Dependence on God for Holiness and Assurance

 

Summary

In our study of the benedictions and doxologies of Scripture, we turn our attention to 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, a prayer for holiness and sanctification. Paul’s final instructions to the Thessalonian church are filled with commands on how believers should relate to leaders, each other, their circumstances, and divine revelation. These instructions highlight the work we must do in light of Christ’s return. However, verses 23 and 24 address the work we cannot accomplish on our own, emphasizing our dependence on God through prayer.

The benediction in these verses is often overlooked, perhaps because we focus more on what we want God to do for us rather than what we need Him to do in us. This prayer is a reminder that God calls us to holiness, not just happiness. It assures us that we can pursue holiness with confidence in divine help. Verse 23 invites us to ask God to sanctify us completely, while verse 24 encourages us to trust God to fulfill this work.

The prayer begins with a comforting invocation, focusing on God as the "God of peace," who works powerfully and personally in us. This is not a delegated task; God Himself is at work to conform us to the image of His Son. We cannot achieve holiness on our own; only God can make us what we are to be in Christ. The prayer includes petitions for sanctification and preservation, asking God to sanctify us completely and keep us blameless until Christ’s return.

Verse 24 provides assurance that God, who has called us, is faithful and will surely accomplish this work. Our confidence lies not in our abilities but in God’s faithfulness. He who has called us will complete the good work He has begun. This assurance is rooted in God’s character and His steadfast love, which never ceases. We are reminded that our confidence should be in God’s faithfulness, not our weakness.

In conclusion, while we have responsibilities in our Christian walk, we do so with the assurance that God will do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Trusting in Jesus and His promises brings peace and confidence in our journey of faith.

Key Takeaways:

1. Dependence on God for Holiness: Our journey towards holiness is not one we can undertake alone. We must rely on God’s power and presence to sanctify us completely, recognizing that our own strength is insufficient. This dependence is a central theme of the benediction, reminding us of our need for divine help in our spiritual growth. [02:36]

2. God’s Personal Involvement: God’s work in us is not delegated; He is personally involved in our sanctification. This underscores the intimate relationship we have with God, who is actively conforming us to the image of Christ. Our transformation is a direct result of His personal and powerful work in our lives. [06:59]

3. Sanctification and Preservation: The prayer for sanctification is coupled with a prayer for preservation, highlighting the need for God to not only make us holy but also to keep us that way. This dual petition reflects the ongoing nature of our spiritual journey, where God’s sustaining power is essential. [11:46]

4. God’s Faithfulness: Our assurance in the Christian life is rooted in God’s faithfulness. He who has called us is faithful to complete the work He has begun. This faithfulness is a cornerstone of our confidence, allowing us to trust in God’s promises and His ability to fulfill them. [18:38]

5. Confidence in God’s Promises: The assurance that "He will surely do it" provides a profound sense of peace and confidence. Our focus should be on God’s faithfulness rather than our weaknesses, trusting that He will accomplish His purposes in us. This perspective shifts our reliance from self to God, fostering a deeper trust in His promises. [22:08]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:19] - Introduction to 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
- [00:57] - Instructions for Christian Living
- [01:28] - Living in Light of Christ’s Return
- [01:59] - The Work We Cannot Do
- [02:36] - Dependence on God Through Prayer
- [03:20] - The Overlooked Benediction
- [04:02] - Call to Holiness
- [04:42] - Asking God for Sanctification
- [05:15] - God of Peace: Power and Presence
- [06:33] - God’s Personal Work in Us
- [07:45] - The Folly of Self-Reliance
- [08:46] - Prayer for Sanctification and Preservation
- [11:46] - God’s Role in Our Holiness
- [13:00] - Complete Submission to God
- [14:53] - Assurance of God’s Faithfulness
- [16:03] - Trusting God’s Call and Faithfulness
- [18:38] - God’s Unwavering Faithfulness
- [20:03] - Confidence in God’s Promises
- [22:08] - Assurance in God’s Work
- [24:09] - Conclusion and Trust in Jesus

