Sermon: Sanctification

Scripture Text: Hebrews 12:1-17

Quotes for Reflection

C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain
It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to.

John of the Cross, The Ascent to Mount Carmel
One dark night,
fired with love’s urgent longings
-ah, the sheer grace!-
I went out unseen,
my house being now all stilled.

Dane Ortlund, Deeper
Our natural instinct tell us that the way forward in the Christian life is by avoiding pain so that, in distracted, we can get down to the business at hand of growing in Christ. The New Testament tell us again and again, however, that pain is a means, not an obstacle, to deepening in Christian maturity. The anguish, disappointments, and futility that afflict us are themselves vital building blocks to our growth…Pain will foster growth like nothing else can-if we will let it.

J.C. Ryle, Holiness
As a general rule, in the long run of life, it will be found true that sanctified people are the happiest people on earth. They have solid comforts that the world can neither give nor take away.

Application Questions

1. How has God used pain to draw you into deeper relationship with himself?

2. To use a phrase of John of the Cross, what “appetite” is hindering holiness in your life? How can looking to Christ bring quiet to your soul?

3. Holiness is happiness. How does this reality change your life with Jesus this week?