Daily Reading 7-17-17
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 (NIV)
The temptation to live for self rather than submit to God is a daily opportunity. God desires for us to live obedient to his Word and to offer ourselves for the process of sanctification. Being sanctified or made holy is the process of living the Christian life. It is how the Holy Spirit works in us to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. Let’s not reject God’s instruction, but take it to heart and learn from him.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 Living to Please God
1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this Word on sanctification; I welcome your instruction. In Jesus’ name. Amen.