Our God Who Sanctifies Us

Northwest Bible Church – Oct. 1, 2023 – 1 Thess. – Alan Conner
1 Thess. 5:23-24
Our God who Sanctifies Us
Intro

A. THE AUTHOR OF SANCTIFICATION (1 Thess. 5:23a).

1. God of peace –

2. God Himself –

B. THE NATURE OF OUR SANCTIFICATION (1 Thess. 5:23b).

1. Sanctification is God’s will. 1Th. 4:3

2. Two types of sanctification which the believer experiences.
a. positional sanctification
b. practical sanctification

3. The extent of sanctification
a. Entire sanctification –
b. complete in all its parts –
Dichotomy or trichotomy?
(1) compare with parallel in 3:13
(2) in all other places Paul speaks as a dichotomist: ie. Rom. 8:10; 1 Cor. 5:5; 7:34; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 2:3; Col. 2:5
(3) “soul” and “spirit” can be interchangeable.
(4) not a precise description of the human nature
c. preserved without blame –

C. THE TIMING OF OUR SANCTIFICATION (1 Thess. 5:23c).

1. Not PERFECTIONISM in this life

2. Perfected sanctification at the second coming.

D. THE CERTAINTY OF OUR SANCTIFICATION (1 Thess. 5:24).

1. The God who calls us.
a. God’s sovereign call.
b. God’s on-going call.

2. God is faithful.

3. God will do it. Phil. 1:6

Conclusion

Discussion questions: God is sovereign in our sanctification but we also participate by His grace. What are we responsible for in our sanctification? What encouragement can you draw from v. 24? Why is it important to keep in mind that our sanctification will not be totally finished until Christ’s return?