2 Timothy 2:21 NKJV
[21] Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
Growing up, we had special utensils that were stored in a special cabinet, and these utensils were for special use. They would only be brought out when we had special guests and even after they had been used, the person tasked with washing them had to be very, cautious to wash them with great care.
To be sanctified is to be set apart for special use by the master. The bible tells us that though we are in this world, we are not of this world. When we get born again, we are translated immediately from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear son. We are made new, we are born again, but we still live in this world, and we still have to deal with present day sin.
Sanctification, though instant at salvation, is also progressive, and we become more and more like Christ. Though our spirit man is made alive at the point of salvation, we still have our mind, our will, and our emotions which need to align to the new nature that we have acquired. This we cannot do on our strength, and that is why we have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. Our part is to submit to him and walk in obedience.
We also have the word of God, which we must read and do for the transformation of our minds. Prayer is also key because it keeps is connected to God.
Our desire should be to be like him, that even before we profess to belong to him, the people we interact with can see that we truly are like him in word and deed.
Reflections.
What is something you have set apart only for special use? Why?
Having the understanding that God has set you aside for special use, what revelation does that give you?
