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Sanctification: The Work of God (I Thes. 4:23)
This letter was one of the first letters written in the New
Testament. Even though it has only been 30 years since Jesus had
ascended back to the right hand of the majesty on high, it breathes
with the hope of His return. The Apostle was writing this letter to
inquire concerning these young coverts’ faith for they were his
hope, joy and crown of rejoicing.
The Apostle Paul starts this letter out in the first chapter by
informing these new believers of his prayers for them and giving
thanks to God for their exemplary Christian character. These
believers manifested a work of faith, labor of love, and patience
of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. Having turned to God from idols,
he praised their service to the true and living God which had made
them examples to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia. But while
they were living up to a high standard they had not yet reached the
apostolic standard.
In the fourth chapter Paul instructs them concerning the practical
Christian walk by warning them that there are things that can
hinder their witness and fellowship. In verses 3-5 he cautions them
concerning sensuality, the essence of which is lust. In verses 6-8
he admonishes that they not engage in fraud and deceit against the
brethren due to a lack of brotherly love. He teaches that the cure
for sensuality is heart purity, for deception is holiness of life
and for the lack of brotherly love is perfect love. All of this is
summed up in his prayer for them in chapter 5:23. He prays “the
very God of peace sanctify you wholly.”
In chapter 3, we are made to see that this burden was so heavy on
Paul that he wrote to Timothy to find out how they were doing. He
wr0te, “When I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith,
lest by some means the tempter have tempted you and our labor be in
vain.” He continues to tell them of his travail and anguish that he
was suffering for them. “Night and day I’m praying exceedingly that
we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in
your faith.” In verse 13 he further explains to them what he meant
by perfect faith. “To the end he may establish your hearts
unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.”
Knowing that these obedient Christians were determined to be
faithful to the call that God had placed on their lives, he began
to instruct them concerning God’s will for them. In chapter 4: 3 he
wrote, “this is the will of God, even your sanctification.” This
will is equal in importance and is an imperative command. It is
important to know the will of God and imperative to do the will of
God. No other reason needs to be given to the believer as to why
one should be sanctified wholly than that it is God’s will for us.
It is important to notice that these were not backslidden nor even
complacent in their Christian walk. These young believers were
demonstrating the credentials of their faith by their conduct.
However, the Apostle Paul knew that danger lurked for them if they
were not sanctified wholly. That is why he prayed that he might
“see their face” and perfect that which was lacking in their faith.
Often when we find a lack in our spiritual life we try to
cover it up or hide it from others. It is not a reflection on our
lives or our integrity to recognize that we suffer a spiritual
deficit. If you notice, these were not devoid of faith, nor had
they lost their faith, there was simply a lack in their faith. God
used a Spirit-filled man in the person of the apostle Paul to
reveal it to them. When we are made aware of that realization, too
often we shut ourselves off from it and refuse to heed God’s call
to this more excellent way. We must not let Satan take advantage of
us at this point. We are not hypocrites because we see a lack and
seek more of God for its fulfillment. When the evidence and
enlightenment becomes obvious walk in the light and receive the
experience.
Remember, entire sanctification is not only the will of God it is
also the work of God. It is the “God of peace” who “sanctifies
wholly.” Man’s responsibility is to consecrate himself a living
sacrifice, but God’s part, through the merits of Calvary, is to
cleanse him from all sin. He will cleanse all we consecrate, and
purify all we present to Him. We must be careful not to withhold
anything from Him, He deserves our all.
It is also for the glory of God. We need not fear to testify to a
sanctified, pure heart because it redounds to His glory. Through
the Holy Spirit we are empowered to “serve Him without fear, in
holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.” It
is then that God is truly glorified and will result in the
salvation of lost souls. “The heathen shall know that I am Lord,
when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.” Paul gives us
great confidence in 5: 24 when he reminds us “Faithful is He that
calleth you, who also will do it.” It is God’s Call, His Will, His
Work, and it is to His Glory that we be sanctified wholly and have
the lack in our faith made
perfect.
