Doctrines of Grace on SermonAudio

Dawn Hill examines Vlad Savchuk's "octopus spirit" teaching and the Scriptures used to support it. She explains why passages about thoughts, temptation, and spiritual warfare should be read in context rather than used to establish an unnamed demon. She closes with biblical encouragement to seek counsel, resist isolation, and look to Christ and His Word. For more from Dawn, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/dawn-hill/

Ephesians 4 calls Christians to maintain the unity of the Spirit with humility, patience, and love. Dave Jenkins explains why that unity rests on the truth of the gospel, how to distinguish essential doctrines from secondary disagreements and matters of Christian liberty, and how to pursue peace without compromising Scripture. Because believers are united in Christ, they can stand firm in truth while treating one another with grace. For more from Anchored in the Word, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/anchored-in-the-wordpage/

Church history gives Christians perspective on God's work through the centuries. Dave Jenkins explains how believers can learn from faithful Christians, recognize recurring errors, and rejoice in the Lord's faithfulness to his church. The same God who sustained his people in the past remains faithful today. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Christ calls His church to make disciples through the proclamation of the gospel, baptism, and teaching His Word. Dave Jenkins explains why the local church is central to that mission and how ordinary believers bear witness to Christ in everyday life. For more from Equipping You in Grace, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

Sound doctrine is for every Christian. Dave Jenkins explains how biblical truth shapes godly living, strengthens discernment, deepens worship, and helps believers stand firm in the hope of God's promises. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

From the full study video: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/1219201959345148

The God who begins the work of salvation will bring it to completion. Dave Jenkins reflects on God's faithfulness in saving, sustaining, sanctifying, and ultimately glorifying his people. Drawing on Philippians 1:6 and Lamentations 3:22–23, he encourages believers to trust God's promises and look to him through every season of life. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/.

Your pastor does not need to be famous to faithfully shepherd your soul. Dave Jenkins explains why faithfulness to Christ matters more than platform size and how ordinary preaching, prayer, and pastoral care strengthen the local church. Learn to appreciate faithful shepherds, resist celebrity culture, and use online teaching to supplement your participation in a local congregation. For more from Equipping You in Grace, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

Believers endure because God faithfully preserves His people. Dave Jenkins explains biblical perseverance from Philippians 1:6 and Hebrews 12:1–2, showing how God's grace sustains Christians through suffering, weakness, and struggle. Learn why perseverance does not mean sinless perfection and how fixing your eyes on Christ strengthens you to continue in faith. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

The Doctrines of Grace - Total Depravity - Ephesians 2:1-3

(AI Generated Summary) This sermon traces the biblical motif of God's chosen people from the creation of humanity through the covenants with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, demonstrating that membership in God's family is determined by sovereign grace rather than ethnicity or bloodline. The exposition highlights the Exodus and the Sinai covenant to show that being God's people entails a call to holy obedience and distinct worship, a standard that Israel ultimately failed to meet. The central argument posits that Jesus Christ is the singular offspring of Abraham who fulfilled the covenant requirements, thereby establishing a new, multi-ethnic congregation through his substitutionary atonement. By citing 1 Peter 2, the message concludes that the church is the true fulfillment of these ancient promises, called to live as sojourners and exiles who reflect God's excellencies to the world through Christ's imputed righteousness.

Galatians 5:7–12 presents Paul confronting the Judaising teachers who were hindering the Galatian churches from obeying the truth of justification by faith alone. This exposition examines Paul's indictment of those who corrupt the gospel, the nature of the doctrinal leaven they spread, and the apostle's confidence in the perseverance of the saints over against false teaching. Main points: - the hindrance: who was troubling the Galatians and how - the leaven: the corrupting spread of doctrinal error - the offense of the cross: why the true gospel always provokes opposition Scripture references: - Genesis 17:10-14 - Psalm 19:7-11 - Isaiah 53:3-6 - Galatians 1:6-9; 2:11-16; 3:1-3; 5:1-12 - Philippians 3:2-9 - Colossians 2:11-14 Free Grace Baptist Church — https://www.freegrace.ca Full transcript & sermon notes: https://sermons.freegrace.ca/sermons/sermon-galatians-5-of-troublers-and-the-truth Description generated by Tyrannus.ai: https://www.tyrannus.ai

