THE LIFE THAT PLEASES GOD

Reading: I Thes 4:3-12

 

Have you ever wondered, perhaps in frustration, “What is God’s will for my life?” “If I just knew what He wanted me to do, I would do it.” Really? Are you (am I) sure? Are you (am I) ready for the answer?

Read on only if you answered “Yes” to these last questions. This journey is not for the faint-hearted, so hold tight, take a deep breath – off we go!

 

I Thes 4: 3 begins: “For this is the will of God…” Could it be stated any plainer?  OK, now for the answer (drum roll, please, and have pen and paper handy), verse 3 continues: “your sanctification.” What?! Wait – that’s it, one word is all I get to base life’s decisions on?!!!

 

So, if sanctification is the word, maybe we ought to delve into it and see what God might want for us.  Sanctify: “to set apart for a particular holy or sacred use intended by its designer.” “A person then is sanctified when he or she lives according to God’s design and purpose”* Verse 3 of I Thes adds to the definition. “…that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality.”

 

Why is sexual sin the only one mentioned here in reference to sanctification? Maybe it’s as Paul says in I Cor 6:18: “Avoid sexual looseness like the plague! Every other sin that a man [or woman] commits is done outside his [her] own body, but this is an offense against his [her] own body (J B Phillips).” So it hits at the core of who we are as men and women, and, if we are able to live victoriously in this area of our lives, we will have come closer to living a sanctified life – in the will of God – in other areas. 

 

As in today’s reading, God specifically tells us in many other places in His Word what His will is for us. Often it’s not so much a matter of knowing but doing what we know His will to be. Then, to ask ourselves, in matters where He does not specify, “Is this pleasing to God?” might just lead us to the answer, “What’s God’s will for my life?”

 

Thank you, Lord that you show me in many ways your will for my life. Help me to seek to do your will and lead a life that is pleasing to you. Amen.

 

 

 

*from Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology – online

More Powerful than Water

Water is powerful. A flood can destroy your house in a second. An unchecked drip can rot your house over a several year period. Besides being powerful, water also brings something powerful.

 

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

 

Peter spoke these words, from today’s reading, Acts 2:29-41, in Jerusalem during Pentecost.

 

What a blessing baptism is. Water and the Word of God: a common liquid coupled with profound wisdom that transcends human understanding. Baptism.  Simple, but effective.

 

The Lord saved the Jews from Pharaoh’s army about 3400 years ago. The Jews were slaves in Egypt, and Moses was God’s instrument to afflict the Egyptians with 10 plagues. Eventually Pharaoh relented and released the Jews. However, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army to crush the Jews. God parted the waters of the Red Sea allowing the Jews to cross. With the Egyptians still on the sea bed, God released the water and the army drowned.

 

God used water to save the Jews from its enemy.

 

When we are baptized, Satan, can no longer touch us. Sure, he can wreak havoc in our lives, but our souls belong to God.

 

God uses water to save Christians from its enemy.

 

Joshua led the Jews through the Jordan River to Canaan. Out of water, the Jews came to their Promised Land.

 

Our baptism ensures us eternal life with God. Out of water, Christians come to their promised land, Heaven.

A theologian would say baptism Justifies us. That is, baptism makes us right with God.

 

Baptism is more than that. Peter tells us the Holy Spirit enters us on our baptism.

 

The Holy Spirit allows us to have faith and be aware of, if not fully understand, God’s Plan and Christ’s Mission. In addition, it equips us with the skills necessary to carry out that Mission, the Mission of the Church.

 

Baptism also Sanctifies us. It allows us to reach out to others.

 

Baptism: Justification and Sanctification!

 

Yes, water brings the Holy Spirit, more powerful than water itself!

Truth in the Word - John 17:6-19

"They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:1-16)

The text today is a prayer Jesus is praying for His disciples.  It seems they are right there with Him as He is praying, or at least close by.  Can you imagine what it would be like to have Jesus pray for you to God the Father?  The disciples must have been in awe at this moment in time.   

Jesus asks God to sanctify them.  Sanctify means to set apart for a sacred purpose.  Oh, my, this just gets better and better.  What does it mean to be sanctified by the truth?  The disciples were set apart by the truth to do the work Jesus began.  They were commissioned to spread the Good News to tell all who would listen about God's Word.

We too have been set apart to do God's work, to share the story of Jesus, to point to God's Word. Do you feel special?  You are, as a child of God you can't get any more special.  The real question is, "What are we going to do about it?"  Growing Up Strong in God's Word prepares us to carry out our assignment, to understand what it means and to be confident the Holy Spirit will guide and protect us.  We are in the midst of an amazing adventure - hold on to your hats, God is up to something big.

Read the John 17:6-19 text here.