“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God.”
(1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
God’s will for every believer is made clear in Scripture: our sanctification. As temples of His Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16), we are called to live holy lives, possessing our bodies in honor and not in the lustful passions of those who do not know God.
Sanctification is not optional; it is the duty of those redeemed by Christ to reflect His character, rejecting the idolatry of self and the pursuit of sinful desires. Scripture warns that God’s wrath burns against those who embrace wickedness, as seen in Hosea 4:17: “Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone!” Such idolaters, driven by covetousness and lust, forfeit their eternal welfare for fleeting pleasures, thereby provoking God’s judgment.
Jonathan Edwards unapologetically declared, “Such unclean people are the proper fuel of hell.”[1] The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, incinerated for their gross sins, testifies to God’s hatred of unholiness (Gen. 19).
Yet, for His redeemed, God calls us to stand apart and echo Joshua’s resolve: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Josh. 24:15). Our lives must proclaim our love for the one true God. And we must pursue sanctification through faith and obedience, glorifying Christ in all we do.
Contemplations:
- Contentment over covetousness. Lord, being content with what I have, keep my attitude void of all covetousness that I might live before You meekly (Heb. 13:5). Help me find satisfaction in You alone, rejecting selfish desires that dishonor Your name.
- Glorifying Christ in speech. Help me glorify Christ by speaking with charity in all I do (Eph. 4:15) instead of spending my life in pursuit of covetous desires (Eccl. 8:30). Let my words reflect Your love and honor You in every conversation.
- Walking in Your precepts. I lift my hand O Lord to Your commandments which I have loved, open my eyes and I shall understand, incline my heart and direct my steps and I shall walk in the path of Your precepts (Ps. 119:48, 133). Guide me to live according to Your law.
- Knowing You alone. Lord, grant that I may know You as the true God and that I may acknowledge You and no other, nor anything else beside You. Help me come to know You more, draw closer to You, and submit to Your will to sanctify my heart and my life before You.
Prayer (Supplication)
O holy and righteous God, You are the fountain of all purity, calling Your people to sanctification through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Your will for us is that we be holy as You are holy, that we may honor You as temples of Your Spirit. I worship You for Your unyielding love, which transforms sinners into saints, and for Your justice, which consumes unholiness. Your mercy invites us to live for You and to reflect Your character.
I confess that I have often resisted Your will for my sanctification. My heart has chased earthly pleasures over Your glory. I have failed to possess my vessel in honor, indulging in thoughts and actions unworthy of Your name. My words have not always reflected Your love, and I have neglected Your commandments. Forgive me for these sins, for profaning the temple of Your Spirit. Cleanse me through Christ’s blood and renew my heart to pursue holiness.
Lord, I plead for grace to live sanctified before You. Keep me content, free from covetousness, finding my joy in You alone. Help me speak with charity, glorifying Christ in all I do (Eph. 4:15). Guide my steps in Your precepts, and align my life with Your law.
Deepen my knowledge of You, that I may worship no other god. Fill me with Your Spirit, enabling me to overcome malice with goodness and live in holiness (1 Thess. 4:4). And keep me from temptation, sustaining me with Your grace until I reach Your eternal kingdom.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further References for 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5:
Rom. 12:1; 1 Cor. 7:9; Phil. 4:8; 1 Thess. 3:13.
[1] Jonathan Edwards, Ripe for Damnation: Sermons on the Book of Revelation, eBook, (Puritan Publications, 2015) Section, Cold nor Hot.