The sermon examines the Reformed theological doctrine of the certain application of redemption, arguing that Christ's death secures salvation for a specific elect people rather than merely making it possible. By analyzing John 6:37, the text highlights key doctrines such as election, effectual calling, and perseverance, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit enables the dead to respond to the gospel through regeneration. The discussion extends to the sacraments, distinguishing baptism as a passive sign and seal of the covenant from the Lord's Supper, which requires an active, credible profession of faith. The preacher warns against sacerdotal views that treat sacraments as magical, while affirming that grace is truly conferred by the Spirit to those who belong to Christ. The tone is instructional and pastoral, aiming to provide confidence in the certainty of salvation while encouraging worthy participation in church ordinances.

The sermon explores the Reformed doctrine of the certain application of Christ's redemption, emphasizing that salvation is secured for the elect through the Holy Spirit's effectual calling. By analyzing John 6:37-38, the text outlines key theological themes including election, limited atonement, and perseverance, asserting that those given by the Father will inevitably come to Christ and never be cast out. The discussion extends to the role of special revelation in salvation, distinguishing it from general revelation, and illustrates the miracle of regeneration through the metaphor of Ezekiel's valley of dry bones. Furthermore, the sermon differentiates between the passive nature of baptism as a sign and seal of the covenant and the active requirement of faith in the Lord's Supper, arguing against sacerdotal views that treat sacraments as magical instruments. This pastoral instruction encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign grace while maintaining a credible profession of faith and active participation in the church's ordinances.

The natural desire of a genuine, born-again Christian is to learn the biblically sound doctrines of our most holy faith which is accomplished through regular fellowship and giving attendance to the preaching and teaching of the written word of God, the Holy Bible, so the believer can grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. THE BIBLE Baptist Church of DeLand, Florida Pastor James W. Knox Pastor David A. Brown https://biblebaptistdeland.com For more sermons and Bible study materials, please visit our web store at https://store.jameswknox.org/ DeLand School of THE BIBLE: https://dsbkjv.com

1. Calling 2. Purpose 3. Possibility This sermon examines the biblical mandate for husbands to love their wives by modeling their conduct on Christ's relationship with the Church. The central argument posits that true marital love is defined by sacrificial giving, unconditional commitment, and tender care, rather than worldly passion or conditional attraction. By exploring the doctrine of sanctification, the message emphasizes that a husband's role is to spiritually beautify his wife through the daily application of God's Word and family devotion. The tone is convicting and instructional, urging men to measure their performance against the standard of Christ rather than other men, and to rely on divine grace to fulfill this demanding calling. The sermon concludes with the assurance that this high standard is achievable through faith and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

This sermon explores the call to persevere in God's love as the primary defense against false teachers who promote licentiousness and separate believers from apostolic doctrine. It emphasizes that this perseverance is grounded in the believer's definitive sanctification and preservation in Christ, which are acts of God's grace rather than human effort. The message outlines three practical means of staying in God's love: building oneself up on the objective faith once delivered to the saints, praying in the Holy Spirit with a life shaped by the Word, and looking forward to the mercy of Jesus Christ for eternal life. The preacher argues that these actions are inherently communal, requiring the gathered assembly to support one another through correction, encouragement, and shared worship. Ultimately, the sermon presents a pastoral invitation to find contentment and rest in God's sustaining love, which enables believers to remain faithful and grow together as a holy temple.

