Doctrine: Sanctification (John 13:1-30)

Bridge to Doctrine: As Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, He taught about believers’ one-time “bath”—the cleansing of justification. He also explained believers’ ongoing need to “wash their feet” and repent of sin as they walk through life.

As a child- I attended a church that did a dinner with a foot washing several times a year.

I quite honestly thought this was weird and gross.

I still remember participating in my very first one.

Right before we left I went upstairs and thoroughly washed my feet and put on a clean pair of socks- you know- just so the person washing my feet didn’t actually have to wash my feet.

I remember sitting down right next to one of my friends- so you know- I didn’t have to wash the foot of somebody I didn’t know- that would be too weird.

but to my horror- the woman who sat next to me I had never met-and now this woman was going to touch my feet.

However- I got a good look at her and in my 4th grade mind- she was old- I determined she had to be much older than my grandma.

Now, at first, I thought- excellent- no way this lady is getting on the floor to wash my feet. I am off the hook.

I figured I would graciously and humbly tell her not to bother getting on the floor- that I understood she could not.

So when the time came, I washed my friends feet and then prepared to let her off the hook

but, when I turned around, she was already on the floor.

I stared at her..

what was she doing..

and then this woman- who I had never met- gently washed my feet.

I will never forget the look she gave me when she finished…she looked up..smiled…and then she hugged me.

She clearly had joy while I was sitting there still grossed out from washing my friends feet and mortified that someone had just washed mine.

Key Points and Insertion of Doctrine into Passage: John 13:3-17 ● Believers are justified—irrevocably declared right with God through faith in Jesus Christ. ● Sanctification is an ongoing process through which the Holy Spirit leads God’s children to grow in practical holiness, shaping them into Christ’s likeness throughout their lives on earth. ● Sanctification represents God’s gracious, incalculable blessing to believers on their path to heaven’s glory. Unbelievers have not received Christ. They are not indwelt by the Holy Spirit and therefore cannot experience sanctification. ● Setting aside our pride and humbly stooping to serve as Jesus did is a part of our sanctification. By following Jesus’s example, we reflect His character. ● Our sanctification requires daily repentance from sin. The Holy Spirit faithfully reveals specific sins. He gives us the power to turn from sin and enjoy forgiveness as we grow in Christ. ● When I do not understand sanctification, I fail to recognize God’s purposeful molding of my character through the trials and joys of life. Without yielding to the Spirit’s ongoing conviction, I ignore my sins and fail to empathize with or serve others. I live primarily for myself rather than for God. This stunts my spiritual growth and hinders my witness. ● When I recognize the process of sanctification, I desire to be molded by the Lord. I understand the sacrifice, selflessness, and correction necessary to prune unfruitfulness from my life. I desire to become more deeply rooted in my faith and reflect the Lord’s light wherever He leads me. I experience greater satisfaction, joy, and peace.

Possible Applications for Leaders: The following concepts can be developed into applications specific to your leaders: ● Sanctification scrapes away the residue of our old nature so we increasingly reflect Christ. – A saved believer requires the Holy Spirit’s daily intervention to be progressively honed into Christlikeness. – A believer’s sanctification requires ongoing surrender and submission to God’s will and His ways. – What areas of your life does the Holy Spirit need to refine through repentance or a deeper understanding of God? ● Sanctification can at times be painful but is always necessary. – The Lord corrects those He loves; therefore, we should welcome His loving sanctification in our lives. – Sanctification often involves piercing and pruning while creating great fruitfulness and joy in a believer. – What unfruitful actions or thoughts do you need to surrender to the Lord? ● Our sanctification represents the work of God for the glory of God. – We can never take credit for our salvation or our sanctification—both are enabled and empowered by God. – The indwelling Holy Spirit makes the believer’s sanctification possible and accessible. – How can you focus on sanctification as an intentional part of your prayer life?