Verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

Devotion
Sanctification: the processes of becoming more and more like Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit.

These verses bring to mind Ephesians 4:22-24, which read “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Oh friend, sanctification is such a big, hard, painful, but life giving process. Like Paul says, as we learn to walk in the way in which we’ve been called, we are called to do so “more and more”.

As we become more aware of Christ’s goodness and holiness, we also become more aware of our own sin. This process of purging our old selves can be painful, and is an ongoing process through our walk as believers.

However, sweet friend, take heart in knowing that as Paul states, we are not in it alone. He states that we know the instructions we are given. Jesus has given us the blueprint in his Word to decipher and discern the world around us. But, also hidden in Paul’s words, is that He gives us each other. Paul worked with the Thessalonians to encourage, challenge, and provide teaching to them. As fellow Christ followers, we are all in the process together. We are meant to lean on one another and fight the good fight together.

Prayer:
Lord, please help my wandering heart to continue growing closer to You through the process of sanctification. Holy Spirit, lead me in discerning Your Word as I learn about your heart and who you are. Father, help me to cling tight to the tribe of people you’ve intentionally placed around me to walk through this life with. Thank you Jesus for the opportunity to become more and more like you. Amen

Author: Becca Artymenko