Paul reminded
the Thessalonians about the commandments he and his men shared with
them including how the “will of God”
was “even”
their
“sanctification, that”
they “should abstain from
fornication”. In chapter four and verse
four of his letter, Paul continued his thoughts with another
directive concerning how “every one”
of them “should know how to possess”
their vessels “in sanctification and honor”
where we read:
That every
one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification
and honor;
The
verse begins, “That every one of you should know how to possess
his vessel...” Paul began with the words, “That every one
of you” which means “each and every man and woman who were
church members in Thessalonica” “should know how” or
“perceive, notice, discern, discover and turn their eyes, minds and
attention toward” “to possess” which means “acquire,
get and procure” “his vessel” which literally means “an
implement such as utensils, domestic gear and tackle” and
metaphorically means “a man of quality or a chosen instrument or
apparatus”. Paul's desire was for each person to pay attention to
their own qualities having the understanding their lives were to be
as “chosen instruments” in the Kingdom of God.
The
verse goes on to say, “...in sanctification and honor;” Paul
continued, “in sanctification” which means “consecration
and purification of heart and life” “and honor” or “a
valuing by which the price is fixed, deference and reverence”.
Every one of the Thessalonian church members were to understand their
lives were to be consecrated, pure and given proper deference,
reverence and respect.
When
we meditate upon Paul's words, we begin to understand the importance
of the manner in which we live our lives. We manifest the
“sanctification and honor” we employ. In other words, the
world is watching us, and when we “possess our vessels” in
this manner, not only do others perceive it, but God is watching
also. We are to be “set apart, pure and dedicated” to the Lord
Jesus, and our lives must be “valued” before the world in which
we live. As the Lord Jesus deals with our hearts and minds concerning
these things, may He purify us in any filthy area He finds and
consecrate us for use in His Kingdom every day.
Next
time Paul tells the Thessalonians about the “lust of
concupiscence”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
No comments:
Post a Comment