This week we will focus on how Wesley described the means of grace and the process of sanctification. After becoming a child of God, believers begin to live in holiness through faith in Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. We need to remember that we do not drift towards holiness. What are the tools and trades God has given us to navigate this life? How do we sail on open water, after moving away from the port? We’ll look at the grace God gives us in these stages of our journey, as well as the structure of supporting each other, so that we are able to live daily by faith, set apart, and trusting God to work in and through us. 

 

Day 1      John 17:13-19

Reflect: To sanctify means to set apart, to make holy. Read Jesus’ prayer with this in mind. How is the disciple’s sanctification related to their mission? (Verse 18) What does Jesus think of the world?

Apply:   How do you think the disciples felt when they heard this prayer?  How does God’s truth sanctify us? What would you say is our role in sanctification versus God’s role?

Pray:     Thank You, Father, that I am chosen, set apart, and sanctified because I am part of the Body of Christ. I pray that each day I become more like You, My Lord and Savior.

     

Day 2      Hebrews 10:19-25 

Reflect: What does this text say about how we are to pursue growing in faith and holiness? How often do you enter the Most Holy Place? After you do so, what changes?  

Apply:   How has being in God’s presence made a difference in you being set apart? How has meeting with other believers helped keep you on course? Who have you spurred on?

Pray:     I praise and thank You, Father, for the assurance of faith I have in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Keep my ears open to Your voice, my eyes open to Your leading, and my heart ready to follow Your guiding light.

 

Day 3      Ephesians 4:11-14 

Reflect: How do each of the grace gifts Paul mentions build up the body of Christ? For what reasons does God want each member to grow spiritually mature? 

Apply:   Who has been instrumental in helping you to grow in faith, and how did they influence you?How can you be more intentional in your walk and in helping others become more mature?   

Pray:     Father, thank You for all the pastors, teachers, and mentors who taught me the truth and helped to establish my faith. Help me use my own spiritual gifts for the equipping of saints.

 

Day 4      Romans 15:1-7 

Reflect: Why is our spiritual maturity dependent on others?  For what purpose should we pursue unity and harmony within the church? Do you have the attitude of Christ? (Verse 5)

Apply:   What are examples of how you have seen verse 2 lived out well in a church? What are some ways you personally can better live this way? How has the Word helped you grow?

Pray:     Heavenly Father, grant me Your Spirit that I will live in one accord with You, Christ Jesus and with the members of Your body. 

 

Day 5      1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 

Reflect: According to Paul, who is responsible for the growth of our love for others? Why is this important to remember? What is the connection between verses 12 and 13? 

Apply:   What would you say are the key signs of a person’s spiritual maturity? What does it look like to be blameless and holy? What needs to happen in you to be holy when Christ returns?

Pray:     Thank You, Lord, for giving us Your Word. I pray that through Your Word, You will teach me and train me how to grow in grace, to live by faith, and to pray in the Spirit.

 

Put It into Practice!

Week 2:     Staying the Course 

We do not drift towards holiness, so we must be intentional in partnering with the Holy Spirit in the sanctification process. The importance of having other Christians in your life to encourage you cannot be overstated. If you do not have a person, or a group of people with whom to meet, please consider doing so. Contact Amy Tomlinson for assistance.