This sermon explores Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17, focusing specifically on His petition for the sanctification of His disciples. The message emphasizes that sanctification—being set apart for God's purposes—is not optional for believers but is the primary work God accomplishes in the Christian life. True transformation occurs when believers expose themselves consistently to God's Word through the power of the Holy Spirit, not through mere behavioral modification or self-effort. The sermon clarifies that sanctification is progressive, happening gradually over a lifetime as believers submit to Scripture's authority. Christians are called to be in the world but not of the world, remaining on mission to reflect Christ and proclaim the gospel while pursuing holiness. The ultimate goal is to resemble Jesus and fulfill God's purpose by living obediently according to His Word.

Key Points:

• Sanctification means to be set apart for God's use, carrying ideas of both cleansing from sin and transformation toward righteousness


• Christians, not unbelievers, are the ones who need sanctification—it's a process that begins after salvation and continues throughout life


• God, through the Holy Spirit, is the one who sanctifies believers; we cannot change ourselves through willpower alone


• Genuine transformation happens when believers give themselves to believe and obey the Word of God, not just memorize or know it intellectually


• Sanctification is progressive, happening from "one degree of glory to another" throughout a believer's lifetime


• The goal of sanctification is twofold: to resemble Jesus and to remain on mission in the world


• Believers are called to be in the world but not of the world—avoiding both isolation from unbelievers and assimilation to worldly patterns


• Justification is the one-time event of being declared righteous; sanctification is the gradual growing in righteousness


• Exposure to Scripture is like exposure to the sun—consistent, repeated contact produces gradual but real change

Scripture Reference:

• John 17:14-19 (primary focus on verse 17: "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth")


• Romans 8:29-30, 34


• 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23


• Ephesians 1:4


• 1 Peter 1:15-16


• Philippians 2:13


• 2 Corinthians 3:18


• Jeremiah 1:5