Regarding The Will of God…

For this is the will of God, your sanctification…(I Thessalonians 4:3, ESV)

Even if we are not daily or actively praying to know the will of God for our lives concerning a particular decision or path, we certainly don’t want to be out of God’s will for our life or path. Being in the will of God is important for us and is one of those topics of concern that come up when we are talking with a spiritual leader or pastor, or during a group Bible study. Someone most always wants to know, “How can I make sure I am in or doing the will of God for my life?”

Paul says God’s will for us is sanctification. Sanctification is the ethical and moral implication of the Gospel. Meaning those who have been recreated in Christ Jesus are to reflect the newness they have received through his death and resurrection and as a result of being in relationship with him, no longer doing those things which are considered immoral or ungodly in nature.

We cannot force sanctification. Being sanctified cannot come because of following a rigid program or living by a strict set of rules and laws: no more this no more that…”

When Christ died on the cross, right before his last breath he said “It is finished (John 19:30),” meaning the Law had been satisfied. Though we are to follow the commands of God, we no longer live under the Law. But praise be to God we are sanctified through and as a result of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Instead of being the ones to initiate sanctification or work hard for it, we can see the process of sanctification as an activity or partnership with the Holy Spirit who initiates and works sanctification (change) within us. The Holy Spirit works good, brings his beautiful, godly, Christlike fruit into our heart and all we need to do is agree with him, cooperate with him, not resist him, let him have his way, submit to his ministry with us and before we know it we are changing, made new in thought, word and deed.

All this is so we do not get to take credit for our sanctification but must give all the glory and credit to God. No one gets to boast about being made different or better or holier than they once were, only the work of God through the Holy Spirit. Let’s Pray

It is your will for us Father, that we are sanctified. Thank you that we have no part in it, except to cooperate and agree with your Holy Spirit as he works in us, making us holy, reshaping and recreating us through hand through. May we not resist him but love and submit to him. Amen

Reflective Questions for Self and Soul-Tending:

When you look back over your life can you recognize the areas where the Holy Spirit has ministered to you and brought about your sanctification; and is still at work in you?

How will you incorporate today’s message into your plan of self and soul care?