24.0922 How to Experience Sanctification that Leads to Joy

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Come Join Us for a Powerful Message: "How to Experience Sanctification that Leads to Joy"
In a world filled with uncertainty and distractions, how can we find true joy? This Sunday, we will explore the transformative process of sanctification—being made holy through God’s power—and how it leads to lasting joy in every area of our lives. Discover how God’s Word, His protection, and following Jesus’ example can bring you closer to Him and fill your heart with joy. Don’t miss this inspiring message!
Join us at 10:15am Sunday at Rockwell Church.

"How to Experience Sanctification that Leads to Joy"

Text: John 17:13-19
John 17:13–19 NIV
13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Introduction:
In John 17:13-19, Jesus prays for His disciples, emphasizing the process of sanctification. Sanctification is the ongoing process of being made holy. It is a transformative journey that leads to joy as we are made more like Christ. This sermon will explore how sanctification leads to joy and how we can embrace it in our daily lives, looking at New Testament examples that show how sanctification shaped key figures.

#1 Sanctification Through the Word Brings Joy

John 17:13 NIV
13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.
John 17:17 NIV
17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
Explanation: Jesus prays for His disciples to be sanctified through God’s Word. The Scriptures have the power to transform our lives and fill us with joy as we grow in holiness.
Cross References:
Ephesians 5:26 NLT
26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.
Psalm 119:105 NIV
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Example: Timothy – Timothy grew up learning the Scriptures, which shaped his faith and character. Paul reminded him to continue in the truth of God’s Word as a source of strength and sanctification
2 Timothy 3:14–17 NIV
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Application:
Sanctification through daily immersion in Scripture: Like Timothy, we experience the joy of sanctification when we let God's Word shape our minds and hearts.
Action Point: Commit to daily reading and meditation on Scripture as a way to deepen your sanctification and cultivate joy in your spiritual growth.

#2 Sanctification Separates Us from the World, Leading to Joy

John 17:14 NIV
14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
Explanation: Sanctification involves being set apart from the world. While this separation can create tension, it ultimately leads to joy as we live out our distinct identity in Christ.
Cross References:
Romans 12:2 NIV
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Hebrews 10:10 NIV
10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Example: Paul – Once a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul was radically transformed through sanctification. He separated himself from his old life and the world’s values, dedicating himself to God’s mission despite the opposition he faced
Galatians 1:13–16 NIV
13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.
Application:
Sanctification through separation from worldly influences: Like Paul, joy comes when we embrace the holiness that sets us apart from worldly values and brings us closer to God.
Action Point: Identify areas in your life where worldly influences have taken root and commit to removing them in order to further your sanctification.

#3 Sanctification is Protected by God’s Power, Leading to Joy

John 17:15 NIV
15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
Explanation: Jesus prays for His followers to be protected from the evil one during their sanctification process. God's protection assures us that He guards us as we grow in holiness.
Cross References:
1 Peter 1:5 NIV
5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
Jude 24 NIV
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—
Example: Peter – Despite his failures, Peter’s sanctification journey was protected by Jesus’ prayer for him
Luke 22:31–32 NIV
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
After his denial of Jesus, Peter was restored and became a key leader in the early church, protected from falling away completely.
Application:
Sanctification through God's protection: Like Peter, we experience joy in sanctification knowing that God’s power protects us from spiritual harm as we grow in holiness.
Action Point: Pray daily for God’s protection as you pursue sanctification, trusting that He is guarding you from the evil one.

#4 Sanctification Through Truth Sets Us Apart for God’s Purpose, Leading to Joy

John 17:16–17 NIV
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
Explanation: Sanctification sets us apart for God’s purposes. This brings joy because we are being prepared to fulfill God’s mission and live out His will in our lives.
Cross References:
1 Corinthians 1:30 NIV
30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
2 Timothy 2:20–24 NLT
20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
Romans 6:19 NIV
19 I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.
Example: John the Baptist – John was set apart by God for a special purpose: to prepare the way for Jesus. He lived a life marked by sanctification, fully dedicated to fulfilling his God-given mission
Luke 1:15–17 NIV
15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Application:
Sanctification by being set apart for God's work: Like John the Baptist, joy comes from being sanctified and set apart for God's purposes.
Action Point: Seek out opportunities to serve in your church or community, knowing that being set apart for God’s work is part of the sanctification process.

#5 Sanctification Through Jesus’ Example Leads to Joy

John 17:18–19 NIV
18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Explanation: Jesus sanctified Himself for the sake of His mission, and we are called to follow His example. As we are sanctified, we are empowered to live out our calling and experience the joy of Christ’s holiness.
Cross References:
Hebrews 13:12 NIV
12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.
1 Peter 1:2 NIV
2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Example: Stephen – As one of the first Christian martyrs, Stephen followed Jesus’ example of sanctification by being fully dedicated to the mission, even to the point of death (Acts 7:55-60
Acts 7:55–60 NIV
55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
His faithfulness and joy in sanctification were evident in his final moments.
Application:
Sanctification by following Jesus' example: Like Stephen, we experience joy when we follow Jesus’ example of sanctification, living lives of holiness and purpose.
Action Point: Model your life after Jesus' example of self-sacrifice and holiness, allowing His sanctification to inspire your own pursuit of holiness.
Conclusion:
Sanctification is not only a process of being made holy but a source of joy as we grow closer to God and fulfill His purposes for our lives. Through the Word, protection, separation from the world, and following Jesus' example, we experience the joy that comes with sanctification. Let us fully embrace this process, knowing that it leads us into deeper relationship with God and lasting joy in His presence.
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