The sermon by Eric Bechler discusses sanctification as per the Second London Baptist Confession, emphasizing that sanctification is the work of God's free grace. It occurs both definitively, changing our nature, and progressively, as a lifelong process driven by the Holy Spirit. The sermon highlights the internal conflict between the flesh and the spirit, drawing on biblical examples to illustrate this struggle. Despite setbacks, final victory over sin is assured through God's grace. The concept of evangelical obedience is explored, highlighting obedience that stems from faith rather than seeking salvation through works. Believers are encouraged to grow in grace, pursue holiness, and support each other within the community of faith. The sermon underscores the importance of the Holy Spirit's role, the necessity of scripture, and the communal aspect of sanctification.

A reading today of the Second London Baptist Confession again comes from Chapter 13 of sanctification. Today is paragraph 3. In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail, Yet through this continual supply of strength from the sanctifying spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome, and so the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, pressing after a heavenly life in evangelical obedience to all the commands which Christ has had in King in this world hath prescribed them. This will be our final week that we will look at sanctification. We begin today with this answer to question 35 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

What is sanctification? Answer, sanctification is the work of God's free grace, whereby we are renewed in a whole man after the image of God and are enabled more and more to die into sin and live unto righteousness. Recall the world the word sanctification means to set apart, to consecrate, to make holy. When we think of holiness, we have to look not at how it relates to itself or to others, but how it relates only to God. God is true holiness.

He is the standard. Louis Berkoff states, the idea of holiness is never that of moral goodness considered in itself, but always that of ethical goodness seen in relation to God. God declares himself to be the standard of holiness when he says that since he is holy, we also should be holy. This takes us back to sanctification being the work of God's free grace. Remember that sanctification happens both at a single point in time, definitive, and as an ongoing work, progressive.

Definitive sanctification changes our nature. It breaks the reign of sin but does not free us from sinning. When the Holy Spirit regenerates us, gives us a new heart, our will is transformed and we now are inclined towards godly things. We now want to draw closer to God. We now want to obey His commands.

As a consequence of this change, this new direction, we find ourselves now in a constant conflict, in a lifelong struggle that is not complete until we die. Our paragraph points this out in the opening, in which war. This war is the battle between the flesh and the spirit, between grace and sin. Paul tells us in Romans 7 22 and 23, for I delight in the law of God after the inward man, but I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Sometimes we lose a battle, sometimes the remaining corruption that is within us may much prevail, meaning we might lose many battles.

Paul tells us of his own struggles in his letters to the Romans in chapter 7 verse 19, for the good I would I do not but the evil I would not that I do and from Galatians 5 17 for the flesh lust against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh and these are contrary the one to the other so that you cannot do the things you would we have other examples from scripture Think of Noah after the flood getting drunk. What about Moses and frustration striking at the rock? David in Bathsheba, you have lust, adultery, murder, even a cover-up. And what about Peter denying Christ three times after boasting? Remaining corruption prevailed in these examples.

Yet here we find repentance that followed. We should be comforted by the thought that no matter the struggles, no matter the lost battles, final victory is certain. The regenerate part overcomes. Scripture tells us whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world, 1st John 5 4, and that sin shall not have dominion over you for you are not under the law but under grace. Romans 6 14.

Dr. Sproul comments, although there are low moments when it seems the old man has the upper hand and is prevailing, the constant supply of the weapons that we need for triumph are given to us by the Holy Spirit. Because of this supply and because the Holy Spirit's actions within us, it is most certain that the regenerate nature will ultimately overcome. We speak then of the process of growing in grace. This growth towards spiritual maturity is driven by the sanctifying spirit of Christ so that the saints grow in grace perfecting holiness and the fear of God.

Peter states, but grow in grace in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever more. Amen. Second Peter 318. This growing in grace is our progressive sanctification.

Our paragraph highlights three characteristics of growing in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, pursuing a heavenly life, and evangelical obedience to all of God's commands. Paul tells us to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, 2 Corinthians 7.1. Chad Van Dixern reminds us that Christian brothers and sisters need to encourage one another to walk in the fear of God. And as we do so, let us be earnest in our dependence on the Word and the Spirit. For it is through humble dependence on God's power that the strongholds of sin are brought down and holiness is brought to completion.

We must mortify the flesh. We must immerse ourselves in scripture and meditate on his word. And we must set our minds on things above. Furthermore, our growth and grace must include obeying God's commands. But what does it mean here in our paragraph where we hear evangelical obedience?

Jeffrey Smith from Reformed Baptist Seminary comments, what is evangelical obedience? This common language found in the Puritans, but it's a concept rarely heard of today. What does it mean? The term evangelical obedience includes several important ideas. It is obedience growing out of faith in the gospel, as opposed to a legal obedience that is seeking to obtain salvation as a reward of our efforts.

It is obedience that arises from a regenerate heart and is therefore marked by a sincere desire to honor and glorify God and our Savior Jesus Christ. And finally, it is an obedience that, though it is not perfect, it is also not satisfied with anything less than obedience to all that Christ has commanded. We're all in different places in our faith walk. As believers, we're all being sanctified to one degree or another. We all have different backgrounds, had different experiences, live in different circumstances, had different victories as well as different struggles and setbacks.

Yet we are all part of one body of Christ. We are all brothers and sisters in God's family. And Jesus tells us to love one another as he first loved us. Sometimes these differences can make it challenging, but as we spend time together, we share meals together, we practice hospitality, we learn more about each other, We learn more about those victories and those setbacks. We learn some specifics on how we can pray for each other.

And maybe, just maybe we can have more patience and compassion and love towards one another. I want to encourage you to grow in grace. Your pursuit of holiness does not depend on your own strength alone. God has already begun a good work in you and is faithful to complete it. It is a lifelong effort.

Our sanctification, yes, you'll grow weary. And yes, sometimes progress will seem slow. And yes, sometimes you will stumble and fall and sin. But remember, you are not alone. God's grace will meet you right where you are.

It's easy to forget, but His Holy Spirit dwells within us and is always with us. And we are so blessed to have a loving, caring God, a God who we can call Abba Father, and a God whose mercies and compassion are new each morning. Amen. You you