VII. Sanctification (Continued...)

What Does Sanctification Or Holiness Involve?

1. God's ownership, Lordship, the surrender of our will to His.
2. Our body, spirit, and soul (mind, will and emotions).
3. Our conduct and conversations.
4. Our outward appearance and dress - whether we dress modestly, godly, and appropriately as to whether we are man or woman (Deuteronomy 22:5), and not in an indecent or lascivious manner (Galatians 5:19).
5. The length of one's hair ( I Corinthians 11) and one's ornamentation (1 Peter 3:1-5; 1 Timothy 2:9; Exodus 33:4,5), showing humility before God (Isaiah 3:36). It seems that such ornamentation is an outward indication of hautiness, pride, and wantonness (immorality). While we do not say that all who so decorate themselves are such in their heart or activities, God's redeemed people should not desire to appear in that fashion (1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 1:14-16). It is like a soldier wearing the enemy's uniform so that he will not be shot at or a traitor giving allegiance to the enemy's flag. It is as though one is not pleased with himself as the Lord has made him and so "the attire of an harlot" (Proverbs 7:10) is adopted. Such painting and ornamentation in the Scriptures are related to immoral and bad women. (See Ezekiel 23:40-43 and II Kings 9:30.) In some countries it is still the mark of immoral women. Often such ornamentation on men is a sign of homosexuality, sodomy, an abomination to God and godly people.
6. The use of our time, possessions and energies.
7. The company we keep and close friendships we make and enjoy.
8. Our attitudes and relationships with people.
9. The thoughts we think and the pleasures we enjoy (Romans 1:32).
10. Motives, aims, purposes, goals, ambitions.

Hindrances To Sanctification, Holiness.

1. Rebellion, stubbornness, hard-heartedness (1 Samuel 15:23).
2. Indecision, lack of acts or steps of committment.
3. Wrong company, pleasures, hobbies, pastimes, places.
4. Not yielding to or walking in the Spirit.
5. Lack of prayer, Bible reading, meditation.
6. Absence from worship services and Christian fellowship.
7. Lack of constant and daily communion with God.
8. Withholding self from service to God's work and soul-winning.
9. Not making a clear stand and testimony at home, at work, and among acquaintances.
10. Fear of others--their opinions, attitudes, or actions.
11. Lack of faith.
12. Lack of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit.
13. Lack of clear hope and expectation of the soon return of Christ (1 John 3:3).
14. Lack of solid convictions and goals.

God's Word doesn't name everything specifically, that is wrong, like smoking tobacco, but He lays down principles. For examples, see Deuteronomy 22:5; 1 Corinthians 6: 9-10; Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 3:17.

Some Examples Of Sanctification Being Tested:

1. Daniel - food, prayer
2. Joseph - Potiphar's wife
3. Samson - Nazarite vow and immorality
4. Eli and his sons - they made themselves vile and Eli restrained them not.