Deeper ReflectionPAUL PRAYS FOR THE SANCTIFICATION OF THE THESSALONIANS
(1 Thess 5:23). A framework for biblical understanding of sanctification
will be helpful.
We are to walk in sanctification. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to
“abstain from sexual immorality”, as there were some who had yielded to
their sexual passions in a way that characterised “those who do not know
God” (1 Thess 4:3-5).
44 The ground for sexual purity is God “has called us in
holiness” (1 Thess 4:7). The holy God has redeemed us into a relationship
with Him and this relationship is a holy relationship.Our human part to walk in sanctification is not meant to be the starting
point in God’s calling us to holiness. The starting point is
God has
sanctified us in Christ. This is what God says in His Word: “But you
were washed, you
were sanctified, you were justified in the name of
the Lord Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor 6:11); “we
have been
sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all”
(Heb 10:10); “for by a single offering He has perfected for all time those
who
are being sanctified” (Heb 10:14). This is foundational in our holy
relationship with God when we are cleansed from sin and made fit for the
holy presence of God.
45But ultimately,
God is the source of our sanctification. It is “the
God of peace Himself” who sanctifies us (1 Thess 5:23), even when we in
obedience walk in holiness. The intensive pronoun, “Himself ”, lays stress
on God’s role in our sanctification rather than our human ability and
effort.
46
44 Gene L. Green, The Letters to the Thessalonians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Apollos, 2002), 187
45 F. F. Bruce, The Epistle to the Hebrews, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Eerdmans, 1964), 236
46 Jeffrey A. D. Weima, 1-2 Thessalonians, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Baker Academic, 2014), 417
