The Very God of Peace Sanctify You Wholly.
And…
Paul, in his closing exhortations in his first letter to the Church of the Thessalonians says ‘and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly…’
The word ‘sanctify’ is the Greek word ‘hagiazō‘ and means ‘to separate from profane things and dedicate to God.’
The word ‘wholly’ is the Greek word ‘holotelēs‘ and means ‘complete in all respects.’
Paul is praying for God to completely and in every way, separate them from profane or ungodly things. Why? So that they might be dedicated completely to God.
Paul knows that they can’t do any of these things in their own strength so he asks God to set them completely apart. To make them totally devoted to Himself.
When God instructs us how to live, He also gives us all we need to obey Him, in and through Jesus Christ. We cannot make ourselves completely devoted to God. But by His grace we can live lives set apart for Him and His glory.
Yes we have to put effort in but it’s not a striving in our own strength. I
t’s not relying on our own ability. It’s seeking to do what’s right, all the while trusting in God to give us all the grace we need to do it.
Paul continues…
‘And I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.’
Do you believe it?
.
1 Thess 5:23-25
To explore the website further click here