Disciples
(Practicing the Truth)
Being Sanctified by the Holy Spirit
(Practicing the Truth)
Being Sanctified by the Holy Spirit
The Prayer of Jesus: John 17
17 After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. 2 For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. 3 And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. 4 I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.
6 “I have revealed you[a] to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, 8 for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.
9 “My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. 10 All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. 11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name;[b] now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. 12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me.[c] I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.
13 “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!
25 “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. 26 I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”
Experiencing the Holy Spirit
The believer’s journey with the Holy Spirit unfolds in three vital stages. First, we must believe and receive the Holy Spirit — as promised by Jesus to all who put their faith in Him (John 7:38–39; Acts 2:38). At salvation, the Spirit comes to dwell within us as a seal of belonging to Christ (Ephesians 1:13). Second, we are called to be filled by the Holy Spirit — to let His presence empower, guide, and renew us daily (Ephesians 5:18). This filling is not a one-time event but a continual surrender to God’s control. Third, mature believers learn to walk and be led by the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to direct their decisions, actions, and desires (Galatians 5:16–18). Being led by the Spirit marks the true freedom and fruitfulness of a life in Christ.
Stage 1: Receiving
Receiving the Holy Spirit – Beginning
Happens at salvation (conversion, new birth).
The Spirit comes to dwell in the believer (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16).
One-time, foundational event — you now belong to Christ.
Without this, there’s no Christian life.
Stage 2: Being Filled
Being Filled with the Holy Spirit – Empowerment
Ongoing, repeatable experience after receiving.
Commanded: “Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
Increases surrender, spiritual power, fruit, and sometimes gifts.
Helps believers overcome sin, witness boldly, and grow in maturity.
Stage 3: Being Led
Being Led by the Holy Spirit – Daily Walk
Continuous lifestyle of listening, discerning, and obeying.
Galatians 5:16-25 — “walk by the Spirit” instead of gratifying the flesh.
Involves decision-making, guidance, moral integrity, peace, and direction.
Evidence: bearing the fruit of the Spirit in everyday life.
Sanctifying Work of the Holy Spirit
The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit also moves through three beautiful dimensions. First, the Spirit unites us with Christ, bringing us into fellowship with His death and resurrection — making us part of His body (1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 6:5). Second, He brings internal change, transforming our hearts and minds by producing His fruit — love, joy, peace, and holiness (Galatians 5:22–23; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Finally, this inner renewal leads to external change, where our attitudes, words, and deeds reflect the character of Christ to the world (Matthew 5:16; Romans 8:14). Through these stages and sanctifying works, the Holy Spirit not only indwells believers but shapes them into living witnesses of God’s transforming power.
Stage 1: United in Christ
Receive Holy Spirit - God's Promise - Galatians 3:1-7,26-28
2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. 3 How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 4 Have you experienced[a] so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?
5 I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you , heard about Christ.-::-
6 In the same way, “-Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”[b] 7 The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.
26 For you are all children[m] of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.[n] 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile,[o] slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children[p] of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.
Stage 2: Internal Change
Living as Children of Light - Ephesians 4:17-32
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”[d] Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,[e] guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Living in the Light - Ephesians 5:1-20
5 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us[a] and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,
“Awake, O sleeper,
rise up from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”
Living by the Spirit’s Power
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Stage 3:External Change
Spirit-Guided Relationships: Wives and Husbands - Ephesians 5:21-33
21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
22 For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.
25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.[b] 27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. 28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. 29 No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. 30 And we are members of his body.
31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”[c] 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. 33 So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Children and Parents - Ephesians 6:1-20
6 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord,[a] for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”[b]
4 Fathers,[c] do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Slaves and Masters
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. 6 Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. 7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 8 Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.
9 Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.
The Whole Armor of God
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[d] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[e] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[f] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.[g]
Peter's Journey
Challenged → Believed → Examined → Revealed → Confessed → Rebuked → Warned → Tempted → Encouraged
Peter’s journey mirrors the path of every true disciple — from initial calling and faith to testing, correction, and ultimate restoration in love and purpose.
