sanctification – T.H.E.M.

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Thessalonians chapter 3

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Paul was not afraid to ask churches to pray for him. His prayer requests were not selfish, but always centered on advancing the Gospel. Paul wanted to see God’s Word spread and impact people’s lives. He desired this for the Thessalonians too. He wanted to see them walking in the truth. Obedience is a mark of our commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Jesus taught that obedience is a demonstration of our love for God. The Bible also teaches that blessings follow obedience. The hymn writer penned it this way, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.” Also, Paul wanted these believers to grow in the truth. He said, “May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT) Paul not only wanted believers to walk in the truth, and to grow in the truth, but also he wanted them to stand in the truth. Apparently, there were believers in the church that were not being faithful. They were living idle lives, refusing to work, and were meddling in other people’s business. Paul instructed the erring believers to settle down and work to earn their own living. He instructed the faithful believers to stand in the truth by staying away from all believers living contrary to the Word of God they had been taught. Paul said, “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15 NKJV)

Prayer: “Dear Father, may the Word of God have full effect in our lives, and may we walk, grow, and stand in the truth. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Corinthians chapter 3

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each)

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.”
We have been given great freedom in Christ Jesus. We have freedom to pray, freedom to worship, freedom to witness, and much more. The Spirit of God gives us liberty. Freedom is available to us because the glory of God rests on us. Our bodies have become a place for God to dwell. In the Old Testament God’s glory rested on the tabernacle, but in the New Testament God’s glory rests on the child of God. As those who are inhabited by God’s Spirit, we are to reflect His glory. The glory of God that rests on us does not fade away. The glory Moses experienced was fading so he wore a veil. Under the new covenant our veil is taken away. Our freedom means we will reflect God’s glory. Also, freedom means we are being renewed by God’s grace. Our lives are being daily transformed by the power of God. We are being changed into His glorious image. This is a work of the Spirit. Bible teachers call this process sanctification. Sanctification simply means, “to become more like Jesus.” Is your life being daily transformed by the Holy Spirit? Are you becoming more like Jesus?

Prayer: “Dear Father in heaven, may You fill us with Your glory, and may we reflect Your image. Sanctify us by Your Spirit. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Tag: sanctification

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