Day 13: Sanctified to Be Made in the Likeness of God
Ephesians 4:23–24
In John 17, Jesus offers a stunningly personal prayer as He prepares for the Cross. His thoughts are focused on us—His disciples—both then and now. In verse 19, He declares, “For their sakes I sanctify myself.” Why? “So that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.”
Jesus dedicated Himself fully to the Father’s will, setting the stage for us to be set apart for God’s purposes. Through His sacrifice, we gain our identity as beloved children of God, empowered to fulfill His divine plans (see Hebrews 10:10). Christ is our Sanctifier, once and for all.
Christ our Sanctifier speaks to our unique call. Sanctification extends beyond moral purity; it’s about being dedicated to God’s holy purposes. Your life is not random—God knew you before you were born (see Jeremiah 1:5), giving your existence profound meaning.
Yet living as someone “set apart” in a world filled with compromise is challenging. The battle between flesh and spirit is real. At times, we may feel weak, unworthy, or unsure about God’s calling on our lives. In those moments, remember 1 Peter 2:9, “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people for God’s own possession . . . called out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
You are God’s possession, and He sanctifies you by His Spirit—not through your strength, but His. Sanctification is not about striving; it’s about surrendering to Him. Jesus has made the way. Now, we walk in it, trusting the Spirit to empower us to live uniquely, love deeply, and shine brightly.
Reflection Prayer
Take time today to honestly answer these questions before God: Do you believe God has a purpose for your life? Do you feel empowered to fulfill His calling? How do you manage the conflict between flesh and spirit?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus. I am grateful for being set apart. Help me to walk in that truth today—not out of obligation, but out of purpose. Sanctify my thoughts, desires, habits, and heart. May my life reflect the glory of the One who has called me out of darkness into Your marvelous light. Amen.
Week 2: Christ Our Sanctifier
John 17:19
As we focus on the life of Christ, this week’s theme is Christ Our Sanctifier. We believe that our purpose was determined even before our formation in the womb. This is conveyed in Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart.” Additionally, 1 Peter 2:9 states that we have been brought out of darkness into light to proclaim His excellencies and become His chosen people, a royal priesthood, and His possession. As adherents of Christ’s teachings, it is crucial for us to recognize that God has a specific purpose for our lives. In fulfilling this purpose, He sanctifies us through the work of the Holy Spirit within us. We are set apart for holy living in this fallen world and are equipped to carry out His work.
Reflection Questions
Do you believe God has a purpose for your life?
Do you feel empowered to fulfill His calling?
How do you manage the conflict between flesh and spirit?