This study was first taught on February 26, 2013

Topic: The Kingdom of God (14): Sanctification and The Kingdom of God

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Background
Last week, we studied the Parable of the Sower, which our Lord Jesus Christ told to illustrate the Kingdom of God (Mark 4:1-20). In this parable, Jesus spoke about a sower who went out to sow his seeds. Some seeds fell by the wayside (pavement), and the birds of the air came and devoured it; others fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth, and so sprang up immediately because the soil was shallow; but when the sun came up, it was scorched, and because it had no root, it withered away. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, so that it did not bear fruit. But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred. And when He was alone, His disciples asked Him for the meaning of this parable, and He explained thus: the seed that is sown is the word. The seed sown by the wayside are people who hear the message of the kingdom, but because they lack understanding of what is being said, Satan comes immediately and takes away (snatches) the word that was sown in their hearts. The stony ground represents those who hear the word, receive it with gladness, but have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises as a result of the word, immediately they stumble. The seed sown among thorns are those who hear the word of God, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. But the seed that fell on good soil are those who hear the word of God, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred. Having been given the meaning of this great parable, (which Jesus says is pivotal to our understanding of all parables (Mark 4:13)), we therefore sought to understand the implication of this parable to the individual believer, the local assembly of believers, and the Church of God universal, who together are in pursuit of the establishment and advancement of the kingdom of God. We said that the Christian needs to examine him or herself regularly to see if he or she is bearing fruit. He or she must ask what kind of soil/heart he or she is, and his or her attitude or response to the word of God that he or she hears. Secondly, in preaching the word in our local assemblies, we should take cognizance of the different soils that are present to receive the word. And so, our ‘sowing’ of the word, if it is to bear much fruit, should be done with fervency of prayer and counseling inorder to uproot the hindrance to receiving and accepting the word; and, the growth, multiplication, and fruit-bearing potential of the believer/local assembly. Also, with respect to the preaching of the gospel universally, we noted that this parable unveils the truth that not all who hear the gospel will understand, receive it, and through much patience and persecution, bear fruit: 30-, 60-, and 100-fold. Thirdly, believers should realize that spiritual ignorance/immaturity, unwillingness to suffer for Christ and the gospel, and, distractions in this present world (the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, the desire for other things (outside of the will of God), are deadly enemies to our ability and capacity to bear fruit unto God. We should avoid the lure of these things (Hebrews 12:4). Finally, we concluded that every Christian that whole-heartedly, with humility, receives the word of God and obeys it, will grow in his understanding and knowledge of God, which will cause him to bear much fruit! Therefore, a Christian who is not fruitful can have no place in the kingdom of God!

Scripture Text(s)
Psalm 15:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Tonight, we want to look at the subject of Sanctification as it relates to the Kingdom of God. May the Holy Spirit teach us and give us understanding of the importance of this subject in Jesus Name, Amen.

Revelation 21:22-27; 16:15; 14:1-5; 19:5-9; Matthew 5:8; Psalm 51:6a; 1 Peter 1:13-16; Hebrews 10:22; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Hebrews 5:26; John 15:3; 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Ephesians 5:27; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 John 3:2-3; Psalm 119:11; Proverbs 4:23-27 (Mark7:20-23); Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 19:9.

Conclusion
From looking at several scriptures tonight, we can conclude that sanctification of the Christian is of utmost importance, and will not be overlooked by God, if he or she is to gain entrance into the kingdom of heaven. Sanctification which is a process of being set apart (made holy) for God and for holy service unto Him, is a second work of grace after salvation. At salvation, we are sanctified instantaneously; but to continue to be sanctified throughout our life span, God gives the believer the Holy Spirit to help him. And when we obey and yield to the leading of the Spirit of God, He helps us to remain sanctified. Therefore, sanctification can also be known as holiness, righteousness, purity, and obedience to God and His word. The bible says, nothing that is profane, defiled, or fleshly, will be admitted into the kingdom of God; rather, the kingdom of God is prepared only for those who have purified and made themselves ready for Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. These are those who will be clothed in fine linen, clean and bright, and decorated with righteous acts; and, who will be called to the marriage supper of the Lamb! Therefore, knowing that sanctification is the will of God for all believers; as we pursue after the kingdom of God in our daily lives, let us also shun every evil work of darkness which we have since repented of. Let us bear fruit unto righteousness and practice truth in our inward parts, so that we will not run the race in vain.

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