Sanctification on SermonAudio

In Chapter 1, John Owen establishes that while the Holy Spirit carries out general works of grace like regeneration and sanctification in all believers, He also provides specific, vital aid tailored directly to the duty of prayer. Recognizing prayer—encompassing meditation, petition, praise, and thanksgiving—as a universal religious duty rooted in natural law and confirmed by Scripture, Owen argues that true spiritual life and acceptable worship are impossible without it. Despite Scripture giving more explicit emphasis to the Spirit's role in prayer than in almost any other duty, Owen highlights a sharp contemporary division between those who mock Spirit-led prayer as a worthless human trick and believers who cherish it as their highest privilege and source of strength. Ultimately, he frames the Holy Spirit's direct operation in prayer as the central hinge of Christian worship and sets out his two core objectives for the book: to prove from the New Covenant that this special work of the Spirit is promised to believers, and to explain the precise manner in which the Holy Spirit operates when we pray.

The sermon explores the concept of the unsearchable riches of Christ as presented in Ephesians 3, emphasizing that these spiritual treasures are beyond human comprehension due to the fullness of the Godhead and the perfection of divine glory. It argues that salvation and sanctification are works of God's sovereignty, where the new man gradually displaces the old man, rather than a mere improvement of human nature. The text highlights the mystery of the church, which was hidden for millennia before being revealed to the Gentiles, demonstrating God's eternal purpose to display His manifold wisdom to heavenly powers. The preacher stresses that believers have bold access to God through the finished work of Christ, urging them to trust in His sovereign plan despite personal tribulations or the apparent complexity of divine will.

Bill Hardecker - 1 Thessalonians (BH)

This sermon explores the theological significance of Jesus becoming the 'Captain of Salvation' by fully partaking in human nature to secure the redemption of God's elect. It highlights the profound sibling relationship established between Christ and believers, emphasizing that Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters despite their sinfulness. The message addresses the defeat of Satan's power over death, arguing that Christ's resurrection has removed the sting of sin and the fear of judgment for those who trust in Him. By illustrating the believer's status as a pardoned prisoner awaiting release, the sermon encourages a life of confidence, holiness, and mutual acceptance within the church family. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, urging believers to live with the joy of secured salvation and to treat one another with the same grace they have received from Christ.

What Does It Mean to Be Sanctified? — Hebrews 10:1–14 "Sanctified" is a word Christians use all the time — but what does it actually mean? In this devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel shows from Hebrews 10 that the Bible speaks of sanctification in two tenses: we have been sanctified once for all through the offering of Christ's body, and we are being sanctified day by day — already perfected in God's sight, and growing into what Christ has secured for us. Good news and real hope for your worst days. From the Hebrews devotional series (Day 33), Forest Hill Presbyterian Church (PCA).