This sermon urges believers to pursue entire consecration through a voracious and purposeful engagement with the Bible, arguing that spiritual growth is impossible without daily immersion in God's Word. The speaker uses the historical example of King Josiah finding the lost Book of the Law to challenge the congregation to examine whether they have spiritually 'lost' the Bible through neglect or selective obedience. Drawing on key passages such as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Psalm 1, the message emphasizes that Scripture is divinely inspired, profitable for doctrine and reproof, and essential for maintaining a tender conscience and a life of obedience. The tone is convicting yet pastoral, encouraging listeners to view the Bible not as a casual reading but as a vital source of strength, correction, and joy that sustains them through trials and old age. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deliberate, daily commitment to meditate on and obey the Word, allowing it to dwell richly in the believer's life to produce fruit and reflect Christ.

Sunday PM, September 27, 2026

This sermon examines the warning in 1 Timothy 4 regarding false teachings that arise in the last days, specifically focusing on the prohibition of marriage and the mandated abstinence from foods. The message argues that such doctrines are demonic in origin because they contradict God's declaration that all creation is good and to be received with thanksgiving. By citing historical examples like the Roman Catholic priesthood and various ascetic movements, the text illustrates how legalistic requirements can function as a form of deception that denies the goodness of God's design. The central theological point is that while individual conscience and voluntary self-denial are permissible, imposing these restrictions as binding law on the church constitutes a lie that stems from the father of lies. The sermon concludes by urging believers to guard against these deceitful spirits and to affirm the holiness of God's creation through prayer and gratitude.

The sermon focuses on the deity of Jesus Christ as revealed in the vision of Revelation 1, emphasizing that the book of Revelation is fundamentally about revealing who Jesus is. The speaker contrasts the King James Version with modern translations to argue that the latter diminish the explicit role of Christ in creation and justification, thereby undermining the doctrine of His divinity. Through a detailed examination of Christ's attributes, such as eyes like flames of fire and a two-edged sword from His mouth, the message highlights that God sees the truth of the human heart and judges by His Word. The tone is instructional and convicting, urging believers to recognize that Jesus returns not merely as a servant but as a King and Judge whose gaze penetrates all deception. The central intent is to ground the audience in the reality of Christ's eternal nature and the seriousness of standing before Him.

This episode explores the central theological claim that humanity's ultimate purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, as summarized in the Westminster Shorter Catechism. It argues that human beings do not create their own meaning but receive it from the Creator, establishing that all aspects of life, from ordinary activities to profound suffering, are ordered toward God's glory. The teaching distinguishes between intrinsic glory, which God possesses in Himself, and ascribed glory, which creatures acknowledge, while correcting common errors such as the belief that God needs human affirmation or that Christian joy is merely emotional happiness. By examining Psalm 73 and the life of Christ as the faithful Second Adam, the episode demonstrates that true enjoyment of God remains constant even when earthly blessings are withdrawn. Ultimately, the episode calls believers to redirect their worship, vocation, and desires away from rival idols and toward the supreme good of God Himself.

The sermon examines the apostles' defense before the Sanhedrin, focusing on Peter's response to the accusation that they are bringing Jesus' blood upon the Jewish leadership. It identifies three key components of the apostolic message: the council's transgression in crucifying Christ, which bore the curse of the law on their behalf; Christ's triumph through His resurrection and exaltation to the right hand of God as Prince and Savior; and the church's testimony, corroborated by the Holy Spirit. The exposition highlights that the Holy Spirit's witness is always consistent with the Word of God, affirming the truth of the gospel and the indwelling presence of the Spirit in believers. The tone is instructional and doctrinal, emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ's work and the authority of Scripture over human tradition.

This Sunday we'll be looking at the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints. Can a believer lose their salvation? How does God preserve the believer? Is it true that once a person is saved, they are always saved? What is the believer's role in their salvation?

