Possessing Ourselves In Sanctification 1 Thessalonians 4:4

O.T. Sanctification “Separation to God” (Vine’s) It is a principle that God develops in the O.T. so that we who are under the N.T. can understand. “…sanctify them that they may minister to Me.” -Exodus 28:41- Priests were separated from the rest of the people—no other could serve God as they did (Num. 18:7; 2 Chron. 26:16-18). Before they could serve they had to be made clean—made acceptable for service to God. They even had holy garments for distinction (Ex. 28:2).

N.T. Sanctification The O.T. pattern was merely an illustration of what God was going to do in the New Testament. “…which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” -Colossians 2:17- “…who has made us kings and priests to His God and Father…” -Revelation 1:6 “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” -Galatians 3:27-

N.T. Sanctification The O.T. pattern was merely an illustration of what God was going to do in the New Testament. “By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” -Hebrews 10:10- “But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” -1 Corinthians 6:11-

N.T. Sanctification But for what purpose? As priests, similar to O.T. (Rev. 1:6). Set apart from the rest of the people. Only ones who can serve God acceptably (1 Cor. 6:20). Spiritually, made clean by the body and blood of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 6:11). Given new spiritual holy garments (Gal. 3:27). But for what purpose?

Possessing Ourselves in Sanctification “…let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” -Hebrews 12:28- Our life is in serving God (Rom. 6:22). Nothing else matters compared to this (Phil. 3:8). When we serve God, He cares for our needs. (Compare Num. 18:8-10; Matt. 6:31-33)

Possessing Ourselves in Sanctification God sanctifies us. Our responsibility is to live as though we have been sanctified. 1 Thess. 4:1-8: “Posses”: “Gain mastery over”-take control of. Walking to please God (vs. 1). Abstain from sexual immorality (vs. 3). Not in passion of lust (vs. 5). In brotherly love (vs. 6). In holiness (vs. 7).

Conclusion Do you find things getting in the way of your serving God the way you ought to? Preventing you from worshipping Him in spirit and truth? Preventing you from showing brotherly love? Preventing you from possessing your body in a holy manner? Remember your sanctification. You have been made clean by the blood of Christ. But it is up to you to manifest that sanctification in your life. If you are not yet a Christian, before you can begin serving God you must be sanctified by Him. Are you willing?