Main idea:

As believers, we are called by our Lord to pursue and grow in personal holiness (sanctification). Moreover, our growth in sanctification fuels our worship. The two matters are linked. Neither truly occurs in the absence of the other. To worship truly, the Christian must pursue holiness: likewise, the pursuit of holiness fosters real worship.

Outline:

1) What our growth in sanctification immediately demands from us

2) How our growth in sanctification "works"

3) Why our growth in sanctification is so important, and why it so essential to our worship

Questions for further contemplation and application after the message:

#1 Do you agree that growing in personal holiness (sanctification) and worship are linked? Why or why not?

#2 Why do you think Christians sometimes tend to view worship as a particular action, ritual or occasion instead of all of life?

#3 Read 1 Samuel 15. What was Saul's costly worship related mistake? What was at the root of this error? Is anything more essential to worship than our obedience?

#4 Can a believer positively impact his sanctification? How? Write out a list of important commitments to make and actions to take.