1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication:… For this is God's will, your sanctification. The first duty expressed is personal holiness. I. THE NATURE OF SANCTIFICATION. 1. It implies the consecration of all our faculties and powers, both of body and mind, to God's service. 2. It implies personal purity in heart and life. We are to "cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1). II. THE GROUND OF THE EXHORTATION. 1. It is God's will. That ought to stimulate to exertion and encourage to prayer. "Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God." 2. It was the design of Christ's death; for he "gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14). III. THE MEANS OF SANCTIFICATION. 1. It is by the truth. "Sanctify them by thy truth: thy Word is truth." 2. It is by his ordinances. 3. It is by his providences. (Psalm 119:71; Hebrews 12:10; Romans 2:4.) 4. It is, above all, by the Spirit of holiness, as its sole Author. - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:WEB: For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, |
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