This sermon explores the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, asserting that the Bible is the final and infallible authority for Christian faith and practice. The teaching emphasizes the divine inspiration of Scripture, explaining that because the text is God-breathed, it is free from error and possesses supreme authority over human tradition, cultural opinion, and church hierarchy. Historical examples from the Reformation, including the lives of Martin Luther and William Tyndale, illustrate the necessity of submitting to the Word rather than ecclesiastical control. The message concludes by affirming the sufficiency of Scripture for all aspects of the Christian life, from worship and evangelism to personal sanctification, urging believers to rely exclusively on the Bible as the living and active standard for truth.

Paul closes the subject of Christian liberty with a summation. God, sovereign over all, grants great freedom to His people. Liberty consists of at least four categories: – Freedom from the curse and bondage of sin—washed in the blood of Christ. – Freedom from the ceremonial law, now fulfilled in Christ our High Priest and sacrifice. – Freedom from the doctrines and commandments of men that bind the conscience beyond Scripture. – Freedom to choose our course in indifferent things—not commanded or forbidden—always with love, wisdom, and self-discipline. Chapters 8–10 set the frame: liberty with knowledge and love (ch. 8); voluntary surrender of rights for the gospel (ch. 9); warning against liberty that becomes idolatry (ch. 10:1–22). These concluding verses give seven aspects of how we should use liberty: with discernment; with self-denial; with peace of mind; with regard to the conscience of others; with a view to the glory of God; without giving offense; with Paul as our example.

This sermon examines the divine oath sworn by the pre-incarnate Christ on Mount Moriah, emphasizing that God's promises are secured by His own unchangeable nature rather than human effort. The message connects the first biblical mention of love and the doctrine of providence in Genesis 22 to the typological foreshadowing of Christ's death and resurrection in Isaac's experience. It distinguishes between the earthly seed represented by sand and the spiritual seed represented by stars, identifying the latter as the church united to Christ. The preacher challenges believers to reject comfortable passivity, arguing that genuine faith is evidenced by costly obedience and that God's sovereign providence continues to work behind the scenes of human trials. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a restful trust in God's immutable character and a life marked by visible fruit of regeneration.

This sermon examines Romans 2:1-16 to expose the spiritual danger of the religious hypocrite who condemns others while harboring the same sins in their own heart. The message argues that Paul's intent is not to forbid judgment but to reveal that self-condemnation precedes God's judgment, as the moralist is guilty of the very acts they disapprove of. By contrasting the pagan who willfully rejects God with the moralist who claims righteousness through deeds, the text highlights that both are under sin and without excuse. The exposition outlines four principles of divine judgment: according to truth, according to deeds, without respect of persons, and by the gospel of Jesus Christ. The tone is instructive and convicting, urging believers to examine their own hearts before passing judgment on others, emphasizing that God sees the secrets of the heart that human eyes cannot perceive.

This sermon examines the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2, highlighting the critical danger of abandoning first love while maintaining doctrinal soundness. The message argues that although the Ephesian church was commended for its endurance and rejection of false teachers, Christ threatened to remove their lampstand because they had lost the tangible, practical love they once displayed toward one another. By contrasting Ephesus with the church at Thyatira and referencing Paul's earlier letters, the exposition clarifies that genuine Christian love must be evidenced in deeds and hospitality, not merely in intellectual agreement or zealous defense of truth. The preacher calls the audience to repent of this spiritual imbalance, urging them to recover their initial works of love and ensure that their witness to the world reflects the warmth of Christ's sacrifice rather than a cold, legalistic adherence to doctrine.

The sermon explores the transition from the doctrinal foundations of Romans 1-11 to the practical imperatives of Christian living in Romans 12. It emphasizes that the primary motivation for obedience is not self-discipline or legalism, but a deep contemplation of God's sovereign mercy and grace. Believers are called to present their entire bodies as living, holy, and acceptable sacrifices, recognizing that this total surrender is the most rational and logical response to the gospel. The message contrasts being conformed to the spirit of the age with being transformed by the renewal of the mind through Scripture. Ultimately, this transformation enables believers to discern and delight in God's will, which is described as good, acceptable, and perfect.

