The Journey to Becoming More Like Jesus - Sanctification

1. Why Sanctification Matters?

Have you ever wondered what it really means to live like Jesus? It’s not just about being nice or doing all the good things. Well, Becoming more like Jesus is about a deeper transformation — the one from the inside out. That’s exactly where sanctification comes in.

Sanctification might sound like a big, churchy word, but it’s really just a fancy way of saying, "becoming more like Christ." It’s about letting God work on us day by day so we can love, serve, and live as Jesus did. And let’s be honest: it’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

Think about this: What if you were to truly live like Jesus every day? Hold on to that thought as we dive into what sanctification is all about.

2. What Is Sanctification?

Okay, so what exactly is sanctification? In the simplest terms, sanctification is the process of becoming holy. It’s God’s way of helping us grow into the best version of ourselves — the version that reflects Jesus.

A Biblical Foundation

The Bible explains sanctification beautifully. 

In 2 Corinthians 3:18, it says:

"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

And in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, we read:

"It is God’s will that you should be sanctified."

Simply put, God wants us to be more like Jesus, and He gives us His Spirit to help us along the way.

How Is Sanctification Different from Salvation?

Here’s an easy way to remember it:

• Salvation is what happens when you accept Jesus as your Savior. It’s a one-time decision that makes you right with God.

• Sanctification is what happens after that. It’s the lifelong process of God shaping you to be more like Jesus.

Think of salvation as God planting a seed in your heart. Sanctification is the watering, nurturing, and growing of that seed so it blossoms into something beautiful.

3. The Role of Jesus in Sanctification

Jesus is the ultimate example of what it means to live a sanctified life. He showed perfect love, humility, and obedience in everything He did.

One powerful moment that captures this is when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:12–17). Imagine the Son of God kneeling down to do the work of a servant. He wasn’t just teaching them about humility; He was showing them.

Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

What does this mean for us? It means we’re called to love others selflessly, serve humbly, and obey God fully — just like Jesus did.

Here are a few traits of Jesus to focus on in your own journey:

• Patience: Jesus was patient with everyone, even when they doubted or misunderstood Him.

• Kindness: He showed kindness to people who were outcasts and sinners.

• Forgiveness: Jesus forgave those who hurt Him, even while He was on the cross.

Which of these traits can you start working on today?

4. The Three Stages of Sanctification

Sanctification isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a journey with three key stages:

1. Positional Sanctification

This happens the moment you accept Jesus as your Savior. You are set apart and made holy in God’s eyes. It’s like being adopted into God’s family — you now belong to Him.

2. Progressive Sanctification

This is the daily work of the Holy Spirit in your life. Think of it as God shaping you, little by little, into the image of Jesus. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable, like when a potter molds clay, but it’s all part of the process.

3. Ultimate Sanctification

This is the final stage when we are made perfect in Christ. It happens when we enter eternity and are completely free from sin. What a glorious day that will be!

Each stage shows how God is actively at work in your life, from beginning to end. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t feel "holy" every day. Sanctification is a lifelong journey, and God’s not finished with you yet!

5. Practical Steps on the Journey of Sanctification

Sanctification is a journey, but there are steps you can take to grow closer to Jesus each day. Here are some practical ways to live it out:

1. Daily Prayer and Scripture Reading

Spending time with God is like recharging your soul. Start your day with prayer and dive into His Word. It’s amazing how much clarity and peace this can bring. Platforms like neighbZ even offer ways to share and discuss your favorite Bible verses with your community.

2. Surround Yourself with Community

We weren’t meant to walk this journey alone. Find a community of believers who can encourage and challenge you. On neighbZ, you can join local groups, prayer circles, or even connect with nearby churches to find support and accountability.

3. Walk in Obedience

Sanctification isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about small, intentional acts of faith. Whether it’s being kind to a neighbor, forgiving someone who wronged you, or simply doing the right thing when it’s hard, these steps matter. Share your victories and struggles on neighbZ to inspire others.

4. Rely on the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is your helper and guide in this journey. Surrender your plans and trust in His work. He’s always at work in ways you can’t see. Sometimes, just a nudge in your heart to pray for someone or reach out can make all the difference.

Real-Life Inspiration

Take Lisa, for example. She started using neighbZ to find events and prayer groups in her area. Over time, she felt encouraged by the stories others shared and began to take small steps of faith, like volunteering at her church and helping her neighbors. These simple actions grew her faith and helped her reflect Christ more in her daily life.

Remember, sanctification isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. So take one step at a time, lean into God’s grace, and let Him lead you on this incredible journey.

6. Overcoming Challenges Along the Way

The journey of sanctification is rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. Here’s how you can face them with faith:

1. Struggles with Sin

Let’s be real: no one is perfect, and we all stumble. Sanctification isn’t a straight path — it’s full of ups and downs. When you fall, remember God’s promise in 1 John 1:9:

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

2. Discouragement and Comparison

It’s easy to look at others and feel like you’re falling behind. But sanctification is a personal journey. God isn’t comparing you to anyone else. Focus on your own walk with Jesus and trust His timing.

3. Perseverance

When the road feels long, hold on to the hope found in Philippians 1:6:

"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

God’s not finished with you yet. Keep moving forward, even when it’s hard. And when you need encouragement, turn to your community — whether it’s your church, small group, or neighbZ connections. You’re never alone in this journey.

7. The Beauty of Transformation

The journey of sanctification isn’t just about the challenges — it’s also about the incredible beauty of transformation. When we allow God to shape us, we begin to see glimpses of Christ’s character reflected in our own lives.

Think of it like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. The process may be slow and even messy at times, but the result is something breathtaking.

Celebrating Small Victories

Every step forward, no matter how small, is a reason to celebrate. Maybe you forgave someone you never thought you could. Maybe you showed kindness to a stranger or overcame a bad habit. These moments are evidence of God’s grace at work for you.

Giving Thanks for God’s Grace

Remember, this journey isn’t about earning God’s love — it’s about responding to it. Take time to thank Him for His patience and faithfulness. Share your testimony with others, whether it’s through a conversation, at church, or even on neighbZ. You never know how your story might inspire someone else.

Sanctification is a beautiful journey, and the transformation it brings is worth every step. Let’s walk this road together, encouraging and lifting each other up as we strive to become more like Jesus.

8. Final Thoughts!

Sanctification is a big word, but it simply means becoming more like Jesus every day. It’s a process that takes time, and it’s all about God’s grace. The great news is, we don’t have to do it alone! God’s with us every step of the way, helping us grow.

Remember, this is a lifelong journey. Sometimes it feels slow or hard, but each day, God is working with us, changing us little by little. All we need to do is keep trusting Him and let Him lead us.

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for your grace and love as we grow to be more like Jesus. Help us be patient and trust You to lead us. Keep changing us day by day, and help us reflect Your love in everything we do. Amen.

What’s one small way you can be more like Jesus today?