We are called - Romans 1:1-7 (Part 2) Called into Holiness

The second calling Paul tells us here is that we are called into holiness.

Romans 1:7 - To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:

The importance of sanctification in a Christian’s life is often overshadowed by the emphasis in wanting to fulfil God’s purpose for our lives. Doing rather than being becomes the expected norm. We can be Christians for many years and still live a carnal life

The theme of sanctification in the Christian life brings us to the profound truth that who we are is ultimately more significant than what we do. In a world that often measures worth by productivity and achievement, Christians may be tempted to emphasize outward success or ministry accomplishments over spiritual transformation. Yet, Scripture reveals that sanctification—the deep, internal process of being made holy—is foundational to a life truly aligned with God.

Sanctification is the work of God within, setting believers apart and refining them into the likeness of Christ. While pursuing God’s purpose is essential, it is secondary to the call to embody His character. Romans 8:29 underscores that we are destined to be conformed to the image of Christ, with the Holy Spirit working within us to manifest love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Paul’s admonition to the Corinthian church is instructive here. Despite their zeal for spiritual gifts, they remained spiritually immature, failing to exhibit Christlike character. When our lives lack the Spirit’s fruit, there is a dissonance between appearance and substance, revealing that while outwardly active, we may still be internally impoverished.

Our culture’s drive for purpose and success can subtly lead Christians to prioritize achievement over authentic spiritual growth. This focus can mirror the immaturity Paul observed among the Corinthians, where gifts and external accomplishments were esteemed over inner transformation. As Paul states, without love, even the most extraordinary works are empty (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

In this sense, modern believers may unknowingly pursue a life defined more by “doing” than “being.” This orientation risks reducing spirituality to a list of tasks and accomplishments, while neglecting the deeper call to be a person marked by the presence and character of Christ. We become like trees adorned with leaves but bearing no fruit—visually impressive yet devoid of spiritual nourishment.

Sanctification is not a human accomplishment but a divine work accomplished through the Holy Spirit. When we are filled with the Spirit, we experience a profound inner transformation that naturally results in the fruit of the Spirit. This fullness influences every facet of our lives—thoughts, desires, and actions are conformed to God’s nature. The Spirit’s presence and power cultivate a holy life, in which our actions flow from a place of humility, reverence, and Christ-centered love.

Walking by the Spirit is not merely about morality but about aligning one’s entire being with God’s will, reflecting His love, patience, and mercy. In this state of communion with God, we are empowered to live in ways that transcend mere obligation or appearance. Our service, then, becomes a sincere expression of love for God and others.

Paul’s letters to the Corinthians expose the pitfalls of carnality—a life led by self-interest, pride, and worldly concerns rather than God’s Spirit. Carnal Christians may profess faith yet live in ways indistinguishable from the world, exhibiting jealousy, divisiveness, and a lack of self-restraint. True sanctification calls believers beyond this shallow faith, inviting them into maturity marked by the Spirit’s influence in all areas of life.

As we mature, our responses, values, and motivations undergo a fundamental shift, moving us toward a life centered on God’s purposes rather than self-driven pursuits. This maturity fosters a deep resilience and peace, independent of external success, rooted instead in our union with Christ.

The pursuit of purpose, when detached from sanctification, is ultimately hollow. God is far more invested in our spiritual transformation than in our outward accomplishments. Our truest purpose is realized not through tasks we perform but through the embodiment of Christ’s character—a testimony to those around us and a powerful witness of His love. As Jesus stated, it is by our love that we will be known as His disciples (John 13:35), a love that arises only through the Spirit’s refining work within us.

In pursuing sanctification, we discover that our purpose and identity  are firmly rooted in Christ, allowing us to serve authentically and with humility. We are no longer defined by what we achieve for God, but by the transformative work He accomplishes within us. In this, we find our highest calling—not simply to do great things for God but to become living reflections of His holiness, embodying His truth and love to a world in need of His light.

A life centered on being rather than merely doing prioritizes integrity, holiness, and humility as its pillars. Sanctification, though a continual process, is not about attaining perfection but about yielding daily to the Spirit’s transformative work. When we embrace this journey, our lives bear the fruit of the Spirit, which becomes the unmistakable evidence of a life conformed to God’s heart.

In the end, God’s desire for each believer transcends accomplishments and achievements. He calls us to a life where the fruit of the Spirit flourishes naturally, where holiness infuses our actions and relationships. This sanctified life is the greatest testimony we can offer, revealing God’s love, grace, and presence to a world that is desperate for authenticity and light.