Maturing In Jesus
Why Sanctification Takes a Lifetime
Episode 31
Episode 31 Transcript: What Is Sanctification?
Kim:
What is sanctification, and how does spiritual maturity develop in the life of a Christian? In this episode, John Matthew sits down with Sue Summer, a discipleship counselor and spiritual mentor, to explore the finished work and the ongoing process of sanctification in the life of a believer.
Welcome to Episode 31 of the We Are Recreated Podcast. We’re glad you’re here, New Creations. Let’s dive in.
John Matthew:
Hey, welcome back. I’m so glad to have Sue Summer back in the studio with us today. We’re talking about maturing as believers—coming to a deeper knowledge of God’s love.
There’s a “churchy” word we use for that sometimes: sanctification. So today, we’re going to unpack what that means—what it is, what it’s not, what it’s for—and we’re going to look at what the Word has to say about how Jesus is changing us.
So, welcome to the studio. Thanks for coming back—glad to have you.
Sue Summer:
Glad to be here.
John Matthew:
Let’s start here—what is this thing, sanctification?
Sue Summer:
Sanctification is basically the process of becoming more mature.
When we become believers—when we accept Jesus as our Savior—we’re like babies. We’re very new to understanding Christianity, the cross, Jesus, and what He did.
He wants to take us from that state and mature us so that we grow:
- in our understanding
- in our ability to receive from Him
- in our understanding of what He did in us
- and in how to live in light of that
There’s a verse that says He’s conforming us into the image of His Son. That’s what God is doing—and that’s sanctification.
John Matthew:
So sanctification is me maturing and coming to a deeper knowledge of Jesus. Is that about something that I do?
Sue Summer:
I used to think so—until I came across this verse.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 says:
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely…”
So pause there—who’s doing the sanctifying?
God Himself.
And what is He sanctifying? Your spirit, your soul, and your body—to be preserved complete and without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus.
So what’s going to be true of you when Jesus comes back? According to this verse, you’re going to be without blame.
That’s incredible. He’s the one doing the work.
And then verse 24 says:
“Faithful is He who calls you, and He will bring it to pass.”
He’s the one who brings about sanctification. It’s His role.
John Matthew:
So that was kind of a trick question—is it something I do?
Sue Summer:
Exactly. No—Jesus is the one doing it.
John Matthew:
And He already wants us to experience Him and have that revelation.
Sue Summer:
Yes. It’s like learning to swim. At first, you’re in the shallow end. You’re figuring things out. But eventually, He wants you in the deep end—mature in the faith.
And He’s the one who brings that about.
John Matthew:
There are some misconceptions about sanctification. Can you walk us through what it is not?
Sue Summer:
Absolutely.
Sanctification is not transforming your old self into something new. God already did that at the cross. He crucified the old self and raised you as a new creation.
So sanctification is about understanding who that new creation is.
It’s also not trying to change your behavior. For example, if I struggle with anger and I try to fix it through techniques—that’s self-effort. That’s not sanctification.
It’s also not increasing your passion for spiritual disciplines. I used to think I had to:
- pray more
- study more
- give more
- serve more
But that leads to burnout because you never know when you’ve done enough.
John Matthew:
I’ve learned that the hard way.
Sue Summer:
Exactly. It’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to do more.
Sanctification is also not overcoming sin on your own. The cross already dealt with sin.
And it’s not about deepening your commitment. Commitment relies on willpower—but God is after surrender, not willpower.
John Matthew:
So then what is sanctification?
Sue Summer:
It’s both an event and a process.
- The sanctification of your spirit happened at the cross—done, finished.
- The sanctification of your soul is ongoing—your mind, beliefs, emotions, and will are being renewed over time.
And your body will be fully redeemed later.
John Matthew:
So it’s both complete and ongoing at the same time.
Sue Summer:
Exactly. You’ve been perfected, and you are being transformed.
It’s not about becoming more holy—it’s about learning to live out of what’s already true.
John Matthew:
That sounds like resting in it.
Sue Summer:
Yes—resting and abiding.
Abiding means staying connected to the source of life. You’re the branch, He’s the vine. His life flows through you and produces fruit.
John Matthew:
So what’s our role in all of this?
Sue Summer:
We partner with Him.
We:
- present ourselves to God
- make ourselves available
- trust Him
- cooperate with what He’s doing
It’s not about controlling the process—it’s about surrendering to it.
John Matthew:
Sometimes God doesn’t work on our timeline.
Sue Summer:
Exactly. He often works on things we wouldn’t choose first.
But He knows what He’s doing.
John Matthew:
That requires giving up control.
Sue Summer:
Yes—and that’s hard, because we like control.
But sanctification happens through relationship, not effort. The closer we stay connected to Him, the more transformation naturally happens.
John Matthew:
Let’s talk about identity versus behavior.
Sue Summer:
This is huge.
Your behavior does not determine your identity. Your identity comes from Jesus.
But your understanding of your identity influences your behavior.
When you grow in knowing who you are in Christ, your behavior naturally changes.
John Matthew:
We used to be sinners—but now we’re saints.
Sue Summer:
Exactly. And we learn to live out of that identity.
John Matthew:
How does God actually grow us?
Sue Summer:
Often through difficult situations.
Refinement requires fire.
God allows—or even leads us into—situations where we have to depend on Him. That’s how we learn to trust.
It’s not punishment—it’s growth.
John Matthew:
And He never leaves us in it.
Sue Summer:
Never. He walks with us through it.
John Matthew:
Let’s recap.
Sanctification is the process of maturing in Jesus—being refined, growing in trust, and learning to live from our new identity.
Sue Summer:
Yes. It’s not about trying to become like Christ—it’s Christ’s life in you becoming more visible.
John Matthew:
That’s so good.
Thanks so much for being here, Sue. Appreciate it.
Sue Summer:
Thanks for having me.
John Matthew:
If this has been helpful for you, we’d love for you to subscribe and join the adventure. We’re talking about Jesus all the time.
See you next time.
