Joy in my Sanctification

I took some time this week to reflect on the year that we now have behind us, and to consider all that God taught (and is still teaching) me throughout this pandemic. Many have talked at length about the opportunities that these last however many months (seriously…I’m starting to lose track, what is it? 10? 11? 1700?) have presented us with, but the reality for many of us is it’s been a struggle to just get through the week we’re in. “Capitalizing on moments of pause” and “maximizing our growth” have given way to simply not having a mental breakdown or being completely crippled by fear and anxiety. But what I realized is that, while I was ignorant of it at the time, this set of circumstances that God has allowed in my life has revealed a lot about who I am. While many of us have resorted to “survival mode” in making sure that the most basic of life requirements are achieved, I believe we’ve been granted a window to see where we are spiritually, both personally and corporately. 

This was a part of God’s plan for each of our lives, and in it, he has a purpose. The work he’s doing in our lives is no secret, it is that we would be “conformed to the image of his son” (Romans 8:29), cleansed “from what is dishonourable…a vessel for honourable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21). This is a process we call sanctification, or as the apostle Paul says in this week’s passage, the “working out of our salvation.” In this process the reality of our faith is demonstrated, the depth of our knowledge and love for God is seen, and the opportunity and ability to give him glory is grown. In this process, as hard as it often is, there is joy to be found. This is the work that God wants to do in our lives, this work is why God has allowed this season for all of us, that we would grow in our Christlikeness, that the reality of our faith and that which Christ did for us (which we talked about last week) would transform us more into his image.

Sermon Notes

Joy Unleashed
Joy in my Sanctification
Philippians 2:12-18
Jordan Coros

Sunday, January 3, 2021

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If I am to experience the full joy of my salvation…

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1. …I must choose obedience (v. 12-13)

Nothing short of full co-operation with God’s working confirms personal salvation.
Ralph Martin

Romans 6:1-2

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2. …I must choose contentment (v. 14-15)

2 Corinthians 12:10

Living content comes as a result of...
a. A thankful heart
b. A trusting heart
Contentment is an inner sense of rest or peace that comes from being right with God and knowing that He is in control of all that happens to us.
Steven Cole
c. A generous heart

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3. …I must choose faithfulness (v. 16)

Resources:
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/11791-bible-in-a-year
https://www.mcheyne.info/calendar.pdf

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4. …I must choose sacrifice (v. 17-18)