Motivating (influencing/leading/encouraging) others in recognizing and remembering God’s work in their sanctification. Catching people doing things right… and pointing out Why.
What It Isn't
People will always be more aware of their need for grace when they try to change inwardly. - Dave Harvey
Salvation is much more than simply deliverance from the penalty of sin. When God saves us, he makes us his own, and begins a renovation program: the process of making us more and more like our Lord Jesus—the process of making us holy.
In reality, holiness is the goal of our redemption. As Christ died in order that we may be justified, so we are justified in order that we may be sanctified and made holy. – J.I. Packer
The intentional pursuit of godliness is a priority here because the Scriptures command it. In taking sanctification seriously, we are taking God’s holiness seriously and the reality of our own sin seriously. It is not uncommon to find some Christians who downplay the role of sin in their lives—such talk seems negative or counter-productive. However, few endeavors could be more exciting than the glorious pursuit of becoming more like Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Far from making us self-centered or morbidly introspective, our pursuit of holiness intensifies our joy as we become more amazed at God’s forgiveness, more free from the sin in our lives, and more intimately acquainted with our God. Ultimately, our holiness brings God glory as His character is increasingly displayed in our lives. Such mercy and grace provides powerful motivation to cooperate with God’s sanctifying work in our lives and so to “continue the journey” of the Christian life in the context of the local church. – Exploring SGC
What It Is
Grace: God’s favor towards those who deserve no favor but only punishment. - Wayne Grudem
Romans 4.16
Many make the mistake of thinking that we are saved by grace but that we then become holy by our own efforts. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are justified by grace and we are sanctified by grace as well. Grace is necessary in both cases, and it is unmerited in both cases. The key difference is that in justification we are passive but in sanctification we actively cooperate with the Holy Spirit in receiving and responding to God’s grace. – Exploring SGC
Philippians 2.12-13
1 Corinthians 15.10
Hebrews 10.24-25
Ephesians 4.29
Philippians 1.6
1 Corinthians 1.4-9
How To Do It
2 Corinthians 3.18
Romans 8.13
Galatians 5.16 & 25
By pointing people to the Holy Spirit, we are pointing them to the source of both the power and motivation to obey. It is not good news to be told to try harder. It is good news to find that there is a Person who will change us from the inside out. – Dave Harvey
Where God is the focus, hope is the result.
Caregroup Questions
How have you benefited from folks motivating you in this manner?
How have you seen others benefit?
Explain why this is biblical and not simply a technique?
