“Feb 16, 2024 - He Will Surely Do It”

Thursday, February 15, 2024

He Will Surely Do It

Reading:  1 Thessalonians 5:23-28
    
    Paul finishes the letter with a beautiful prayer for blessing on the Thessalonians.  He asks that “the God of peace himself sanctify you completely”(1 Thess 5:23).  This is a work that is so important that God will not leave it to surrogates, but will do it “himself.”  Paul longs for God to bring these young believers to full holiness, not just in sexual matters (1 Thess 4:3), but in their “whole spirit and soul and body.”  God’s purity and separateness can extend through all of our thinking, deep into our hearts, and out into our bodies.  He can cleanse us and set us apart to his work, keeping us “blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  His prayer is for God’s ongoing sanctification of his people, all the way to the end when Jesus returns.

    After leaving us breathless with this awesome benediction, Paul reassures us:  “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it”(1 Thess 5:24).  Because God is dependable and trustworthy, we can be confident in his work in our hearts.  He will not leave us half-finished.  He will be faithful to his words and commitment.  Will we?

    There is assurance here that since our salvation depends on God, we are safe in his hands.  He has more work to do in us.  He wants to bring our sanctification into richer, fuller fulfilment.  He wants to preserve us blameless through the trials of life.  Paul insists that “he will surely do it.”  He does not mean that God will save us against our will—or despite persistent rebellion.  His point is that God will always be faithful.  Will we?

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One Thing to Think About:   How can I be holier in my spirit, soul, and body?

One Thing to Pray For:  God to continue and complete his work in me
 

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