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Thessalonians 5:23-24 ESV
[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.
There's a common misconception of sanctification.
Paul makes sure that we understand which God he is referring to when he states the
God of peace. It is the God whom we need
to have a relationship with.
Before Jesus went into the desert to be tempted,
he was baptized. The Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove and God said this
is my son whom I am well pleased.
Jesus had a perfect relationship with God and
He continued to work at His relationship with God.
Although we are sanctified, we still need to work
at building our relationship with God. Sanctification requires constant effort.
Baptism and repentance are good for us, but it
is not enough to be sanctified.
Philippians 3:12 ESV
[12] Not that I have already obtained this or
am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made
me his own.
So, how far should we work at our sanctification.
We need to look at Jesus ' life. Jesus lived a life of sacrifice.
John 15:13 ESV
[13] Greater love has no one than this, that someone
lay down his life for his friends.
It might seem too much to do this; however, it
is God who will help us.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 ESV
[24] He who calls you is faithful; he will surely
do it.
Also consider that God gives us hope that allows
us to work at our relationship.
Philippians 2:12-13 ESV
[12] Therefore, my beloved, as you have always
obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out
your own salvation with fear and trembling,
[13]
for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
