Scripture to Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28
Sweet words from God, through Paul, are the ones found in these final verses in 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28. What a great reminder in verse 23 that God is the one who sanctifies us completely. God is the Only One who has the power to separate us from worldly and offensive things and to make us pure and whole, through His Holy Spirit who lives in us. God has given us His Spirit, so we have the power to walk away from (to crucify) our worldly desires and the offensive things that dishonor our Lord. God has claimed us as His own. Therefore, we are undamaged (perfected by Christ), consecrated (dedicated, set apart) for His purpose and plans. Also, through His Holy Spirit who lives in us, we are to live in such a way that our spirit and soul (our mind, will and emotions) and body are found blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes back for His church. Because Christ gave His life for us, we are made complete in Him, but we must choose to live in the new life He has given us. God has given us so much here in 1 Thessalonians on how to live this new life in Him. We also find how to live our new life in Christ in Galatians 5, Ephesians 4:17-32, Ephesians 5, Colossians 3, Philippians 2, and so many other Scriptures as well. The beautiful thing is that Christ will fulfill His call on our lives by guarding, protecting, and watching over us because we belong to Him.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about how you are to live your life since you belong to Him?
2. Who will you share with this week what God has taught you this week?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!