Eternity shapes how Christians live today. Dave Jenkins explains how Colossians 3:1–4 and 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 direct believers toward lasting priorities, endurance in suffering, and faithful obedience. Learn how the hope of glory and Christ's promised return strengthen us to live faithfully in the present. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Do Christians have two natures? How does the answer to this question affect sin in your life? Join Pastor Steve as he looks at Romans 6:12-13.

The Jews charged our Lord with the crime of Sedition. In order to put him to death, they demanded that Christ be crucified in the place of Barabbas, who was guilty of sedition and murder. Christ the innocent died in the place of Barabbas the guilty who went free. In this we are given an example of the biblical doctrine of Substitution.

This sermon examines the apostle Paul's warning in Romans 16 to guard against false teachers who cause division and create obstacles to the faith. It distinguishes between sound doctrine and three categories of error: legalism, which adds human requirements to God's law; licentiousness, which disregards moral boundaries; and doctrinal error, often rooted in secret knowledge or Gnosticism. The message emphasizes the necessity of discernment, urging believers to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves while avoiding those who serve their own appetites rather than Christ. The sermon concludes with the assurance that the God of peace will crush Satan under the feet of believers, grounding this victory in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, which fulfills the Old Testament promises of blessing and steadfast love.

The sermon emphasizes the necessity of rigorous spiritual discipline to cultivate a life of faith, arguing that believers must 'train hard' during times of ease to maintain stability during suffering. By utilizing a structured framework of biblical history, the speaker encourages the memorization of key events and doctrines to enable immediate recall and connection with God's promises in moments of crisis. This approach is presented as a counter to the world's reliance on sight and a refutation of the idea that sanctification is automatic, citing Philippians 2:12-13 to highlight the partnership between human effort and divine grace. The central message is that the Christian life is primarily a mental discipline where the renewing of the mind leads to rest and effective witness, urging the audience to invest in their spiritual formation now to avoid failure later.

(AI Generated Summary) This sermon examines the seventh plague of hail in Egypt to reveal the incomprehensibility and sovereignty of God, emphasizing that there is none like Him in all the earth. The central argument connects God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart to the theological doctrine of divine election, using the potter and clay analogy from Romans 9 to demonstrate that salvation is entirely of God's grace rather than human will. The text contrasts the superficial fear of punishment exhibited by Pharaoh with the genuine fear of the Lord, which is defined by consistent obedience and action rather than mere verbal confession. By highlighting the futility of idolatry and the pride-killer of recognizing one's status as molded clay, the message calls believers to trust in God's sovereign character and to serve Him consistently, not only in times of distress but in all aspects of life.

Beloved in the Lord Jesus: All men from the fall of Adam have been inherently sinful and under God's just condemnation, but God elected some of those under condemnation to save them through his Son, through the preaching of the Gospel. God did this out of pure grace, giving man faith to receive that grace. (That grace is Jesus obeying and suffering for man and satisfying God's anger against man.) You also saw God did not only elect you because of his love (Deuteronomy 7), but also for his pleasure. (Article 10) Now Article 11 teaches election to salvation is unchangeable! Why is this important? If election were unchangeable, it means your salvation is eternal! So this is a doctrine of comfort, not one of fear. Hear this doctrine today. Our headings are: 1. God cannot Change 2. So Your Election Cannot be Changed Our goals are: That you will receive comfort from your election, that you will praise God daily with your mouth for your election, and that you will have renewed zeal to spread the Gospel so the elect can be brought in.

This sermon critiques the five points of Calvinism, arguing that the doctrine of total depravity and irresistible grace stems from Augustinian determinism rather than biblical teaching. The speaker contends that this theological framework undermines the reality of human choice and the efficacy of the gospel, suggesting that history becomes a mere script rather than a genuine narrative of response. By examining key passages such as the Parable of the Wedding Feast in Matthew 22, the text demonstrates that the call to salvation is open and can be resisted, refuting the idea of an irresistible inward call. The presentation advocates for a view of limited depravity and available atonement, emphasizing that faith is the instrument of receiving salvation rather than a work or a pre-requisite gift of regeneration. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a return to a biblical understanding of grace that affirms both the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of the individual to believe.

