Sanctification Takes Practice
James K. A. Smith on Colossians 3: 12-17
For Meditation
Sanctification is the work of the Spirit in us, transforming us more and more into the likeness of Christ, making us Holy as he is Holy. Sanctification is a gift, therefore, of God to those who believe in His son, Jesus. Yet though sanctification is a gift, it is one that we are also called to cultivate, to nurture, to practice so that we may not only be more personally holy, but live together as a transformed community and extend the good news more widely in the world. This week, Dr. James K. A. Smith will explore practices--habits of being--that help us receive the gift of sanctification more fully both as individuals and as the church.
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Colossians 3:12-17
12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
About Dr. Smith
Dr. James K. A. Smith, professor of philosophy at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, where he holds the Gary & Henrietta Byker Chair in Applied Reformed Theology & Worldview. Jamie Smith is the award-winning author of Who’s Afraid of Postmodernism? and Desiring the Kingdom, which has formed the basis for our February Term adult Sunday School class. His most recent books include Imagining the Kingdom (2013), Discipleship in the Present Tense (2013), Who’s Afraid of Relativism? (2014), and How (Not) To Be Secular: Reading Charles Taylor (2014). Smith is in Richmond for a weekend of events at Third and around the City; for a full list of times and places you can engage with him and his important work, click HERE.