE FRUITS OF A SANCTIFIED LIFE
A sanctified believer becomes a visible witness of God's transforming grace. The evidence of holiness is seen in both character and conduct.
a) Live Above Sinful Habits (Romans 6:12–14)
Grace empowers believers to reject sin and live under the lordship of Christ.
b) Shine As A Light In The World (Philippians 2:15)
A holy life serves as a testimony that points others to Jesus Christ.
c) Serve God Faithfully (Romans 12:11)
Sanctified believers devote themselves wholeheartedly to God's work with diligence and enthusiasm.
d) Remain Blameless Until Christ Returns (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
God desires to preserve His people in holiness until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Biblical Example: Daniel remained undefiled in Babylon and consistently honoured God despite intense opposition (Daniel 1:8; 6:10-23).
CONCLUSION
Living a sanctified life is God's will for every believer. Through Christ, we have been washed, sanctified, and justified, and through the Holy Spirit we receive the power to walk in holiness every day. Sanctification is both our privilege and our responsibility.
May we continually surrender ourselves to God, allowing His Spirit to shape our thoughts, words, attitudes, and actions. As we live sanctified lives, we will glorify God, strengthen our witness, and be prepared for the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for washing, sanctifying, and justifying me through Jesus Christ in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me to live a holy and sanctified life that pleases You in Jesus name.
3. Father, cleanse me from every secret sin and every form of spiritual defilement in Jesus name.
4. Holy Spirit, empower me daily to overcome every temptation and sinful desire in Jesus name.
5. Lord, renew my mind continually through Your Word and make me more like Christ in Jesus name.
6. Father, let the fruit of the Holy Spirit become evident in every area of my life in Jesus name.
7. Lord, separate me from every ungodly influence that hinders my spiritual growth in Jesus name.
8. Father, make my life a shining testimony of Your holiness and grace in Jesus name.
9. Lord, preserve me blameless and faithful until the coming of Jesus Christ in Jesus name.
10. Father, use my sanctified life to bring glory to Your name and lead many souls to Christ in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall walk in holiness, and the grace of God shall continually strengthen you to overcome every work of darkness.
2. You shall remain sanctified in spirit, soul, and body, and nothing shall corrupt your devotion to Christ.
3. You shall enjoy victory over every sinful habit, and the power of the Holy Spirit shall rule your life.
4. You shall grow daily in the knowledge, grace, and holiness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
5. You shall be a shining example of righteousness in your family, church, workplace, and community.
6. You shall bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and your life shall reflect the beauty of Christ.
7. Every plan of the enemy to defile or weaken your spiritual life shall fail in the mighty name of Jesus.
8. You shall be preserved blameless until the glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9. You shall fulfil God's purpose as a vessel of honour, sanctified and fit for the Master's use.
10. You shall finish your Christian race faithfully, and you shall receive the crown of life prepared for those who love the Lord.