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the two main petitions Paul makes in 1 Thessalonians 5:23? How do these petitions relate to the believer's spiritual journey? [09:21]

2. According to the sermon, why is the benediction in 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 often overlooked by believers? [03:20]

3. How does the sermon describe God's role in our sanctification and preservation? What does it mean that this work is not delegated? [06:59]

4. What assurance does verse 24 provide about God's faithfulness in completing the work He has begun in us? [15:37]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of God being the "God of peace" influence our understanding of His role in our sanctification? What does this title imply about His power and presence in our lives? [05:15]

2. The sermon mentions that our confidence should be in God's faithfulness rather than our weaknesses. How does this perspective change the way we approach our spiritual growth and challenges? [22:08]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our sanctification is both a present and ongoing process? How does this dual aspect affect our daily walk with Christ? [17:00]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the difference between what we can do in our own strength and what requires divine intervention? What examples are given to highlight this distinction? [08:18]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you tried to achieve holiness through your own efforts. How did that experience compare to relying on God's power and presence? What steps can you take to depend more on God in your spiritual journey? [08:18]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer in our sanctification. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine to seek God's help in becoming more like Christ? [02:36]

3. Consider the areas of your life where you struggle to trust in God's faithfulness. What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from your weaknesses to God's promises? [22:08]

4. The sermon mentions the need for both sanctification and preservation. How can you actively participate in maintaining the holiness that God works in you? What role does community play in this process? [12:30]

5. Identify a specific area in your life where you need God's transformative power. How can you invite God to work in that area, and what changes might you expect to see as a result? [09:51]

6. How can you remind yourself daily of God's faithfulness and His promise to complete the work He has begun in you? Consider creating a tangible reminder, such as a journal entry or a note on your mirror. [20:03]

7. The sermon concludes with the assurance that God will surely do it. How can this assurance bring peace to your current circumstances? What specific promise of God can you hold onto this week? [22:08]

Devotional

Day 1: Dependence on God for Holiness
Our journey towards holiness is a path we cannot walk alone. It requires a deep reliance on God's power and presence to sanctify us completely. This dependence is not a sign of weakness but a recognition of our need for divine help in our spiritual growth. The benediction in 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 reminds us that while we have responsibilities in our Christian walk, it is ultimately God who sanctifies us. We are called to ask God to sanctify us completely, acknowledging that our own strength is insufficient. This prayerful dependence is a central theme, urging us to lean on God through prayer and trust in His ability to transform us. [02:36]

"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." (1 Thessalonians 5:23, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to rely on God for holiness? How can you intentionally seek His help in this area today?


Day 2: God’s Personal Involvement
God's work in us is not a task He delegates to others; He is personally involved in our sanctification. This underscores the intimate relationship we have with God, who is actively conforming us to the image of Christ. Our transformation is a direct result of His personal and powerful work in our lives. This personal involvement assures us that God is not distant or detached but is intimately aware of our struggles and growth. As we seek holiness, we can be confident that God is working in us, shaping us to reflect His Son. [06:59]

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's personal involvement in your spiritual growth? How can you acknowledge and respond to His work in your life today?


Day 3: Sanctification and Preservation
The prayer for sanctification is coupled with a prayer for preservation, highlighting the need for God to not only make us holy but also to keep us that way. This dual petition reflects the ongoing nature of our spiritual journey, where God’s sustaining power is essential. We are reminded that our journey towards holiness is not a one-time event but a continuous process that requires God's constant presence and power. As we strive to live blamelessly, we can trust that God will preserve us until Christ’s return, ensuring that we remain steadfast in our faith. [11:46]

"But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively seek God's preservation in your life today? What steps can you take to remain steadfast in your faith?


Day 4: God’s Faithfulness
Our assurance in the Christian life is rooted in God’s faithfulness. He who has called us is faithful to complete the work He has begun. This faithfulness is a cornerstone of our confidence, allowing us to trust in God’s promises and His ability to fulfill them. We are reminded that our confidence should not be in our abilities but in God’s unwavering faithfulness. As we navigate the challenges of life, we can rest in the assurance that God will accomplish His purposes in us, providing peace and confidence in our journey of faith. [18:38]

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust in God's faithfulness? How can you remind yourself of His promises today?


