Sanctification Part 2

Friday 19th October

Started by comparing the christian walk with an athletes training and discipline (Hebrews 12)
Summary:

• an athlete throws off hindrances (E.g. will avoid staying up late, will avoid junk food, will avoid distractions...) - a christian also needs to throw off hindrances that pull them down (Heb 12:1)
• an athlete studies the best - a christian needs to study the life and character of Jesus (Heb 12:2)
• an athlete must accept correction from the coach - a christian is corrected by God who believes we can be better (Heb 12:5-8)
• an athlete bears short term pain to receive a long term reward (win a medal) - a christian must accept God's discipline which is short term pain to get the long term reward (Heb 12:10-11). God wants to reward us with being partakers of his holiness and having the fruit of righteousness

So as an athlete cannot live any way they like, in the same way a christian also can't live any way they like. Instead must be set apart and living to a higher standard.

Sometimes the spirit is willing to be set apart and obey but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41)

2 Corinthians 7:1 'Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.' 

It is a choice with deliberate action required to get rid of the filthy things, then we will see holiness in our lives.

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

key points

• some things may be lawful but actually not helpful and not good for us, so we shouldn't participate in these things (v12) Also 1 Cor 10:23 - all things are lawful, not all things edify.
• we are called as Christians to be members of Christ and one in spirit. (v17)
• those involved in prostitution and become joined to a harlot become one body with the harlot (v15,16) God can't be in someone who is with a prostitute.
• the church of Corinth were called to flee fornication otherwise they are sinning against their own bodies (v18)
• as Christians, our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. It is not our own to do as we please (v19)
• WHY? because we were bought with a price (Jesus' blood) so we must glorify God in body and spirit. (v20)

 Think about things we do which may not hurt us but offend others. Leave such things alone. Separate ourselves for the Lord in all areas of our lives.