Sanctification is God's work as He sets us apart for His holy purpose and uses His Word to accomplish it.
The sermon emphasizes that sanctification is a divine act performed by God, setting believers apart for His holy use. Jude 1 refers to those 'sanctified by God the Father,' indicating that it is God who sanctifies, rather than any effort on the part of the believers. This process reflects God's eternal election and purpose for individuals. Moreover, believers are sanctified through the truth of God's Word, as articulated in John 17:17, where Jesus prays for their sanctification by the truth, which is His Word. Therefore, sanctification is recognized as God's work to make us holy, not a gradual self-improvement by the believer.
Scripture References:
Jude 1:1, John 17:17, Ephesians 1:4
Commentary