August 4, 2022 -- I Thessalonians 5:14-25 -- The work of being sanctified by the God of Peace

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now 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. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
25 Brothers, pray for us.
I Thessalonians 5:14-25 ESV

You can see how Paul’s final words might cause the people of Thessalonica to be riled up a bit. If one brother goes to another and calls him, “Idle” and continues to say he is “not pulling his weight” there will be conflict. When one has suffered wrong, intentional or not, it is inappropriate to repay evil for evil. So, calling out a brother's response of evil towards evil received will stir up a reaction. Anything from "mind your own business" to venomous responses which threaten to spread the curse of evil.

You can see how members of this church, having holy boldness to correct a brother, might from that same brother receive sharp words and anger. It is hard work to be a faithful servant of Christ, and to live in community with other flawed men and women who are striving to be faithful in Christ. But those who have tasted and seen the glory of God, who know the treasured joy of salvation are prompted to abstain from all forms of evil. It is a high calling and it is hard work to live in community with people who are so different, but bound together by the Spirit.

How can we survive as believers and live in true community? Look at the rich blessing which ends this letter. It is the God of Peace Himself—Him Who is powerful enough to make you holy and willing to make Your holy. He sent His Son so that there’d be reconciliation between believers and Himself which is anchored in Christ. It is the God of Peace Who is faithful. He sent His Spirit so that individuals and communities as they live for Christ and interact with one another would be transformed to be more like Christ.

Look at verse 25. Paul, who wrote this letter and sent it with greetings from Silvanus and Timothy, is himself asking for prayer. He is aware how much he himself needs the peace-making and peace-keeping sanctifying work of God. It is a beautiful example of humility. He too is prepared to be submitted to God and the working of His Spirit.

God of Peace thank You for the great gift of Jesus Christ, Whom You sent as a demonstration of Your love and Your willingness to reconcile people to Yourself. Faithful Father, thank Your Spirit, Who takes the accomplished work of Jesus Christ and applies it so that individuals and communities experience whole spirit, soul, and body cleansing. Thank You that by the same Spirit Your chosen people are kept blameless. Triune God, thank You for displaying Your glory, Your patience, Your steadfast love and grace among real people in real time and in the real rough and tumble situations of life. Thank You that Your Gospel goes out in word and with Holy Spirit power. Heal Your people. Give the grace of humility so that in true community Your people will be imitators of Christ and prepared to endure much suffering all to the honour and glory of Your Great Name! Amen.

Mighty God, God of Peace, at the start of this new day, work in our hearts. By the powerful presence of Your Spirit break down strongholds of sinful pride and remove the stubborn unwillingness we nurse within ourselves which keeps us from seeking the good of others. Sanctify us, O God of Peace. Thank You that You are faithful. Thank You that You work out Your salvation so that it reaches the goal and perfection of Your design for us and for Your glory. Amen.

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