I am Vile

Scripture

For this is the will of God, your sanctification.

1 Thessalonians 4:3, NKJV

Quote

“Sanctification is the inward spiritual work of the Holy Ghost, by which a believer is separated from sin and conformed to the image of Christ.”

~J.C. Ryle

We Baptist believe that salvation in Christ involves all three tenses: Past, present and future. We have been born again {regeneration}. This is an event or experience that happens the moment we believed in Christ. At present, we are being sanctified. God is molding us and shaping into the image of Christ. This should be going on now. Then there is glorification which comes ultimately when we are perfected and free from sin and its evil influence. We are saved first from the PENALTY of sin, then the POWER of sin and unltimately the PRESENCE of sin. Paul mentions two of the three in one verse, Those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified {Romans 8:30}. Some, like the holiness believe that we are instantly sanctified and that we can be free of sin now, but Baptist do not believe this way.

A huge part of sanctification is God’s revelation of who and what we are: in other words, the first step is for Him to show us what is on the inside, to reveal me to me or you to you. I was regenerated at nine and even after graduating Seminary, I thought I was OK. I didn’t think I was perfect, but neither did I think I deserved hell. So the LORD put me in a crucible so He could show me what I really was, or maybe I should say, begin to show me what I am. I am with a little a. Jesus was I AM. I am I am, that is who I am. Every believer that is deep into the process of sanctification can say with Job, “I am vile.” That word can be translated insignificant, nothing, unworthy, weightless or of no account. Can you honestly from your heart agree with Job? Paul said, “O wretched man that I am.” The Greek word translated ‘wretched’ means miserable, unhappy, afflicted or extremely needy. Can you honestly say with Paul, “O wretched man that I am?” Solomon said, “Who can say, I am pure and free from sin?” {Scriptures references: Job 14:4, 40:4, Romans 7:24, Proverbs 20:9}

I believe: actually, I am fully convinced that all true believers are to be sanctified. They should understand what Paul is saying to the Philippians… I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. For God is working in me, giving me the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. The process of sanctification is humiliating because God uses our sin and failure to teach us humility, kindness, compassion and transparency. I am sorry folks, but in some people, and some preachers, I see no humility, very little compassion and absolutely no confession of sin or spirit of repentance. Obviously, the reason our altars are not flooded with people on their knees repenting is that no one will confess that they are wretched, vile and miserable sinners with no hope of making themselves pure. As a matter of fact, some pretend to be pure. I don’t think we will ever have revival as long as we play this deceitful game of who is better than who.

Extra

Hopefully another beautiful day today. My prayer for you is that you are not involved in moving, remodeling or building a house. Get ready for a headache if you are and be thankful it you are not. Under normal circumstances, I would be breaking a garden on a day like today but my goal today is to get my office building moved. We are dry enough here but it is still sticky at the new location. Pray that we will get her done. I want this off my mind.

The COLS is for Janie {Ginger} Stephenson Nolen went well. I almost pulled a Speed trick, I started the final prayer and a couple of words in, it hit me, Joe David is supposed to be praying. I simply stopped and handed it over to him. It was a Senior moment and I think everyone understood. Other than that, the service went well.

Looking forward to the Soup and Sandwich supper tomorrow night. I am making pimento and cheese and chicken salad sandwiches. June made the pimento and cheese and Hannah made the chicken salad and both are good. I had two chicken salad sanwiches for my late supper last night. Did not get home to 8:15, which is late for me. We did get our walk-in shower installed and hot water heater. Really looking forward to tomorrow night at 6:00. Invite a friend or prospect.

I hope you have a great day and thanks for reading the blog.