We have been seeing how Christ has been our Savior. As Justifier, He won for us legal right standing. As Propitation, He took all of God's wrath for us. As older brother, He attained for us Adoption as children of God. This week, we will transition to a different aspect of what Jesus has and is doing for us as Sanctifier.
What does it mean to be "Sanctified"? This word comes up less and less these days. It is to our peril that this is true. Sanctification is God's process for making us holy. That is for setting us apart and preparing us for heaven. During part 1, we will see the glorious work of regeneration. How Jesus makes us alive towards Him, by the ministry of the Spirit.
I remember when my Grandmother died. My children cried, and so did I as we looked at the open casket. As we gazed on her lifeless body. She was a constant, powerful and loving presence in our lives. As I stood there the memories flooded my mind. Her soft and gentle mannerisms, her soft grandmotherly voice, all of these things were so alive to me. And yet there she was, motionless... lifeless. I knew better, yet I longed that she would get up and that I would go and give her a hug and talk to her, I loved to make her laugh. How I longed to hear her laugh.
The Bible describes us being spiritually dead. Ephesians 2:1 We are incapable of life. We are incapable of genuine, God honoring life. We are incapable of the life that Adam and Eve lost in the garden. It is, as it was for my grandmother, an impossibility that we rise ourselves out of the casket.
This weeks assignment:
Read John 11:1 - 45 Notice how much effort Lazerus puts into the miracle that Jesus does. Spend some time meditating on the time when you trusted in Jesus as Savior. Is there sweet joy as He who you once hated or to whom you were indifferent came strikingly and beautifully into such prominence in your heart, mind and life?
Secondly, read John 3:1 - 9 and consider Nicodemus' error. In Jesus dealings with Nicodemus and description of being "Born Again" who is the one acting? What metaphor does Jesus use to describe how someone is born again?
Have a blessed week.
