Tag: live at peace
God’s sanctifying work
Scripture reading for September 18: 1Thessalonians 5
“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-23
As Paul concludes his letter, he gives some very basic instructions on being prepared for the return of Jesus Christ. We have a part in this preparation and the progressive nature of sanctification taking place as we submit to Jesus and live lives of increasing holiness and separation from the world and our old nature. Our part is to respect God’s authority and gift to us in the form of pastors and elders and apostles. It is not a matter of personal preference, but honoring them for their work done in loving obedience to our Lord. Each person should seek to live in peace and admonish those disrupting that peace. We must be patient, kind, and loving towards one another. The fruits of God’s Spirit should be evident and the gifts of the Spirit allowed and tested against the Word of God and Spirit of Christ. Evil must be avoided and confronted.
But God also does His part in the process of sanctification. He gives us His Holy Spirit to convict us when in sin, to encourage us when weak, to guide us in obedience and prepare us for Christ’s return. Paul’s prayer is that each believer would be brought to completion in spirit, soul, and body and presented blameless in Christ to our Lord. Amen!
As you survey your own walk in relation to this passage of God’s Word, how would you rate your progress in applying God’s Word to your own life and relationships? Are you listening to those who are over you in the Lord and respecting them for their work? Are you listening to the Holy Spirit as He prepares you?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for those over me in the Lord and their labor of love. Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit in leading me and guiding me into truth and repentance where needed. I am trusting You for my complete sanctification in spirit, soul and body at Christ’s soon return. Amen.