The In and Out of Sanctification
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Realizing that in order to work 'out' our sanctification, it must first be worked 'in' by God.
Text: Phil. 2:12-13
Date: 05/05/2024, the Evening service.
Series: "Evenfall; Sunday Evening Worship" Part 14
Description:
After describing the "glorious parabola" of Christ's humiliation at His Advent and exaltation at His Ascension, Paul immediately returns to instructing his beloved church at Philippi. His first subject is the process of sanctification and how it comes about. He puzzles many by the way he approaches this, by first stating emphatically that sanctification is the responsibility of each and every Christian; and then turning right around and saying that it comes only through God. We will analyze both statements carefully and explain why "salvation" as it is used here speaks of sanctification rather than regeneration-- making this a lesson for Christians only. Ultimately we will realize that Paul has given us the 'in' and 'out' of sanctification, by emphasizing that in order to work 'out' our sanctification, it must first be worked 'in' by God.
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I. Introduction
A. The question of sanctification, Eph. 1:4,2:5; John 6:44; Titus 3:5; Heb. 7:27; 1Cor. 5:7.
B. Two solutions from church history.
1. Pietism
2. Quietism
II. Exposition of the text, Phil. 2:12-13.
A. Context: the "glorious parabola".
B. On Sovereignty and Culpability.
1. Our responsibility, vs. 12.
a. An important "therefore".
b. The "pastor" in Paul re-emerges, Psa. 23:4-6.
c. The integrity of obedience.
d. Working out our salvation.
i. Looking at the words.
1) Defining "work".
2) A personal responsibility.
3) Defining "salvation".
a) The misunderstanding, Eph. 2:1-2.
b) Making a distinction.
4) With reverent awe, Prov. 1:7.
ii. Putting them together.
2. God's sovereignty, vs. 13.
a. God's work in us.
i. A brief explanation, 2Tim. 1:14.
ii. An illustration, John 15:4-5.
b. Transforming both the will and the work, Col. 1:29, Heb. 13:20-21.
c. For His glory, Luke 12:32, Eph. 1:11.
III. Application, Eph. 2:10.
IV. Conclusion
