The Process of Sanctification Changes Our Behavior – (Proverbs 14:16-18)

Daily Bible Study
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior the Holy Spirit takes up residence within our hearts. The Holy Spirit, who indwells all believers at the moment of their salvation, begins the process of "Sanctification." Sanctification is God's process of spiritual growth whereby our hearts and our character undergo a transformation. Sanctification is a life long process of spiritual growth carried out by the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds. As this happens, we lose our worldly perspective which was based on a godless man centered worldview. We start to see things through God's eyes as our worldview changes and we focus more on Christ. As the Holy Spirit changes our hearts, we become more sensitive to the things of God. And as this happens, our sin affects us more and more, because we understand how it affects God's heart and our relationship with God.

In addition, as we read and study God's word the Holy Spirit helps us to better understand, memorize and apply scripture to our lives. This is referred to as the "illumination of scripture" and it's carried out by the Holy Spirit's work in us. And as we learn God's word, we increase in wisdom and knowledge of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. And as our perspective and outlook on life and eternity changes, we give up the fruits of a man centered existence which included arrogance, foolish rage, greed, lying, malice and envy. Instead, we begin to develop the fruits of the spirit as we become more sensitive to the things of God. Our worldview, now has Christ as its center, and we start to see things as God sees them. Through this process Jesus becomes the center of our lives and we no longer focus on ourselves. By God's work in us and in our lives, we have become children of God. Adopted into the family of God through our faith in Jesus.