1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Here we are listed with three parts: spirit, soul and body.
All three are important aspects of who we are. Each part needs to belong to Jesus.
He wants to sanctify us completely, not just part of us.
Scriptures:
I Corinthians 4:1-2 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-10 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Thoughts:
God is interested in our lives. He gave Himself a ransom to redeem us from sin. He then wants to care for us and provide for us. He did not purchase us, just to abandon us, forget about us, or leave us without alone. He hopes we will give thanks and live a life that reveals the purchase.
He gives words and scriptures that address our lives not only for the spiritual side, but also the physical things. How we act, inwardly and outwardly are important to God.
He created us with a body, soul and spirit. Each part of us needs to be given to God. He wants us to be examples in our words, our conduct, in love, in our spirit, in faith and in purity. He gave this list to show us the areas we are to dedicate to Him. All areas of our life should reveal that we belong to the Savior and no are no longer the property of sin or of ourselves.
He gave guidelines and commands to his people. He wants a temple to live in, a temple in which He is Lord over all. Having Christ in us, means we are chosen and part of that royal priesthood. Being part of the royal priesthood means there are changes in our thoughts, actions and behaviors. There is a difference in our motivations and to whom we are accountable.
We are no longer our own. We belong to Christ. He paid the price. We entered the royal family of God. We are to show those around us, the difference. This should come from our heart, from the very throne room, from our inward man.
Our lives reflect Christ to the world!
If Christ is living in us, the world should see Christ in our words and actions. There should be a change in our responses and our lifestyle.
One of the best ways to now what He wants is to know Him and make Him Lord all the time. That comes through a relationship that is built upon every day. Everyday reading of the word, prayer and time with God is how our hearts are changed. Change should come from the inside, from the heart. Especially if He is already there.
Matthew 12:34Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.
Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Let's be sure our heart is bringing forth good treasure that speaks to others about the goodness of God. He is the treasure that should be in our heart. He is what should be coming forth from us in all areas of our lives.
God did not just say, flee from evil. He gave us examples to follow and ways to do good.
Let's study His word, spend time with Him and in fellowship with the believers to help one another. Together we can grow and be the example God has called us to be.
1. Do I show Christ in my conduct, faith, attitude, purity, love, spirit and words?
2. What treasure have I stored in my heart?
3. Have I demonstrated that I am a temple of God?
4. Pray for God to lead and guide us as we become an example of the royal priesthood.
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