January 5, 2024 -- I Thessalonians 5:23-25 -- Sanctified and being sanctified

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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 5:23-25 ESV

This blessing, at the end of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, is so comprehensive. The blessing is that the holy-making (that is what sanctify means) God of peace will apply the salvation of Jesus into, around, over every part of your life. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to enact this faithful work of the Father so that our salvation assured in the Bible is applied in real life. It is the work of God in your life that is making you holy, so that God Himself will always, fully, receive the glory for all the changes that are brought about in your life.

I love the request of Paul. In view of God’s powerful work in effecting salvation into every part of the life of the believer, Paul is asking the Thessalonians to pray for him (and Silvanus and Timothy who are with him). Their work can only be effective if the people of God are praying for the work of the evangelists and preachers and shepherds will be effective as it is carried out in the power of God.

Prayer has no power. It is utterly useless on its own. It is not a charm or some magic power. Prayer is effective because through it God, Who is All-Powerful, chooses to act and work. Prayer is effective because we, in our humble awareness couple our powerlessness to His Almighty Power. Prayer is effective because our Father in heaven chooses to give every good gift in response to the prayers of His people. Prayer is effective because Jesus Himself is constantly praying for us—we have One Who takes our prayers and presents them to the Father. How great is the love of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—which is poured out on us!

LORD of Hosts blessed be Your Name. Those who know You constantly turn from idols and from weak self-willed practices because of the resurrection power of Jesus Christ that lives in them. Thank You for the powerful Spirit Who working in us so that Your grace and peace are becoming more and more obvious in all parts of our lives. Help us to yield more of ourselves, more of our willfulness, all of every part of our lives to You so that Your sanctifying work will be accomplished in us. Spirit of God, move us to remember the leaders, missionaries, preachers and shepherds who are carrying out Your work in our lives so that their work will be accomplished for Your glory, for the building up of Your people, and the healing which You intend. Amen.

https://youtu.be/BtP4QhUoIcw?si=tpzIjdpLwWtZ2HY_ Now Blessed Be the Lord our God

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