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1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 25 Brothers, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
WHY would Paul write may God himself sanctify you in this benediction to the Thessalonians? Why did he not simply say may God sanctify you? We have just concluded a study of 11 directives Paul has given to the church. These are typical, foundational teachings to help Christians live a sanctifying, a more holy life. But these foundation blocks of the Christian life are impossible to live out unless God himself is actively engaged in the church and each believer’s life. As a final encouragement, Paul emphasized a remarkable truth: God himself, the sovereign God of the universe, the one who is Father, Son and Spirit, has come in grace to re-birth sinners into a sanctified life. He has called the church to an active faith. God himself will continue to sanctify them through and through. Each aspect of their Christian life will become stronger as God himself protects and guides them. The church is under the care of the Supreme God. There are no other gods before him. In that knowledge, the Thessalonians should rejoice in a deep, abiding love for their Lord. Paul also prays their whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. To be blameless before God is to be devoted to his truth. We will always deal with sin. But a blameless soul and body exhibits a desire to live for God. Paul teaches the church that God himself is their authority to help them live the Christian life as they prepare to meet Jesus. He is the God of peace to reconcile the saved into his Kingdom. He is faithful, and he will do it. Then Paul reminds the church of his, Silas’ and Timothy’s need for prayer. The evangelists must live a sanctifying life, too. God himself has called them to a great work that is far beyond human ability. We must always pray for church leaders and pastors who teach and lead us. This letter, too, is to be read to all the church and to others. These epistles were read to the entire church at one reading, then passed delivered to another church. Paul concludes with a customary blessing: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. This is truly a blessing of hope and promise isn’t it? What a miracle to have the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with us! Wherever we go, the Holy Spirit indwells us. He is the blessing of Jesus’ saving grace. He is the blessing of power and authority to resist the devil. The Spirit is the blessing of Jesus’ way to sanctify our lives. God himself has created you to be his own. How do you respond to him? Comments are closed.
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AuthorBob James Archives
January 2025
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