For week two of the Sanctification series we move to Paul’s letter to the Ephesian Church and begin to explore the “not yet” aspect of sanctification. As followers of Jesus, God has declared us sanctified (i.e. set apart, holy in His sight) because of the merits of Jesus and His work on the cross on our behalf. However, we live on in this world in the presence of sin, often struggling–and often failing–to avoid the allurements of the world and the heart-hardening work of self-deceit.

While this cycle of sin and repentance is part of our earthly sanctification process, the apostle Paul cautions the Ephesians against walking in “futility of mind” like their Gentile (unconverted, unbelieving) neighbors. Futility of mind is the net result of a heart that’s grown callous toward God. He reminds them that they “did not learn Christ this way.”

Truth is, the only way that anyone ever learns of Christ savingly is by faith. We can’t grasp God intellectually, philosophically, or even theologically as a mere concept; this is what Paul calls ‘futility of mind.’ Rather, God may only be grasped in the manner He has prescribed: by faith in His Son and obedience to His commands. Consequently, our sanctification (our growth in holiness and conformity to Christ) progresses not by acquiring facts, but by the obedience which faith produces.

Check out the full sermon from Sept. 16th by clicking the butterfly image above.