Sola Gratia #5 - Sanctified by Grace
Philippians 2:12-13
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund
Part of Sola Gratia—March 2 - April 13, 2025
March 27, 2025

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Message Notes and Group Study Guide

Date: March 29-30, 2025
Speaker: Dr. Kurt Bjorklund
Series: Sola Gratia
Message: #5 - Sanctified by Grace

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Scripture

29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. —Romans 8:29-30 (NIV)

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. —Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)

13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” —1 Peter 1:13-16 (NIV)

Notes

Study Guide

Step One: Icebreaker (Optional)
If you had the time to master one new skill, what would you like to learn?

Step Two: Prayer and Scripture Reading
Ask someone in your group to pray to open your time together. Ask another person to read Philippians 2:12-13.

Step Three: Discuss

  1. Weekend Message: What was most challenging, encouraging, confusing, or stood out most to you?

  2. Understanding Sanctification: What does the term “sanctification” mean to you, and how do you think grace plays a role in this process? How can we differentiate between being sanctified and simply trying to be good?

  3. Working out Salvation: Philippians 2:12 mentions “working out your salvation.” What does it mean to “work out” your salvation in your daily life? What are some different ways this could be understood?

  4. God’s Will: Verse 13 states that it is God who works in us to will and to act according to his purpose. How do you interpret the relationship between our actions and God’s work in our lives? How does grace influence this relationship?

  5. Community Support: How does being in community help us in our sanctification?

  6. Exploring Doubts: What questions or doubts do you have about the concept of grace and sanctification? How can we walk with confidence in our faith journey together?

Step Four: Close in Prayer
Ask someone in your group to close in prayer, focusing on specific requests for people to find and follow Jesus.