Scripture to Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
One of the number one questions for most young Christians, especially those in their teens, ’20s, ’30s, and even ’40s, is “What is God’s will for my life?” God wants us to know His will because, as our loving Heavenly Father, He desires us to walk in His will. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, God says what His will is for us, and His will is that we are sanctified. To be sanctified means to be “set apart” to be “declared holy.” God the Father, through the crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and then through His Holy Spirit living in us, has sanctified us for Himself. Since God has given us His Holy Spirit to live in us, that means we have all we need to live holy lives. It is up to us to choose to live sanctified each day. To live sanctified, God lays out for us specific commands to obey. Today we read that we are to avoid sexual immorality. We must understand that the word “immorality” is anything evil, sinful, or a wrong behavior of any kind. To avoid sexual immorality, we must choose to reject any sexual activity, thought, or attitude which is outside the bonds of marriage, as defined by God. God also commands, in 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5, that we know how to control our body, by living holy and honoring God. We do this by fulfilling His purpose and not fulfilling our lust the way lost people do. We must live differently than the lost.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about living a sanctified life?
2. Who will you share this truth with about “sanctification” this week?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!