Preacher: Dr. Kakule Muyonga Isaac
Theme: Sanctification – The Character of Believers as Children of God
Text: Leviticus 19:1–2, 17–18; Matthew 5:43–48; 1 Peter 1:13–15

In this sermon, we, the children of God, are encouraged to continue pursuing a life of sanctification because our Father is holy. Sanctification is the process of being set apart from sin and being transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Like the people of Israel, who were chosen from among many nations to belong to God, this process of sanctification begins with God Himself. He chose us for Himself, not the other way around. While we were dead in our sins and following the ways of this world, God regenerated our spirits, enabled us to respond to Him, and caused us to be born again. Through His gift of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, He continues to lead us through this process of sanctification. Becoming holy like our Father is not a burden. Rather, it is a Spirit-led work accomplished by the Holy Spirit within us. Therefore, it requires us to depend completely on Him. This process of sanctification will not reach perfection until the day of Christ Jesus, when we receive our glorified bodies.

Sanctification is also a matter of the mind. Holiness begins from the inside out; it starts in our minds. During His earthly ministry, Jesus frequently confronted the Pharisees because their outward actions did not reflect the condition of their hearts and thoughts. Likewise, the greatest commandment – to love – is not merely a matter of outward actions but of the heart, soul, and mind. In the same way, holiness, although expressed outwardly, begins within us. Christ calls us to have minds that are controlled by the Holy Spirit and renewed by His word, for that is where the battlefield lies.

Finally, we are called to act as our Father in heaven acts. The privilege of being called God's children carries the responsibility of reflecting His character. Therefore, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly imitating our Father, God?