The Promise: He Will Complete What He Started

If you're reading this and thinking: "I can't do this. I'm too broken. I've failed too many times. I'll never be the disciple this handbook describes."

You're right. You can't do this — in your own strength.

But you're not alone.

For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

— Philippians 1:6 (NET)

God started this work in you. He will finish it. Not because of your faithfulness — because of His.

You will stumble. You will doubt. You will want to quit. But God will not let you go. You're held. Secure. Safe. Not because you're strong — because He is.

So when you fail (and you will): confess, repent, get back up, and keep going. When you're weary (and you will be): rest in Him, draw from His strength, and keep going. When you're discouraged (and you will be): remember that faithfulness matters more than results, and keep going.

The Spirit who raised Christ from the dead dwells in you (Romans 8:11). That same power is at work in you — to will and to work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). You're not doing this alone.

The Goal: To See Him Face to Face

Ultimately, sanctification isn't about becoming a better version of yourself. It's about being prepared to see God.

Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord.

— Hebrews 12:14 (NET)

One day — maybe soon, maybe later — you will stand before Jesus. And the question won't be "Did you get your theology perfect?" or "Did your kids all turn out well?" or "Did you win the culture war?" The question will be: "Did you know Me?" (Matthew 7:23). "Did you love Me?" (John 21:15–17). "Were you faithful?" (Matthew 25:21).

That's what this is all about. Not perfection. Not performance. Not success. Knowing Him. Loving Him. Following Him. Faithfully.

Dear friends, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that whenever it is revealed we will be like him, because we will see him just as he is. And everyone who has this hope focused on him purifies himself, just as Jesus is pure.

— 1 John 3:2–3 (NET)

You're being made ready to see Him. Every act of obedience — preparing you. Every moment of repentance — shaping you. Every battle fought — refining you. So that when He appears, you'll be like Him.