Sanctifying Work of The Sprit

1 Pet.1:1-2 “To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Capdocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through the sanctifying work of the spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood – grace and peace be yours in abundance.”

My first thoughts in reading Peter’s epistle is Wow! This is the same man who passionately followed Jesus and who in his zeal as a follower made some serious blunders which we all can learn from. Peter was an excellent example of transformation. Much of that process was his responsive heart in his trials and tribulations. The words written in Peter’s epistles are full of instruction particularly regarding the end times and Christ’s return. Peter specifically writes about the deep cleansing that takes place through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in difficult times.

The word “sanctify” in the Greek means to purify or to make holy. This devotion serves as a reminder that the real process and outcome of holiness or moral purity is accomplished by the Holy Spirit himself and our yielding cooperation in that process.

Everyone is faced with challenges, trials, and tribulations in life. It is certain that this side of heaven they will not go away. It is God’s plan to use the painful things in our journey to shape us for eternity. These painful sufferings have outcomes that shape true holiness or purity.

1 Pet.1:6 “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him: and believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Trials or testing produces many things in us, and one of the most valuable of them is authenticity or genuineness, an undisputed credibility. Authenticity is the truth of who we are without masks or developed facades that display an inaccurate image. Trials and their challenges expose the real you. These trials are also the crucible God uses to get rid of the worthless dross in our lives in order to bring about true purity and holiness. Sadly, we often become focused on the crucible and lose sight of the glorious outcome of purity. The reality is that death to our carnal nature has to take place in order for there to be a transformed and resurrected life. In Phil.3:10 the Apostle Paul wrote, “I want to know Christ- yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Oh, to possess a heart like this. For most of us when the word pain is used, we want to avoid and escape it.

The grief of our trials can be so very painful. The word grief means sadness, heaviness, and distress. Everyone’s grief pain is experienced differently, but very real none the less. Grace and kindness needs to be extended to those who are experiencing painful grief. Those who are suffering need our faithful, steadfast comfort, and love. We can’t take the pain of grief away, but we can point to who does provide true comfort and hope.  That “who” is a Loving Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ his son, and the Holy Spirit.

The sanctifying or purifying work of The Holy Spirit can only be accomplished supernaturally. It produces authentic holiness or purity. We can choose or not choose to cooperate and yield to the Holy Spirit’s work by putting off the old nature and putting on the new nature. Col.3:9-10.

It is important to know that if sanctification could be accomplished by human effort we would have no hope. Humanity is condemned already because of our sin-based nature. We cannot redeem, save, or fix ourselves. In our best efforts we are self-righteous. A righteousness that is not rewarded by God’s favor. God has made the follower of Christ sanctified through the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is up to us to yield to the Holy Spirit’s cleansing power, which will bring transformation to any life when applied.

1 Cor. 1:30 “It is because of him that you are in Christ, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is our righteousness, holiness (sanctification) and redemption. Therefore, it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

The Holy Spirit uses trials and tribulations to strengthen and build our faith. This is a part of the sanctifying process. The posture and attitude we have in this process is critical. We can’t escape the testing, but we can surrender and let God do what he needs to do to fulfill his purpose, and it is possible to experience joy in the process. Joy because we have our eyes focused on the results of this transformative work of the Holy Spirit and not the present crucible. We can trust God because He is faithful, and He will complete the work in our heart that needs to be done.

1 Pet.1:6 “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of rials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Holiness cannot exist in our lives without the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. This is a time to yield our hearts and mind to His purifying work. You and I are designed by God to fulfill specific purposes, those purposes require transformation, consecration, dedication and purification (sanctification). Please don’t despise the trials you are going through, as painful as they are, but embrace them with joy keeping your heart fixed on the glorious outcome of transformation.

1 Pet.1:13 “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do: for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy.”



You are loved!