Introduction

Today, we will be focusing on the Scriptures from Matt. 5:1-12, Rev. 7:9-17, 1 Jn 3:1-3, and Ps. 34:1-10. As we prepare our hearts to receive these words, let's remember what the great Charles Spurgeon once said: "Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years."

Let's read these passages together:

Matthew 5:1-12, "Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted...Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'"

Revelation 7:9-17, "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb... And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'"

1 John 3:1-3, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.'"

Psalm 34:1-10, "I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice... The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.'"

Now, let us bow our heads in prayer.

Sanctified for Service

When we think about the idea of being set apart for a particular purpose, it's easy to see how this applies to our daily lives. We set apart time for work, for rest, for family, for hobbies. But do we ever stop to consider that we, too, have been set apart? Not for any ordinary purpose, but for a divine purpose. We have been sanctified.

Sanctification is a term that we often hear in church, but what does it really mean? It means to be made holy, to be set apart for God's service. It's not about being perfect or without flaw, but about being dedicated to God and His purposes.

This is a process that begins the moment we accept Christ as our Savior. In that moment, we are justified - declared righteous in God's sight. But sanctification is the next step. It's the ongoing process of being made more like Christ, of growing in holiness.

This process isn't always easy. It involves surrender, sacrifice, and sometimes suffering. But it's also a process filled with grace and love. Because it's not about what we do, but about what Christ has done for us.

Now, let's look at how this idea of sanctification applies to our service.

Seeing the Savior

As we continue to immerse ourselves in the Word, we find ourselves drawn to the image of our Savior, Jesus Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO