The First Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians is a wonderful book! The last chapter, chapter 5, gives us wonderful exhortations concerning practical duties of the Christian life, ending with a closing charge and benediction.
"And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it."
Oswald Chambers wrote a wonderful little devotional on these last two verses which he entitled, "The Cost of Sanctification."
"Sanctification means being made one with Jesus so that the nature that controlled Him will control us. Are we really prepared for what that will cost? It will cost absolutely everything in us which is not of God. The resounding evidence of the Holy Spirit in a person's life is the unmistakable family likeness to Jesus Christ, and the freedom from everything which is not like Him."
When I read that quote, I thought of this wonderful song, written by L. L. Pickett, over a hundred years ago, but, praise the Lord, it still blesses my heart today --
"Have you ever felt the power of the Pentecostal fire
Burning up all carnal nature, cleansing out all base desire,
Going thro' and thro' your spirit, cleansing all its stain away?
Oh, I'm glad, so glad to tell you it is for us all today.
Jesus offers this blest cleansing unto all His children dear,
Fully, freely purifying, banishing all doubt and fear;
It will help you, O my brother, when you sing and when you pray;
He is waiting now to give it -- it is for us all today.
Some have thought they could not live it while they dwell on earth below,
But in this they were mistaken, for the Bible tells us so;
And the Spirit now is with us, He can keep us all the way;
Then by faith why not receive it? It is for us all today.
You may now receive the Spirit as a sanctifying flame,
If with all your heart you seek Him; having faith in Jesus' name;
On the Cross He bought this blessing, He will never say us Nay;
He is waiting now to give it -- why not claim it, friend, today?
It is for us all today if we trust and truly pray;
Consecrate to Christ your all, and upon the Saviour call;
Bless God, it is for us all today!" Amen!
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