What is God up to in our lives? In Romans 15:16 Paul reveals a priority of the Spirit's work. He reminds his readers that he has been sent by God's grace..."to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit."
Some of us limit God's purpose. We think he simply wants to get us to become a Christian. As this verse indicates he has more in mind for our lives. His purpose is expressed in the phrase beginning with "so that." The work of the Spirit is to labor in our lives so that we are made fully holy. Holiness involves at least two aspects. First, as in the accompanying phrase, the holy person is set apart as an offering to God. The sanctified person says something like this: "I give you my whole self. I will do whatever you want me to do. You can use me in anyway you wish, God." That is a person who is an offering on the altar (Romans 12:1-2).
The sanctified person also changes in behavior. As they are transformed by the Word of God, their life also changes. In behavior they become more and more like Jesus.
Yes, we are considered holy when we come to Christ, but the Spirit continues to change us so we become what we already are. Knowing that the Holy Spirit wants to make us holy should altar our view of everyday life. We want to expect and cooperate with the work of the Spirit. Watch closely today to see what God does to create holiness in you!
Some of us limit God's purpose. We think he simply wants to get us to become a Christian. As this verse indicates he has more in mind for our lives. His purpose is expressed in the phrase beginning with "so that." The work of the Spirit is to labor in our lives so that we are made fully holy. Holiness involves at least two aspects. First, as in the accompanying phrase, the holy person is set apart as an offering to God. The sanctified person says something like this: "I give you my whole self. I will do whatever you want me to do. You can use me in anyway you wish, God." That is a person who is an offering on the altar (Romans 12:1-2).
The sanctified person also changes in behavior. As they are transformed by the Word of God, their life also changes. In behavior they become more and more like Jesus.
Yes, we are considered holy when we come to Christ, but the Spirit continues to change us so we become what we already are. Knowing that the Holy Spirit wants to make us holy should altar our view of everyday life. We want to expect and cooperate with the work of the Spirit. Watch closely today to see what God does to create holiness in you!
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