2. SANCTIFICATION IS NECESSARY
A. For life:
Romans 8:13-14 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. for all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law
B. For fellowship with God:
1 John 1:3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ
1 John 1:5-6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth
C. For our well being:
Hebrews 12:6 God disciplines those he loves and punishes everyone he accepts as a son
Sometimes God allows us to spiral into brokenness before we are saved.
D. For effective service of God:
2 Timothy 2:21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work
Doesn’t mean that you won’t be of any use, but just less useful.
E. For assurance of Salvation
Why is this needed? because from experience, the further along sanctification, the more sinful you see yourself, the devil will use this opportunity for you to question your salvation.
Romans 7:7-25 Paul wants to do good, but don’t, and does what he hates.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.
1 John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.