June 2, 2020
As we continue our thoughts on “SANCTIFICATION” today, this scripture comes to mind this morning.
(Romans 12:1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
(Romans 12:2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Yesterday we saw that sanctification for the believer begins with a change of heart at the moment of salvation. Here in these two verses we see that the Apostle Paul says “I beseech you therefore, brethren”. That word “beseech” means “I earnestly beg you”. So, Paul is begging born again believer to present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God because he says that is our reasonable service. It is reasonable for God to expect those of us who He has redeemed to “sanctify” ourselves to be used for His service. This means that as we go through the sanctification process in our lives that we are being set apart from the world to do the work of God.
Paul goes on to further say in v. 2 that he begs us to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. So, the sanctification process begins with a “change of heart” and then progresses to a “transformation of the mind”. This is very important to understand because the way we think affects everything we say and do.
(Proverbs 23:7) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…
We should spend our time thinking on things above.
(Colossians 3:1) If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
(Colossians 3:2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
(Colossians 3:3) For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
With all that happens in our daily lives, this is not an easy thing to do. Sometimes it’s really difficult to renew our minds every day and set our affection on things above and not on things on the earth. This is why we need that time every day alone with God. We need to spend time with Him every day reading His word, praying and seeking His will for our lives.
As we are renewing our minds daily, Paul says we can prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. This my friend will help us all as we go through this sanctification process. This is not something that will happen overnight, but is a long and slow process whereby we can become more Christ-like in our lives.
(Philippians 4:8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Bro. Rick
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