Christian hope rests on the unchanging promises of God. Dave Jenkins explains how Christ's resurrection and promised return give believers confidence for eternity and strength for today. Learn how biblical hope comforts us in suffering, strengthens endurance, and encourages faithful living as we await the fulfillment of God's promises. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Online popularity does not prove biblical faithfulness. In this Weekly Watch episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins explains how to evaluate online teachers, test spiritual claims by Scripture, and resist the pull of personality and controversy. Learn why biblical discernment requires knowing God's Word, following Christ, and growing under the care of a faithful local church. For more from Contending for the Word, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. In this exposition of Romans 1:16, Dave Jenkins explains why Paul was unashamed to proclaim Christ and why Christians today can share that same confidence. Discover why sinners need salvation, why faith rests in Christ's finished work, and why Jews and Gentiles are saved through the same gospel. This message calls believers to resist compromise, trust God's saving power, and proclaim Jesus Christ with humility and conviction. For more from our Romans series, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/category/sermons/romans-the-gospel-that-changes-everything/

Death does not have the final word. Jesus Christ does. Dave Jenkins explains what Scripture teaches about death, judgment, and the believer's hope. Learn why believers who die are immediately with Christ, why the gospel is urgent, and how the promised resurrection gives Christians confidence as they face eternity. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

We have seen the effects of political correctness run amok in our nation. Even though there is a strong pulling back on the reins at this time, all it takes is for a new administration to open the floodgates wide open. Despite the pulling back on the reins we still see school systems that are indoctrinating children in the doctrines of LGBT. Young children are being influenced through graphic books under the guise of education. In North Carolina a school district has hired a so-called "transgender" male to teach a mandatory class at an elementary school. In Massachusetts a couple is fighting for custody of their daughter from the state, a system that groomed their daughter into believing she is a boy. They are in the heat of the battle as we speak. Many institutions are forcing politically correct pronouns even though they defy biological truth. On this edition of Crosstalk you'll be introduced to a man who was found guilty of "hate" against homosexual men by a Canadian court over flyers he distributed during a Toronto Canada Pride event a decade ago. That man is William Whatcott, a pro-family activist who is now a Canadian refugee in the United States. He's a client of the Pacific Justice Institute who is motivated by his Christian faith to evangelize those who face eternal peril if they refuse to repent. More Information: billwhatcott.wordpress.com

~~~~~~~ No 31 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 2 Peter 2:20-22** For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. *1/ The danger of backsliding. 2/ Ways and steps to backsliding to old sins. 3/ Hope for a backslider.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon addresses the spiritual danger of backsliding, defined as a return to former sinful ways or doctrinal errors after initial conversion. It distinguishes between the irreversible fall of false professors and the recoverable condition of true believers who may drift from their first love. The message identifies specific indicators of spiritual decline, such as neglecting private devotion, isolation from the church, pride, and susceptibility to novel teachings. It concludes with a pastoral assurance of hope, emphasizing that God is merciful and willing to restore those who genuinely repent and return to Him, citing examples like Peter and Solomon to demonstrate the power of divine grace in healing backslidings.

Thursday Bible study, our weekly dive into biblical excellence. We hope you enjoy this study! For any questions concerning doctrine, please email: superiorword@gmail.com or use our SermonAudio's AI question-and-answer feature: https://thesuperiorword.asksermons.com/

When God saves a sinner, He immediately forgives, justifies, and reconciles that person to Himself. Yet the Christian life also includes the lifelong work of sanctification. God steadily grows His people in holiness and conforms them to the image of His Son. In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains the difference between justification and sanctification, the believer's active pursuit of holiness, and the Spirit-empowered growth that marks the Christian life. Sanctification is not self-improvement or sinless perfection. It is God's faithful work of making His people increasingly like Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/