Day 5: Confidence in God’s Promises
The assurance that "He will surely do it" provides a profound sense of peace and confidence. Our focus should be on God’s faithfulness rather than our weaknesses, trusting that He will accomplish His purposes in us. This perspective shifts our reliance from self to God, fostering a deeper trust in His promises. As we place our confidence in God, we are encouraged to live boldly, knowing that He is at work in us and will bring His plans to fruition. [22:08]

"For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage." (Psalm 94:14, ESV)

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you need to hold onto today? How can you live with confidence in His faithfulness and promises?

Quotes


The key to prayer is dependence upon God, and this benediction sits here as a prayer to remind the saints of our neediness for God. One writer noted that of all of the benedictions in the writings of Paul, this seems to be the one least used and notes that it's a shame, and he's right. [00:03:09]

It is a reminder that God calls us to be holy, not merely happy. It is His will that we live sanctified lives, and it tells us we can pursue holiness in this world with confidence of divine help. Verse 23 bids us to ask God to make us holy. Verse 24 bids us to trust God to make us holy. [00:04:20]

He begins this statement of blessing, this prayerful benediction, with the assurance that God is at work in His people, both powerfully and personally. He is at work powerfully as He is the God of peace. This reference to God as the God of peace is representative of His power. [00:05:44]

The sanctification of His people, making us holy in Christ, is no delegated work for God. The God of peace Himself is at work to conform us to the image of His Son. If I may say it the way I like to say it, it is the will of God to have the Spirit of God use the Word of God to make the children of God look like the Son of God. [00:07:29]

We cannot be holy in our own strength, our own wisdom, our own resources. We need God to sanctify us, and notice he says may God sanctify us completely, through and through, through to the end. One commentator made it clear that no believer can avoid all evil anymore than a boat can avoid the water that it's in, but the boat can avoid leaks. [00:10:26]

God alone is able to clean us up and God alone is able to keep us that way. And so he says may this God sanctify you through and through and in that same spirit he says, "May your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." [00:12:48]

And when he prays there, he gives assurance here that God is able to keep us blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Archaeologists have found ancient burial places of early Christians that were marked simply with the term "without blame," no doubt the expectation that God would do exactly here what this benediction claimed, that He will keep us blameless until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:14:27]

There is a, in verse 23, comforting invocation that moves to a lofty petition. Now in verse 24, it ends with a blessed assurance. Most of Paul's benedictions end with the word "Amen." What does "amen" mean? Maybe verse 24 may be the best definition of the word "amen." "He who calls you is faithful. He will surely do it. Amen." [00:15:17]

God has called us into His kingdom and into His glory. The language here though in verse 24 is present tense. There is this ongoing call on our lives. And it's not that we have been saved and we just coast to glory. There is a high standard of following Christ that we are to pursue. And God calls us. Our assurance is rooted in resting in that call. [00:17:00]

The God who has called us is faithful. The fact that God calls us is His divine activity, but the fact that He is faithful is His divine character. What He does is rooted in who He is. "He is not a man that he should lie. He is not the son of man that He should have to repent of any wrongdoing," Numbers 23 verse 19. [00:18:33]

We leave unfinished business sometimes out of negligence and sloth and irresponsibility. Sometimes we just don't have the time, energy, resources, help, or knowledge to finish what we start but one way or the other we will all begin things in life that will be marked incomplete in the final inspection, but not so with God. He is, in a word, "faithful." [00:20:45]

This is a reminder that our confidence is not to be in ourselves, but the confidence for the Christian journey and all that is required is that He who has called us is faithful and He will surely do it. There is much that we must do in obedience to God to live up the high standard of Christian discipleship, but we do so with confidence that God will do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. [00:23:04]

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Transcript
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