I Thessalonians 4

Verses 1-12 are exhortations... reminders of what it looks like to walk a worthy walk... a message that Paul repeats to all the churches in all his letters.  Here,  Paul writes, " For you know the commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.  For this is the will of God, your sanctification; ... " 

Sanctification - purity, holiness, to be made holy.  This is God's will for us.  Paul describes this as abstaining from immorality and lustful passions.. and from fraudulent behavior towards each other. "For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification."  He doesn't want us to live in uncleanness... but in purity.  Paul also includes in this description of God's will for the church, the need to love one another.. to excel in love, more and more.  Purity, honesty, and love.. the essence of a worthy walk.   As an added note Paul says, ".. make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you; so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need. " 

A friend recently shared a quote from Oswald Chambers about the fact that we do not have to do exceptional things, but we have to be exceptional in ordinary things.  This, it seems to me, is what Paul is saying in his letters... God calls us to a life of holiness in the ordinary days and hours of our time here on earth.  It is exceptional to love.. really love one another.  It is exceptional to "possess [your] own vessel in sanctification and honor."  It is exceptional to always treat others honestly and generously. In our culture.. in our world.. this is truly exceptional living!

Which also brings to my mind the sermons that my pastor has been preaching from the book of Ephesians.. making the point that when we live according to God's plan.. as husbands and wives, serving/ subject to one another.. we are being just like Jesus, who humbled Himself.. "emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, .. becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." ( Philippians 2:7-8)  It is exceptional to have this kind of marriage.  It is a testimony of the life of Christ in us.  We can be exceptional in the ordinary... but,  only if we are kept filled by the Holy Spirit continually!

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete without blame at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He will bring it to pass." ( I Thessalonians. 5:23-24)

What a precious prayer that Paul leaves with us in this letter.   Our God calls us to be sanctified.. it is His will for us.. and He Himself is the One who will do it!

Father in heaven, You are so faithful and true, so wise and so strong.. so loving and kind.  We praise You and thank You for the grace that You have poured out on us through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Fill us Holy Spirit so that we can live lives worthy of our God!  Sanctify us through and through. Amen!