Scripture
“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.”
Reflection
Sanctification is the act of setting apart for a sacred purpose. As Christians, we are set apart for God’s special use and purpose. In sanctification, both God and us (Christians) have responsibilities. God sanctified us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross (Hebrew 10:10) and He is still at work in us, giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13). But it is our responsibility to respond to Him (Philippians 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:3), to abide in Him, and to walk with Him. It is our role to continuously surrender to God, to yield to the Holy Spirit.
God created us tripartite, namely spirit, soul and body, and He wants us to be sanctified in the three parts. The spirit connects us to God and enables us to worship God and to fellowship with Him. The soul which is in between the spirit and the body, is the seat of the mind, emotions and will. And the body connects us to our physical environment.
Looking forward to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us continue to walk in sanctification, in holiness as we rely on God’s grace. For without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Think of another person in your life who needs God to move in their situation. Ask for God to be at work. Approach the Lord of all with boldness today, knowing that he delights in you, and those you love.
