Study 9: Living the Christian Life
The aim of the Christian life is holiness. The means is the Holy Spirit’s work in the Christian. The evidence is a life of obedience. This study helps us think about what sanctification is, why it matters, and how we are to grow in grace.
The Christian life is not simply a profession we make once and then leave behind. It is a life of being made more like Christ. That work is God’s work in us, yet it also calls for our active obedience, prayer, watchfulness, and perseverance.
Before you begin
It is important to look up the Bible references and think carefully about what they say, so that you can see for yourself the Bible’s teaching. This study is about the ordinary, daily outworking of the Christian life.
We are not talking here about perfection in this life, nor about earning God’s favour. We are talking about the holy change God works in those He has saved, and the life of obedience that grows from union with Christ.
This study at a glance
The aim is holiness
God saves His people not only from punishment, but also to make them holy.
The means is the Spirit’s work
Sanctification is worked by God in the believer through the Holy Spirit.
The evidence is obedience
A changed life shows itself in growing love for Christ and submission to His will.
The purpose of the Christian life
The purpose of the Christian life is not merely to avoid judgement or to feel better about ourselves. Scripture sets before us a far richer purpose.
To glorify God
Read 1 Corinthians 10:31.
To enjoy God
Read Psalm 73:25-26. See also Psalm 37:4.
To be holy
Read 1 Peter 1:15-16.
What is holiness?
There are two basic ideas in holiness.
Separation or consecration to God
Holiness includes being set apart for God, belonging to Him, and being marked by His purposes.
Purity
Holiness includes moral purity, uprightness, and likeness to Christ.
What is sanctification?
Sanctification is the process by which the believer is transformed in heart, mind, will and conduct and is conformed more and more to the will of God and to the likeness of Christ until at death he is made perfect in holiness, and at the resurrection on Christ’s return his body will be like Christ’s body.
A helpful picture: the three-stage rocket
The booklet compares sanctification to a three-stage rocket.
Lift-off
A once-for-all radical break with sin.
Progress
The fight to be rid of the remains of sin as we live this life.
Arrival
Freedom from all sin in heaven, glorification.
Lift-off: the once-for-all radical break with sin
This occurs at conversion. Before conversion we are bound by sin’s power and rule. At conversion that bondage is broken. We are removed from the realm of sin and placed in God’s kingdom. Read Romans 6:2-6 and Colossians 1:12-14. See also 1 Peter 2:24.
This happens in union with Christ. Christ died, defeating sin. In Him, united to Him by faith, we share in that victory. We have risen to a new life.
This once-for-all break with sin does not mean we are sinless. It means we are no longer bound to sin. We have the power to live differently and should do so. We are set free to serve God.
The progressive change
The Christian life involves ongoing growth and conflict. Sanctification is progressive in this life.
God works in us
God works in us so we can do His will. Read Philippians 2:12-13. See also 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.
There is conflict with indwelling sin
Read Romans 8:13. See also Romans 7:14-25, Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Timothy 6:12, and Colossians 3:5.
We must move the work of holiness forward
Read 2 Peter 1:3-11. See also 2 Corinthians 7:1, Hebrews 12:14, and John 15:5-10.
There is spiritual warfare
Read Ephesians 6:10-18. See also James 4:7-8 and 1 Peter 5:8-9.
What practical things can we do to promote this progressive change?
Ask God for what you need
Read James 1:5 and 17.
Pray
Read Ephesians 6:18.
Read the Word of God
This renews our minds and equips us for all God wants us to do. Read 2 Timothy 3:15-16, Psalm 119:9-16, and Romans 12:1-2.
Be an active part of the church
Read Ephesians 4:11-16.
Be involved in worship and fellowship
Read Hebrews 10:24-25.
Be mission-minded
Read Matthew 28:18-20.
Arrival: the final state, glorification
There is more to come than struggle and growth in this present life. Sanctification will one day be complete.
It is certain
Read Romans 8:28-30 and Philippians 1:6. Those who are truly saved persevere in following Christ and arrive in glory as God planned and promised.
It is being like Christ
Read 1 John 3:2 and Philippians 3:21.
You may be wondering
Does a once-for-all break with sin mean Christians become sinless now?
No. It means we are no longer bound to sin as slaves. Sin remains to be fought, but it no longer rules the believer in the same way.
If God works in us, why do we still need to strive?
Because God’s work in us does not make effort unnecessary, it makes it possible and meaningful. We work because God works in us.
Why is the Bible so central to growth?
Because God uses His Word to renew our minds, expose sin, strengthen faith, and equip us for obedience.
Will this struggle with sin ever end?
Yes. Glorification is certain for all who are truly Christ’s. They will be made like Him and freed from all sin.
Reflection and response
Take time over these questions and answer them carefully from Scripture.
- What is sanctification? Think of how you personally need to change, what you need to get rid of, and what you need to develop.
- How will reading the Bible help you make progress in the Christian life? How will you organise your Bible reading?
- What is prayer? How will you organise your time of prayer?
- How can you serve God in your situation, if you are a Christian?
A simple prayer before moving on
Keep going
Having considered living the Christian life, the next study turns to Christ’s second coming, heaven, and hell.
