The Gospel and Sanctification

The above was the title of a session today here at the RightNow Church Leadership Conference.  It was led by a young pastor (he's 37) that I believe is one of the very BEST teachers anywhere in Christendom:  Matt Chandler.  I have been listening to his podcasts for a few years now - and it was a deep blessing to hear him speak live.

He has an incredible personal story of conversion - from being a cynical, unbelieving young man - to becoming a dedicated and humble follower of Christ - and a powerfully gifted teacher of the Word of God!  He leads a Church here in Dallas that has been growing by leaps and bounds for almost a decade now.  A crazy twist in his his life recently: He was diagnosed two years ago with a malignant brain tumor and has gone through treatment and surgery - yet that seems to have only increased his passion - and his anointing - as a Preacher of the Gospel.

I have been in many rooms where gifted speakers have shared the Good News of Christ - but I must say that God is using this young man in incredible ways.  Many can lead well - but to lead other leaders well - that is not so common.  To say that I was challenged and blessed - to the point that "my socks were blown off" - is a serious understatement!!!

From his talk today:

God has a PASSION for Holiness and Purity.  He detests decietful and wicked men.  A common Biblical misunderstanding is that God hates the sin but loves the sinner.  Chandler argued that this is partially true - but we are not to under-estimate how much God despises those that are wicked and how actively he opposes sinful men and women - especially those that are intentional in their sinful decisions.  Wouldn't that be most, if not all of us?

God seeks to discipline us - out of LOVE.  Chandler defines Discipline:  "A view of the future through actions taken today."  God will discipline us today - because he has a glorious view of our future!

ALL sin is incredibly offensive to God!!  God will "break your hand" if you fondle with sin - because he cares so deeply for you!  He knows this does not feel loving - but it truly is.

It is impossible to hide sin - and it WILL eventually be exposed and brought to light by a God who TRULY loves us - because THAT is how it can be most powerfully dealt with - to the point of real change.  And Real Change is what is required.

God provides a way for us to battle sin - by growing continually in our affections toward Christ!  As we pursue Christ and His righteousness, our sin is put to death.

I love this:  Our battle against sin is intended to be a Grace Driven Effort - not driven by guilt!

How?  Confess everything to Him.  Yes - EVERYTHING!!  Do it!!  God wants to eliminate ALL of the shadows in our lives - because He is SERIOUS about HOLINESS!!  No one "stumbles into the righteousness of God."  We are to TRAIN ourselves in this pursuit.  And diligent, complete and genuine confession is a priceless tool of sanctification.

We are invited by God to experience COMPLETE FREEDOM from sin.  Who doesn't want that??

Leaders:  Pursue the Holiness of God - by growing closer to Christ - and being fueled by His Grace.