The Father’s Will in Our Sanctification”

God the Father: Knowing the First Person of the Trinity

God Wants You to Grow

1 Thessalonians 4:3 says it plainly:

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification…”

Sanctification is not an extra feature for elite believers—it is the Father’s desire for every child. He who justifies also sanctifies. He saves us from sin and reshapes us in holiness.

Sanctification Is the Father’s Work

We often focus on what we must do to grow—but Scripture emphasizes what God does:

John 17:17:

“Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”

Jesus prayed to the Father on our behalf. Sanctification is initiated and sustained by the Father through the Word, by the Spirit, in Christ.

Philippians 1:6:

“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion…”

The Goal: Christlikeness

Romans 8:29:

“For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…”

The Father’s will is not merely behavior modification—it’s heart transformation. He is shaping us to reflect His Son, who perfectly obeyed and pleased the Father.

Sanctification is how the Father displays His Son’s image in His adopted children.

The Tools of Sanctification

The Father uses various means to sanctify us:

1. His Word

“Sanctify them in the truth…” (John 17:17)Scripture renews our minds, convicts our hearts, and teaches us to walk in holiness.

2. His Spirit

“Walk by the Spirit…” (Gal. 5:16)The Spirit empowers our obedience and produces fruit (Gal. 5:22–23).

3. His Discipline

“He disciplines us… that we may share His holiness.” (Heb. 12:10)Trials, corrections, and even hardship are used to refine us.

4. His People

“Exhort one another every day…” (Heb. 3:13)Community, accountability, and encouragement are sanctifying gifts.

Sanctification Is a Lifelong Process

2 Corinthians 3:18:

“We are being transformed… from one degree of glory to another…”

The Father is patient. Sanctification is gradual, not instant. But it is also certain, because the One who called you is faithful (1 Thess. 5:23–24).

The Relationship Between Justification and Sanctification

You are not sanctified to be justified—you are sanctified because you are justified.

The Father accepts us fully in Christ—and then transforms us. Holiness is not the basis of our relationship with God, but the fruit of it.

Our Role in the Process

Philippians 2:12–13:

“Work out your own salvation… for it is God who works in you…”

We are not passive. We engage in spiritual disciplines, resist sin, pursue obedience—but all in response to the Father’s prior work.

He commands what He enables. He initiates what we complete. He works, and we walk.

Why the Father’s Will for Sanctification Matters

1. It Gives Clarity in Confusion

When facing decisions or distractions, we can ask: “Will this make me more like Christ?”

2. It Guards Against Legalism

We pursue holiness not to earn the Father’s love—but because we have it.

3. It Inspires Perseverance

Even in failure, we know the Father is not done. He is still sanctifying us.

The Fruit of Sanctification: Joy and Glory

Hebrews 12:11:

“Later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness…”

The result of sanctification is not only holiness—it’s joy. Joy in pleasing the Father. Joy in freedom from sin. Joy in becoming who we were redeemed to be.

And one day, the process will be complete:

“When He appears we shall be like Him…” (1 John 3:2)

Conclusion: The Father’s Loving Purpose

Sanctification is not a burden. It’s a blessing. It’s not God demanding more—it’s the Father giving more of Himself.

He is not merely interested in your comfort. He is committed to your holiness. Because through sanctification, you share in the character of His Son.

So surrender. Trust. Obey.

And rejoice that the Father’s will is shaping you into something beautiful.

“This is the will of God, your sanctification…” (1 Thess. 4:3)