The Great High Priest Prays for His People, Part 5

The word sanctify is one of those words we encounter in the Scriptures which can be difficult to grasp. It is not so much the formal definition which is troublesome, but the application and significance of the word which can be difficult. To know that it means to separate something or someone for a holy use or purpose is not sufficient. We must ask questions such as: Who or what does the separating? Separate from what? What is a holy use or purpose? Earnest Christians from earlier ages likely had very different answers to those questions than you or I might have. The medieval monk who lived in a remote monastery often separated himself from common society. Is that the heart or substance of sanctification? Most contemporary evangelical Christians would say no and they would be correct, but that does not mean that they understand either. In today's text, the Savior reveals a profound relationship as He petitions His Heavenly Father; the relationship between sanctification and truth. It is profound because it is contrary to our nature which views ongoing sanctification in particular as a following of rules. While thankful obedience is a part of your sanctification, it is by no means the only, or even primary, thing. – Pastor Schlegel