21 Steps Toward Sanctified Christian Living

Sometimes I get a thought about which I want to write, and I search the scriptures for help with that topic. Sometimes I search out the scriptures for help finding something to write about. This devotion was born of the latter method.

In my searching of the scriptures today, I “found” 1 Thessalonians, Chapters 4 and 5, and in these chapters, practical instruction for sanctified Christian living. I was struck by how plainly many of the exhortations are outlined.
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While we are only saved through faith in Christ, and not by our works, we are compelled by the Holy Spirit to strive to be more like Christ in our actions. The word “sanctified” means “set apart”, which is to say, markedly different from the non-believer in thought and practice.

Please note, the title of this devotion is not "21 Steps to Sanctified Christian Living". I am not trying to present a comprehensive list here. I'm sure there are additional ways in which we should conduct ourselves to demonstrate sanctification. Please also note, this list is not my own invention! The ideas are taken directly from scripture, but I have paraphrased them in a list format.

So, let's look at 1 Thessalonians. In Chapter 4, verse 3, it says: "For this is the will of God, your sanctification:" Well, that seems pretty clear! It could be interpreted that the idea of sanctification here pertains mainly to the exhortation immediately following (which is number one on the list below). But, I read that statement as an introduction to all the contents of Chapters 4 and 5, as the end of Chapter 5 seems to be a summary of the instructions in Paul's letter.

21 Steps Toward Sanctified Christian Living

1. Don't be sexually immoral. (4:3-8)
2. Show brotherly love continuously. (4:9-10)
3. Don’t be a busybody. (4:11)
4. Don’t be lazy. (4:11-12)
5. Don’t grieve hopelessly over Christians who have died. (4:13-17)
6. Encourage other believers with the hope of the resurrection. (4:18)
7. Watch and be ready for the Lord’s return. (5:1-10)
8. Encourage other believers to watch and be ready for the Lord’s return. (5:11)
9. Have respect for and peace with fellow Christians and Christian leaders. (5:12-13)
10. Warn the unruly within the church. (5:14)
11. Encourage the spiritually fainthearted. (5:14)
12. Support the spiritually weak. (5:14)
13. Be patient with all your Christian brothers and sisters. (5:14)
14. Don’t seek revenge. (5:15)
15. Seek to do good to people. (5:15)
16. Rejoice always. (5:16)
17. Pray without ceasing. (5:17)
18. Give thanks in all circumstances. (5:18)
19. Do not quench the Spirit. (5:19)
20. Do not despise prophecies, but use discernment. (5:20-21)
21. Abstain from every form of evil. (5:22)

Yes, this a list of "Dos" and "Dont's".  But as with all biblical instruction, the purpose is not to restrict or burden, but is to improve the spiritual health of the believer.  This list contains actions and practices that set us apart from those outside of the faith. 

At the end of Chapter 5 we are left with some great encouragement!  "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.  He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it." (5:23-24)  Commit to serving Him and He will take care of the sanctification process.  

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