Mastering Sanctification: Living a Victorious Christian Life

In Colossians 3, the apostle Paul provides profound insights into the Christian journey, emphasizing the vital aspect of sanctification. This article aims to guide believers on how to live victorious Christian lives through the process of sanctification. By aligning our minds and actions with heavenly virtues, we can conquer the remaining sinful tendencies that hinder spiritual growth and experience the transformative Power of Christ within us.

Understanding Sanctification and Its Significance: 

Sanctification is the process of being set apart from sin and consecrated to God's purposes. As believers, it is God's will for us to be sanctified (1 Thessalonians 4:3). It is not an optional add-on but an essential aspect of the Christian walk. Sanctification bridges the gap between justification (our salvation) and glorification (our entrance into heaven), ensuring that we live as reflections of Christ on Earth.

The "Therefore" Transition: In Colossians 3:1, Paul uses the word "therefore" to indicate the shift from theological truths to practical living. Having expounded on the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in the preceding chapters, Paul now calls believers to live consistently with their new identity in Christ.

Seeking Heavenly Virtues: 

To achieve sanctification, believers are encouraged to focus on heavenly things and set their minds on Christ (Colossians 3:2). By cultivating heavenly virtues such as love, compassion, humility, and righteousness, we demonstrate Christ's nature and glorify God in our daily lives.

Killing Sin: 

Dealing Drastically with Our Fallen Nature: Paul urges believers to "put to death" the members of our earthly body that lead to sin (Colossians 3:5). This involves dealing decisively with sinful tendencies, not through physical harm but through the power of the Holy Spirit. We must confront and crucify sinful desires, so they no longer dominate our lives.

Understanding the Pathology of Sin: 

Paul presents two lists of sins (Colossians 3:5, 8-9), offering valuable insights into the relationship between evil actions and sinful motives. The first list flows from evil action (immorality) to the motive (idolatry). The second list addresses perverted hate, highlighting the impact of sinful speech and attitudes in our interactions with others.

Victory through Killing the Deeds of the Sinful Nature: Paul emphasizes that victory in the Christian life comes from killing the deeds of the sinful nature (Romans 8:13). By relying on the Holy Spirit's empowerment and applying God's Word, believers can overcome sin and live a life pleasing to God.

Conclusion: 

Mastering sanctification is a transformative journey that every believer should undertake. By seeking heavenly virtues, dealing drastically with sin, and understanding the pathology of our fallen nature, we can experience victory in the Christian life. Let us embrace the call to sanctification, knowing that God's grace empowers us to live victoriously, reflecting the love and light of Christ to the world. Through sanctification, we can not only rank higher in Google's search results but, more importantly, rank higher in God's eyes.

Please read our article on what is sanctification ..