Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 3
Joshua commands, “Sanctify yourselves…tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you,” and the speaker argues we have “a big part to play” in sanctification—how does linking consecration to God’s coming action challenge modern assumptions that holiness is optional, secondary, or unrelated to experiencing God’s power?
Another way to ask: Why does Joshua say, “Sanctify yourselves” right before God does “wonders”? How does that push back against the idea that holiness is optional or has nothing to do with experiencing God’s power?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, sanctification is presented as preparation for God’s “wonders,” not a side project; God’s powerful work is linked to a people who consecrate themselves. That challenges the modern tendency to separate spiritual power from moral seriousness and to treat holiness as optional.
- Joshua’s command ties holiness to expectation: “Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow…the Lord will do wonders among you.”
- The speaker directly applies it: “This applies to us very much…Daily self-examination and consecration to God.”
- He describes sanctification as separation from sin: “separating ourselves from sin and sinful desires…self-denial.”
- He rejects a passive view: “we have a big part to play…a daily consecration and examining our hearts.”
- He connects obedience with supernatural outcomes: “when you combine [God’s power] with our faith and obedience, what follows is supernatural.”
- He critiques reduced expectations: many treat realities like baptism and communion as “just a symbol,” implying a weakened sense of God acting among a consecrated people.