Additional Documents:
Luther discovers Justification by Faith
Martin Luther Definition of Faith

Mesa Apostolic Lutheran Church Bible Study Discussion SESSION 5:

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ

Jesus Christ gave himself for us so that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:14).

Sanctification and the Holy Ghost

Sanctification is “a separation or setting apart.”

• Separated from the world and consecrated unto God
• Saint comes from the same root word and means “a sanctified one”—one who belongs to Christ!
• Romans 8:14: For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
• See Joshua 1:9: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest. Also, note verses 6 and 18. What is it about verse 5 that supports the admonition contained within these verses?
• Hebrews 10:22: Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

A generic meaning of “sanctification” is the state of proper functioning. One writer has stated that to sanctify someone or something is to set that person apart for the use intended by its designer.

• Do you find any support for this meaning of the term in Joshua 3:5 or I Samuel 16:5 & 13?
• Read the following New Testament verses for NT insight into how those who are “set apart” live according to God’s design and purpose (walking in the light of the Word and in the guidance of the Holy Spirit).
• I John 4:7-21: Beloved, let us love on another . . .
• Hebrews 12:14-17: Follow peace with all . . .
• Titus 2:11-3:7: For the grace of God . . .

Self-denial in the form of austere self-discipline, such as withholding pleasure or causing pain as a means of spiritual growth, is not Biblical sanctification. Biblical self-denial is placing the interests of God before the interests of self.

• Matthew 6:16: Moreover, when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
• I Timothy 4:1-8: . . . For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
• Give examples of bodily exercise of little merit.
• How should “godliness” be defined?
• I John 2:16: For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
• Think of this verse in conjunction with verses 15 and 16.
• How are these to be applied to our daily walk?

From Luther’s Catechism: Article 3 of the Apostles Creed

What is the office of the Holy Spirit?

• “To call, enlighten, sanctify, and preserve. He awakens in our hearts a knowledge of sin, invites us to accept God’s grace in Christ, keeps us in the true faith unto righteousness, forgives us our sins daily, and on the last day shall raise up all the believers unto everlasting life.”
• See 2 Timothy 1:9, Romans 10:17, I Corinthians 6:11, Romans 8:11.

What is true faith?

• “True faith, by which salvation is obtained, is not mere knowledge of God and His holy Word, nor even a regard for its truth, and acceptance of it as a fact; but is a firm trust and a sincere faith in God of the forgiveness of sins and the assurance of life everlasting through the merits of Jesus Christ.”
• See Romans 8:38, 39 and Hebrews 11:1.

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ, pages 11 and 12

Be prepared to share relevant examples of:

• The Holy Ghost as teacher and guide into truth;
• The Holy Spirit teaching a converted person in the same manner as Jesus did;
• A Christian walking after the spirit and not after the flesh. (Be careful. The obvious answer may or may not be the appropriate one.)

List the 7 voices that will lead one to destruction. For three of the seven, give a concrete example.

By walking in the spirit, God’s children (a) shall walk safety through perils, (b) be joined in unity, and (c) become members of the body of Christ. Be prepared to discuss the possibilities/benefits/blessings of each of these.