Feb. 8, 2004

[Kidan]

Quote[/b] ]May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely . . .
—1 Thessalonians 5:23

Quote[/b] ]When we pray, asking God to sanctify us, are we prepared to measure up to what that really means? We take the word sanctification much too lightly. Are we prepared to pay the cost of sanctification? The cost will be a deep restriction of all our earthly concerns, and an extensive cultivation of all our godly concerns. Sanctification means to be intensely focused on God’s point of view. It means to secure and to keep all the strength of our body, soul, and spirit for God’s purpose alone. Are we really prepared for God to perform in us everything for which He separated us? And after He has done His work, are we then prepared to separate ourselves to God just as Jesus did? "For their sakes I sanctify Myself . . ." ( John 17:19 ). The reason some of us have not entered into the experience of sanctification is that we have not realized the meaning of sanctification from God’s perspective. Sanctification means being made one with Jesus so that the nature that controlled Him will control us. Are we really prepared for what that will cost? It will cost absolutely everything in us which is not of God.

Are we prepared to be caught up into the full meaning of Paul’s prayer in this verse? Are we prepared to say, "Lord, make me, a sinner saved by grace, as holy as You can"? Jesus prayed that we might be one with Him, just as He is one with the Father (see John 17:21-23 ). The resounding evidence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life is the unmistakable family likeness to Jesus Christ, and the freedom from everything which is not like Him. Are we prepared to set ourselves apart for the Holy Spirit’s work in us?

 

[Kidan]

Quote[/b] ]Quench not the Spirit; despise not prophesyings; prove all things; hold fast that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it.
--1 Thess. 5:19-24

The context of the verse today tells us exactly what the cost of sanctification is.  Mainly where its says "Abstain from every form of evil"  This is a concept that is often  ignored in today's society.  There are a number of 'super-churches' out there that don't teach sin.  That give 'Feel-Good' Sunday sermons.  They are not teaching sanctification.  They are not teaching abstaining from evil.  No matter how many attendees they may have on Sunday mornings, they should be teaching sanctification.  Sanctification is a byproduct of a relationship with Christ. For without Christ we cannot be sanctified.

This week as you look throughout your life, ask yourself, are you abstaining from evil in your life? Are you sanctified? Are your living your life as Christ like, as possible, are you quenching God's will in your life? Is HE trying to sanctify you, but unable to do so, because you have evil in your life?

These are questions that we all need to answer and look at.


God bless.