Practical Sanctification #6 – Christ Must Remain

August 9, 2025

Introduction

  • The video is part 6 of a series on practical sanctification, emphasizing the need to learn and apply God’s Word.
  • The main theme: “Christ must remain” in believers’ hearts and lives.
  • Key Scripture: 1 John 3:1-10.

Key Points Discussed

1. God’s Gift of Sonship

  • God has given believers the gift of being His children (sons of God).
  • This gift is righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.
  • The fullness of this sonship will appear at Christ’s second coming when believers will be like Him—pure and without sin.

2. Definition of Sin

  • Sin is defined as the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4).
  • Sin is a choice, not something inherent or unavoidable.
  • Christ came to take away sin; those who abide in Him do not continue sinning willfully.

3. The Relationship Between Sin and Knowing Christ

  • Willfully continuing in sin indicates not truly knowing Christ (1 John 3:6).
  • Jesus states in Matthew 7:21-23 that not everyone who claims Him will enter the kingdom of heaven.
  • There is an inverse relationship: the closer one is to Christ, the less sin dominates their life.

4. Sanctification and Pleasing God

  • Sanctification is becoming pure, abstaining from sin, and living a life honorable to God (1 Thessalonians 4:1-7).
  • Pleasing God requires faith, which is given to every believer in measure (Hebrews 11:5; Hebrews 11:6).
  • Faith is essential to please God and to be transformed.

5. Righteousness Defined

  • Righteousness means right living in accordance with God’s commandments.
  • Jesus exemplified perfect righteousness.
  • The Ten Commandments are the standard of righteousness.
  • Those who keep God’s commandments and have faith in Jesus are described as the “144,000” faithful saints in Revelation 14:12.

6. Christ’s Victory Over Sin and Evil

  • Christ manifested to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).
  • The spiritual battle believers face is against powers of darkness, but Christ has already conquered them (Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 2:9-15).
  • Believers are made complete in Christ, who triumphed over spiritual wickedness.

7. The Seed of God Remains in Believers

  • The “seed” refers to the Word of God and Christ Himself (Luke 8:11; John 1:1-14; Galatians 3:16).
  • Christ dwelling in believers means their sins are overcome because the seed remains in them.
  • This seed must remain continually by faith for sanctification to be practical.

8. The Importance of Receiving and Feeding on the Word

  • The Word of God is likened to food that strengthens believers spiritually (Deuteronomy 8:3; Psalm 119:28, 11, 18).
  • Regular intake and meditation on Scripture bring joy, strength, and victory over sin.
  • The example of Jesus breaking bread with disciples on the road to Emmaus shows how Scripture opens hearts to recognize Christ.

9. Daily Spiritual Exercise

  • Spiritual growth requires discipline and training of the mind through studying the Bible and spiritual exercises (Hebrews 5:11-14).
  • Believers must actively work out their salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13).
  • Avoid distractions such as worldly entertainment that dull spiritual senses.

10. The Danger of Neglecting God’s Word

  • Neglecting Scripture leads to spiritual dullness and regression.
  • Believers must go beyond basic knowledge (“milk”) to mature understanding (“meat”) by diligent Bible study.
  • The enemy works to spoil minds with trivial and distracting thoughts.

11. Overcoming Sin Through Faith

  • True freedom from sin comes through faith in Jesus Christ who sets believers free (John 8:34-38).
  • The love of God manifested through His Son compels believers to keep His commandments willingly.
  • Overcoming the world means living by faith and obedience to God’s Word.

Practical Applications

  • Word Must Remain in Hearts: Hide God’s word deeply within to prevent sin (Psalm 119:11).
  • Daily Bible Study: Search Scriptures daily with readiness to understand and obey (Acts 17:11).
  • Spiritual Discipline: Train your mind, delight in spiritual exercises, and maintain focus on sacred things.
  • Guard Against Worldly Influences: Limit exposure to media that distracts from God’s truth.
  • Cooperate with God: Work out your salvation actively with God’s help.
  • Youth Training: Teach children early to study and love God’s Word (Proverbs 22:6).

Conclusion

The video emphasizes that practical sanctification involves having Christ remain in believers through faith, daily intake of God’s Word, spiritual discipline, and living a life pleasing to God by keeping His commandments. Victory over sin is possible because Christ has already conquered sin and evil, and His seed remaining within believers empowers them to overcome. The ultimate goal is moral perfection reflecting God’s original design for humanity, achieved by cooperation with God’s grace.


Closing Prayer

The speaker prays for God’s Spirit to bless listeners with understanding, faith, resilience, love for truth, and victory over sin through the power of Jesus Christ.


References to Scripture

  • 1 John 3:1–10
  • Hebrews 11:5–6
  • Revelation 14:12
  • Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 2:9–15
  • Luke 8:11; John 1:1–14
  • Philippians 2:12–13
  • Psalm 119
  • Acts 17:11
  • Proverbs 22:6
  • John 8:34–38