Lifelong Pursuit

GETTING STARTED

Do you like to practice? There is a strong correlation between how much time one puts into practice and the results that are achieved. Be it a physical game, an area of study, or improving one’s employment. In today’s passage, Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians with some parting words of encouragement and reminders of what he had instructed throughout the previous four chapters. In these earlier chapters Paul discussed the importance of spiritual growth, our sanctification, and its process. This lifelong pursuit is what God calls us to, and thankfully assists us with.

  • When in your life did you put your all into a pursuit? Did it come naturally, or did it require dedication?

READ THE WORD: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 (ESV)

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

25 Brothers, pray for us.

26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

27 I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Who enables a believer’s sanctification, and how long will this process continue?
  2. What did Paul say God promises in verse 24? What will he surely do?
  3. What three requests did Paul make to the readers of his letter?
  4. Paul began this passage by talking about the God of peace who sanctifies (makes holy), and ends the passage by talking about the grace of Jesus. What is the relationship between the grace of Jesus and the peace and sanctification of God in our lives?
  5. How are you pursuing holiness? What are you doing to grow into a deeper understanding of God’s character?

RESPOND TO GOD

In 1 Thessalonians, the overwhelming theme is the future return of Christ and instruction to help assist spiritual growth. This process of growth is summed up in these last few verses: Our goal as believers is the pursuit of holiness until the coming of Christ, a lifetime of sanctification. Thanks be to God that he is the instrument of this sanctification and has provided his Holy Spirit to assist us. This pursuit of holiness does not come without work and dedication on our end. As Paul alludes, we play a role in our sanctification. We should pray for holiness, encourage our fellow brothers and sisters in their journey, and spend time in the Word of God.

  • Pray to press on for holiness. Pray for your fellow believers and thank God that we are not in this journey alone, that we have a heavenly father who promises to see us through to the end.