Dear Church of the Open Bible,
How blameless are you feeling today? How is your progress in becoming like Christ? Are you producing the fruit of the Spirit? It doesn’t take long for me to become overwhelmed at the work yet to be done in my life. But I find hope in 1 Thessalonians 5.
In this letter Paul talks quite a bit about the Thessalonian believers. He talks quite a bit about what they should focus on and be doing as disciples of Jesus. But Paul’s last word is not about them or him, it is about God.
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. - 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Reading and applying God’s Word reveals just how much work needs to be done in our lives. But lest we get discouraged before we start, Paul reminds us that our confidence in realizing these changes, does not come from our ability but God’s character.
Do you trust in God’s faithfulness today? Do you trust that God is able to work in you, to continue to sanctify you? Do you trust that He is able to make you blameless when Christ returns? “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”