#43 SANCTIFIED IN CHRIST JESUS 8-27-26
Paul begins 1 Corinthians with a beautiful description of the people of God. He writes, “To those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Notice the order. They were sanctified in Christ, and they were called to be saints. Sanctification is not merely something we talk about. It is something God calls us to live.
THE CALL TO SANCTIFICATION
The word “sanctified” means set apart, made holy, separated for God. When we come to Christ, we are no longer our own. We belong to Him. We have been called out of the world to belong to Christ and to live differently because we belong to Christ. “You were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20).
God does not save us so that we can remain exactly as we were. He calls us to holiness. He calls us to purity. He calls us to obedience. He calls us to become increasingly like Jesus. “As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15). The Christian life is a life of being set apart for God.
THE CHARACTER OF SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification changes our character. It changes what we love, what we desire, what we pursue, and how we treat other people. The closer we walk with Christ, the more His character should become visible in us. “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Holiness is not merely avoiding certain sins. It is becoming the kind of person who loves what God loves. A sanctified heart learns to love truth, practice mercy, forgive freely, speak graciously, walk humbly, and pursue righteousness. Sanctification is Christ being formed in us. “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you” (Galatians 4:19).
THE COMMUNITY OF SANCTIFICATION
Paul did not address the Corinthians as isolated believers. He called them “the church of God” and those “called to be saints” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Sanctification has a community dimension. God puts us among other believers so that we can encourage one another, correct one another, serve one another, bear one another’s burdens, and help one another become more like Christ.
The church should be a community where holiness is encouraged and sin is confronted with truth and love. We do not walk this road alone. “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). We need brothers and sisters who will help us keep our eyes on Jesus.
You have been sanctified in Christ Jesus. Now live as one who belongs to Him. You have been set apart. Walk set apart. You have been called to be a saint. Live like a saint. You have been brought into the family of God. Help others walk in holiness as you walk with Christ.
Sanctification is not simply where you have been placed. It is the life you have been called to live.
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Father, thank You for sanctifying us in Christ Jesus and calling us to be Your people. Set our hearts apart for You. Make us holy in our thoughts, our words, our desires, and our actions. Form the character of Christ in us, and make us a community that encourages one another toward holiness and faithfulness. May our lives show that we belong to Jesus. In His name, Amen.
BDD
