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Read 1 Thessalonians 3:11 – 4:8.
Salvation is about more than getting to heaven when we die. It’s about living a transformed life here and now. Transformation and restoration are a fundamental part of who we are called to be as followers of Jesus. This journey of transformation and restoration is what we call, in theological terms: sanctification. To be sanctified is to be set-apart for special use – set-apart from our sin, and set-apart to Jesus (to walk in love).
Because this life matters, sanctification matters.
Sometimes sanctification is confusing, because it comes with the tension of the already and not yet. Sanctification is the fruit of new birth. In other words, the natural result of true faith is a life fully devoted to Jesus. But all of us often feel that we should be much further along than we are. We’re all a work in progress.
Sanctification flows out of a transformed heart, love for God and people, and a full appreciation of what Jesus has done! And it really isn’t as confusing as we think. The real question is quite simple: Is my life pleasing to God?
Now, let’s look at three ways to please God with my life.
1. I’m increasing in LOVE; being established in HOLINESS.
There is a connection between our love (for God, for others) and our sanctification. As we increase in Christ-like love, our hearts will be established blameless in holiness. Our life will reflect the heart of our Heavenly Father.
Think about the life of the Apostle Paul for a moment. Before he encountered Jesus on that Damascus road, he was zealous for what he believed was true holiness. But, as zealous as he was, his heart was established in hatred. (You can be religious, and still be established in hate!) But the moment he encountered the risen Jesus, he was transformed into a new creation. That transformation began his sanctification. The hatred in his heart crumbled, and more and more his love began to grow.
Oh, that we would be transformed like Paul by an encounter with the risen Jesus!
2. I’m living to HONOR Jesus.
We honor those we love. Let’s honor Jesus with our lives!
Think of it this way: A husband is called to honor his wife (and a wife is called to honor her husband). The way I treat my wife, the way I talk about her to others, even the way I live and act toward other people, should bring honor to her instead of shame.
In the same way, we’re called to walk in a way that brings honor to Jesus, and that will only come as our lives increase in love, and are established in holiness.
Oh, that our hearts would burn with a desire to bring honor with our words and actions to our King Jesus!
3. I’m submitted to PURITY.
We’re called to submit our lives to Jesus.
I had a conversation this week about what it means to “be saved,” and how that affects our sexuality (like the text, here, mentions).
We talked about how salvation isn’t just getting to heaven, but it’s about being transformed in this life. We talked about submitting our lives, and our sexuality, to Jesus and His kingdom. In my head, I picture a person kneeling at the Cross. To follow Jesus is to submit to His authority and His direction. And just as Jesus submitted to the Father’s will, we’re called to do likewise. This affects our sexuality, our attitudes, our work ethic, and – more than anything else – how we treat others.
Am I growing in purity? Am I living to bring honor to Jesus? And am I being established in holiness while growing in love?
All in all, very simply, am I pleasing God with my life?
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