The Men of East Point just completed their study of John Owen on Sin and Temptation.  Our weekly time together with Owen produced some rather thought-provoking and enlightening exchanges.  Indeed, reading Owen challenged us to consider the depth and insidious nature of indwelling sin and to remember its only cure – trusting Christ.  As we concluded our time, the thought that was impressed upon me is that our sanctification is God’s desire.  He wills that we would be sanctified (1Thes. 4:3).  Since it is God’s desire that we are sanctified, when I fight against it (and I do) I am fighting against God (Acts 5:39).  Therefore, it is best that I consider all of life as being used by God to bring about His will in my life, to kill sin in my members, and to conform me more and more into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29; Col. 3:1-5).  I need not consider life’s tough circumstances as just tough, but rather as part of God’s will to sanctify me and to show me more and more of my need to trust Him.  Trust in Christ is the fruit of sanctification.  And yet, it is also the root.  Trusting Christ produces holiness in my life.  Walking in holiness results in me trusting Christ more and more.  Therefore, we need to heed the words of Moses as he spoke to the Children of Israel with Pharaoh’s army behind them and the Red Sea in front of them, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today…The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent” (Ex. 14:13-14).  Just as God willed that the Children of Israel would be delivered from Egypt, so He has will our sanctification.  Let us stand firm and trust in Him.  And see if we don’t see the salvation and sanctification of the Lord.