Discussion Jumpstarter

Study leader reference - not a definitive answer

Question 8

“God is the one who is doing the sanctification, but never at the expense of your free will”; how does that claim challenge common evangelical ways of talking about grace, human effort, and assurance, and what would genuine cooperation with sanctifying grace look like in one concrete area of sin?

Another way to ask: If God sanctifies us but does not force our will, how does that challenge common talk about grace, effort, and assurance? In one specific sin area, what would real cooperation with God look like this week?

Discussion Jumpstarter

Direct Answer
According to the speaker, sanctification is God’s work, but it includes real human choosing—ceasing from sin is a decision that brings suffering in the flesh. That challenges any talk of grace that ignores the will or treats sanctification as automatic, and it frames assurance/health as tied to ongoing, chosen participation in God’s purifying work.

Support from Transcript:

The teacher clearly states: “God is the one who is doing the sanctification, but never at the expense of free will.”
He adds: “When you choose to stop sinning, you are participating in your own sanctification.”
He links this to 1 Peter 4 and Romans 6: ceasing from sin means “nailing the old man to the cross,” which “will suffer in the flesh.”
He emphasizes sanctification as purification “from sin,” not merely a status label.
He includes examples of cooperation: turning eyes away from lust, refusing to snap in anger, pleading with God for help.

Discussion Follow-ups Pick one recurring sin the transcript mentions (anger, lust, bitterness): what specific choice would cooperation look like this week, and what “suffering in the flesh” are you likely to feel when you choose it?

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