5 Day Sermon Devotional Series - Part 8: Sanctification, Perseverance, and Assurance

July 21, 2025

Sanctification: The Journey Begins

• Romans 6:14,18

• 2 Corinthians 3:18

• 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7

Devotional Thought:

The Christian journey doesn't end at salvation—it begins there. Sanctification is the lifelong process of becoming more like Christ. While justification happens in a moment—when we are declared righteous—sanctification is the slow, steady, and sometimes messy transformation of our hearts, minds, and behavior. Like a wild horse being broken in, our flesh fights the Spirit’s leading, but God is patient and persistent.

You may fall, but don’t give up. Progress may feel slow, but any movement toward Christ is proof that He is at work in you. Look for evidence: do you hate sin more? Love righteousness more? Crave God’s Word more? That’s sanctification.

Self-Reflection Question:

Where in your life have you seen God slowly changing your desires or behavior to reflect Jesus more?

July 22, 2025

The Struggle is Real

• 1 John 1:8

• Ecclesiastes 7:20

• Galatians 5:16-25

• Romans 7:15-25

Devotional Thought:

Christians are not sinless—but we should sin less. Even after salvation, the battle between the Spirit and the flesh is ongoing. The struggle is not a sign that you’re lost—it’s a sign that you’re alive in Christ. Dead people don’t fight; living ones do.

Don’t let guilt drive you away from God—let it drive you to repentance. The Holy Spirit convicts, not to shame, but to restore. And remember: sanctification is not your job alone. It’s God working in you by His Spirit. You’re not perfect—but you are in process.

Self-Reflection Question:

What sinful pattern or old habit are you still wrestling with? How can you surrender it daily to God?

July 23, 2025

Perseverance: Pressing Through

• James 1:12

• Hebrews 12:1-3

• Philippians 3:12-14

• 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Devotional Thought:

Perseverance is not about having endless strength—it’s about continuing when you don’t. God never said this race would be easy, but He did promise He would run it with us. Trials don’t disqualify you—they refine you. In fact, the very presence of struggle and your refusal to quit are signs that you belong to Him.

Jesus promised to lose none of those the Father gave Him (John 6:39). The One who saved you is the One who keeps you. Your job is not to run perfectly—it’s to keep running.

Self-Reflection Question:

In what area of your life do you feel like giving up right now? How can you remind yourself that God hasn’t quit on you?

July 24, 2025

Assurance: Anchored in Christ

• John 10:27-29

• 1 John 4:13

• Ephesians 1:13-14

• Romans 8:38-39

Devotional Thought:

If you're trusting in Jesus—His life, death, and resurrection—you are saved. Assurance doesn’t rest in your feelings or performance; it rests on God’s promise. The Holy Spirit is your seal, your proof, your confidence. You may feel unworthy, but your salvation is not about your worth—it’s about Christ’s finished work.

When doubt creeps in, go back to what God says, not what you feel. Faith isn’t measured by the absence of questions—it’s measured by Who you run to with them.

Self-Reflection Question:

When doubt arises, what truth from God’s Word helps restore your confidence in your salvation?

July 25, 2025

Finishing Strong

• Proverbs 24:16

• 2 Timothy 4:7-8

• Hebrews 10:23-25

• Revelation 2:10

Devotional Thought:

You may trip. You may crawl. You may feel like you’re barely hanging on. But the godly don’t give up—they get up. You are not running to earn your salvation—you’re running because you’ve been saved. Keep trusting, keep believing, keep walking.

God has not brought you this far to leave you. Whether you’re a new believer, a weary saint, or a doubter—God’s grace is still enough. The race is not for the swift but for the faithful. Keep your eyes on Jesus—He’s at the finish line and running with you.

Self-Reflection Question:

What would “getting up again” look like for you today? What step of faith or obedience can you take—even if it’s small?