In this message, Pastor Paul looks at how we can be set apart for God every day.

Key Scripture (Romans 12:1-6).

Growing pains.

• The phrase stresses the idea that growth comes about painfully, through hard work and sacrifice.
• This is true for physical growth, but †he same can be said about growing as a Christian.

Sanctification.

• Don't let this big word scare you off.
• It simply means "set apart for a specific use." From a Biblical standpoint, it means being set apart for God.
• Sanctification begins when a person comes to faith in Christ, and God sets us apart as His children.

It is a process.

• Change doesn't happen instantly.
• There is no such thing as "microwave spirituality." Christian growth takes time.
• Sanctification is a life-long process for the believer.
• There are three types of sanctification.
• Positionally - at salvation.
• Practically - every day.
• Permanently - when you get to Heaven.
• Sanctification is not easy.
• The Holy Spirit renews and transforms the believers from the inside out.
• It is not "behavior management" but a transformation of a person at the core.

Spiritual disciplines.

• One way Christians can grow in Christ is to cultivate spiritual disciplines. Here are some spiritual disciplines that would be beneficial for you.
• Prayer.
• Prayer is the greatest thing that a Christian can do.
• Prayer taps into the power of God.
• Service.
• Every believer can (and should) serve the Lord.
• Serving God is something that needs to happen outside the walls of the church building.
• John 13:34, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
• John 13:35, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
• Study.
• Christians need to read the Bible each day.
• Time spent reading the Bible is not wasted time.
• Meditation.
• Don't just read the Bible, spend some time thinking about what you read.
• Joshua 1:8, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Conclusion:

• The Christian life is about changing to reflect more of Jesus through the process of sanctification.
• Allow your life to be changed to reflect Jesus.