Sanctification Sermon Outlines

Title: "Sanctification: Growing in Holiness"

Introduction:

I. Understanding Sanctification

A. 1 Thessalonians 4:3a - "It is God's will that you should be sanctified."

B. Hebrews 12:14 - "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord."

C. Define sanctification as the process of being set apart and growing in holiness to become more like Christ.

II. The Source of Sanctification

A. 1 Corinthians 1:30 - "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption."

B. John 17:17 - "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."

C. Explain that sanctification is a work of God, initiated by the Holy Spirit, and rooted in the truth of God's Word.

III. The Role of Faith and Obedience

A. Acts 26:18 - "to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me."

B. Romans 6:19 - "I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness."

C. Emphasize the importance of faith in Christ and the willingness to obey God's commands as we pursue sanctification.

IV. The Process of Sanctification

A. 2 Corinthians 3:18 - "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

B. Romans 8:29 - "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters."

C. Describe sanctification as a lifelong journey of being transformed into the likeness of Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit.

V. Overcoming Sin and Temptation

A. 1 Peter 1:15-16 - "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy because I am holy.'"

B. 1 Corinthians 10:13 - "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

C. Encourage the congregation to rely on God's strength and provision to overcome sin and temptation in their pursuit of holiness.

VI. Persevering in Sanctification

A. Philippians 1:6 - "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

B. Hebrews 10:36 - "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."

C. Remind the congregation of God's faithfulness to complete the work of sanctification in their lives, encouraging them to persevere in their pursuit of holiness.

Conclusion:

Recap the concept of sanctification as a process of growing in holiness and becoming more like Christ.

Emphasize the role of God's Word, faith, and obedience in the journey of sanctification.

Offer a time of prayer for individuals seeking to grow in holiness and pursue sanctification.

Provide resources and tools for further study and practical application of sanctification in daily life.

Ref Bible Verses - 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Timothy 2:21, John 17:17, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:19-22, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18