Challenged
Challenged – To Throw the Net
Verse: Luke 5:4–6
“When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.”
Summary: Peter was challenged to act in faith despite failure, and obedience led to abundance.
Believed
Believed – Jesus Is the Son of God
Verse: John 6:68–69
“Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that You are the Holy One of God.’”
Summary: Peter confessed faith in Jesus’ divine identity when others turned away.
Examined
Examined – His Faith Tested at Sea
Verse: Matthew 14:28–31
“‘Lord, if it’s You,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to You on the water.’ ‘Come,’ He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ He said, ‘why did you doubt?’”
Summary: Peter’s faith was tested between fear and trust—revealing both courage and weakness.
Revealed
Revealed – Witnessed Jesus’ Transfiguration
Verse: Matthew 17:1–2
“After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.”
Summary: Peter witnessed Christ’s divine glory revealed before the crucifixion.
Confessed
Confessed – Jesus Is the Messiah
Verse: Matthew 16:15–16
“‘But what about you?’ He asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’”
Summary: Peter boldly confessed Jesus as the promised Savior and Son of God.
Rebuked
Rebuked – Called “Get Behind Me, Satan”
Verse: Matthew 16:22–23
“Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to You!’ Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’”
Summary: Peter’s human reasoning clashed with God’s redemptive plan, earning Jesus’ sharp correction.
Warned
Warned – Of His Denial
Verse: Luke 22:31–34
“‘Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.’ But he replied, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with You to prison and to death.’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know Me.’”
Summary: Jesus lovingly warned Peter of his coming failure—and the hope of restoration.
Tempted
Tempted – Denied Jesus at His Trial
Verse: Luke 22:55–60
“A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, ‘This man was with Him.’ But he denied it… Peter replied, ‘Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!’ Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.”
Summary: Peter’s courage faltered under pressure, fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy of denial.
Restored
Restored by the Risen Christ
Verse: John 21:15–17
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?’ … ‘Feed My lambs.’ … ‘Take care of My sheep.’ … ‘Feed My sheep.’”
Summary: Jesus graciously restored Peter’s calling, turning his failure into renewed purpose.
Disciple's Journey
Peter’s Faith Journey: Tested, Strengthened, and Matured
1. Obey to Faith – Trusting Jesus Beyond Experience
Peter’s first test of faith came when Jesus instructed him to “launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch.” Though he had “toiled all night and caught nothing,” Peter obeyed, saying, “Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” His obedience, despite exhaustion and doubt, led to a miraculous catch. Verse: Luke 5:4–6
2. Live by Faith – Depending on Divine Provision
Later, Jesus taught Peter to rely on faith for provision. When questioned about paying temple tax, Jesus told Peter to go to the sea, cast a hook, and find a coin in a fish’s mouth — enough to pay for both of them. This act demonstrated that God provides through faith, even in the most unlikely ways. Verse: Matthew 17:24–27
3. Grow in Faith – From Failure to Foundation
Peter’s greatest test came when fear led him to deny Jesus three times. Yet, after the resurrection, Jesus graciously restored him by asking three times, “Do you love Me?” (John 21:15–17). Filled later with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter grew from a fearful disciple into a bold apostle through whom Christ built His Church. Verses: Luke 22:61–62; John 21:15–17; Acts 2:1–4; Matthew 16:18
Peter’s faith journey shows that true faith begins with obedience, matures through dependence, and grows through restoration and empowerment. His life reminds believers that even when faith falters, God’s grace restores and strengthens us to fulfill His purpose.
Peter’s journey mirrors the path of every true disciple — from initial calling and faith to testing, correction, and ultimate restoration in love and purpose.
Step2: Sermons to Meditate
The Narrow Gate & the Narrow Way - Paul Washer
It will cost you everything - Paul Washer
Cost of Not Following Christ - Paul Washer
Only few will find the Life - Zac Poonen
Step 3. Assessment to Think deep and Examine