The Word Cleanses Your Walk
The sermon emphasizes the vital role of God's Word in the continuous process of sanctification and cleansing for believers.
Theodore Epp emphasizes the transformative power of God's Word in the believer's life, highlighting that sanctification is achieved through the truth of Scripture, the blood of Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit. He explains that just as Christ is not of the world, believers are also called to be set apart, and this process of sanctification is ongoing and requires a deep engagement with the Word of God. Epp warns that many Christians may not experience the full cleansing and purification due to a lack of commitment to studying Scripture, which is essential for spiritual growth and separation from sin.
Text
John 17:13-19
The Bible speaks of our being sanctified by the Word of God as well as by the blood of Christ and by the Holy Spirit.
Just as Christ is not of the world, so the believer is not of the world. God uses His Word, under the power and work of the Holy Spirit, to bring about the changes He wants in our conduct. Concerning this our Saviour prayed in John 17:16-19, "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth."
This sanctification by the Word of God is a continuous process; it goes on from day to day. Obviously, in order to be set apart by the Word of God, we must learn to know the Word of God. Some people are not separated from the old life of sin as they should be, even though they have made a profession of faith in Christ. The reason is not necessarily that they are not born again but that the Word of God does not have the place in their lives it should. The Holy Spirit indwells them, but because they have not studied the Word of God and allowed the Spirit to apply it to their lives, they have not experienced the purification and cleansing that follows.
"Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you" (John 15:3).
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Sanctification
- The Role of the Word in Cleansing
- Christ's Prayer for Believers
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II
- Understanding Our Identity in Christ
- The Process of Continuous Sanctification
- The Importance of Knowing the Word
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III
- Consequences of Neglecting the Word
- The Holy Spirit's Role in Applying the Word
- Experiencing Purification and Cleansing
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IV
- Practical Steps to Engage with the Word
- Living Out Our Sanctification
- Conclusion and Encouragement
Key Quotes
“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” — Theodore Epp
“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- Commit to daily reading and studying the Word of God to deepen your understanding.
- Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your application of Scripture in your daily life.
- Reflect on your identity in Christ and how it influences your conduct in the world.