Purpose Of Church Life(Part 4): Sanctification

👉This is a detailed outline for the YouTube video titled "Purpose Of Church Life (Part 4): Sanctification" (Channel: LEF Itanagar, Published: July 12, 2020). The video discusses the goal of Christian fellowship as sanctification and the three primary means through which God accomplishes this. Detailed Outline: Purpose Of Church Life (Part 4): Sanctification I. Introduction: The Goal of Fellowship Review ( ): Previous sessions covered: What is the Church (Part 1) The first purpose: Worship (Part 2) The second purpose: Fellowship (intimate intermingling of lives) (Part 3) The Goal ( ): The ultimate goal of fellowship and the purpose of church life is Sanctification. Defining Sanctification ( ): The lifelong process of becoming increasingly more like Jesus Christ. It must be an increasing change ( ). A lack of seriousness about sanctification in this life means there is no hope for glorification ( ). Christian Life Analogies ( ): The Christian life is like: Childbirth: You are born alone. A Race: You run with others, cheering them on to completion. A Battle: You are not alone but fight alongside other soldiers. Therefore, believers should not be alone in their spiritual life. II. Misplaced Priorities in the Modern Church Problem 1: Hospital for the Body ( ): The church is often treated as a place only for physical healing, making the pastor act like a "magician." Misplaced Emphasis ( ): The priority shifts to the body (physical health, marriage, finances) and not the soul (sanctification). This often occurs because many church attendees have not experienced new birth ( ). Problem 2: Concern for This World, Not Eternity ( ): Preachers and people are predominantly focused on this life and present happiness, rather than the life to come. III. Three Means of Sanctification Through Fellowship God works to sanctify His people through three main channels ( ): 1. What You Hear: The Word of God Primary Instrument ( ): The Word of God is the chief way God sanctifies His people ( ). Sanctification and New Birth ( ): Sanctification (John 17:17) and new birth (1 Peter 1:23) both occur through the living Word of God. Cleansing Agent ( ): The Word of God is the "washing of the water with the word" that cleanses the Church (Ephesians 5:26). Motivating Force ( ): The Word contains encouragements, warnings, and instructions—it provides the powerful motivation for holy living. Importance of Hearing ( ): Attentive hearing is the first step, ensuring the Word is planted to bear fruit. 2. What You See: The Example of God's People Encouragement and Dynamic ( ): The example of other believers is a tremendous encouragement. Being in a community fosters a "learning atmosphere" ( ) that quickly changes you. Challenge and Warning ( ): You are challenged by those living godly lives (e.g., missionaries, those standing for the faith) and warned by the examples of those who drift away (e.g., Demas ). Stirring Up ( ): Coming together stirs up (encourages) one another as the return of Christ approaches (Hebrews 10:25). 3. What You Say: Confession of Sin Responsibility and Accountability ( ): In a church family, believers have a responsibility for others' sanctification and are accountable to others ( ). The Need for Openness ( ): Fellowship is experienced only to the extent you open yourself (2 Corinthians 6:11-13, heart wide open). Fellowship of Sinners ( ): The Church is first a "fellowship of sinners" before it is a "fellowship of saints." Viewing it as only saints causes isolation and hypocrisy ( ). The Seriousness of Secrecy ( ): Unconfessed sin is serious; if not dealt with, it will kill you eternally. Hiding struggles leads to spiritual "rotting within yourself" ( ). Dealing with past sins is key to gaining victory over present and future struggles ( ). Walking in the Light ( ): According to 1 John 1:5-7: Walking in the light means openness and not secretiveness about sin ( ). When you walk in the light, you immediately get fellowship and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses you ( ). Exposing Sin ( ): When you expose struggles to trustworthy, mature believers, the struggles often vanish; covering them up allows sin to multiply. This honesty prevents hypocrisy and provides needed prayer and counsel ( ). Relational Confession ( ): Confession in James 5:15-16 includes a relational confession to one another (or to a mature, accountable group/person) to unburden the soul and receive help. Warning ( ): Unaddressed struggles will kill your spiritual life, cause you to drift, and shipwreck your faith. Confession and repentance are necessary for experiencing the "fullness of the blessing of the church life"