Thursday May 26, 2022

Today is Thursday, May 26 and we are exploring what the bible says about entire sanctification.

As I enter this time of prayer, I pause to make room for God in the cramped quarters of my heart and mind. I deepen my breathing and quiet my wandering thoughts. I focus my entire being on God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Loving Lord, I have come to this place to meet you and experience the joy of your abiding presence. Teach me your truth about sanctifying grace. Speak the words you have for me this morning, show me how to listen with the ears of my heart and comprehend your promises. Amen.

I am invited to share intimacy with a holy God who loves me. In the morning I call to him with the words of Psalm 17.

I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:6-8

Pause and Pray

When John Wesley read the bible he became more and more convinced that entire sanctification was something God wanted to do and actually did. He was burdened to teach the early Methodist people to pursue the fullness of salvation. Wesley believed that entire sanctification was defined in scriptures and was God’s intention and will for his people. God promised to do this and therefore we should expect God to sanctify us by faith – as we are and now. Why should there be any delay?Wesley said we should earnestly seek after and expect it. (John Wesley Scripture Way of Salvation, Kevin M. Watson, Perfect Love) In Paul’s second letter to the church at Thessalonica, he gives thanks that God chose these believers for full salvation.

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15

I am loved by God and chosen for redemption through the powerful work of the Holy Spirit and belief in the truth. God called me to salvation through the good news of Jesus – the saving work of justification as well as sanctification. It is God’s will for me to grow in holiness and progress in maturity so as to attain perfect love. I am invited to share in the glory of my Lord Jesus, this is such a wonderful promise I can barely comprehend it. How could a lost and broken sinner like me, far removed from glory and devoid of holiness, possibly attain the glory of Christ and be made holy in this lifetime?Only through God’s unmerited and unfathomable grace. I believe in God’s promise and power. I stand firm on the truth of God’s word and hold fast to the teachings of scripture.

Ask: Do I truly believe the promises God made in scripture?Do I have faith in the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s will of sanctification in me?

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, thank you for choosing me for salvation through the justifying and sanctifying work of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for calling me through the gospel of truth and rescuing me from the sinful nature I inherited. Where I lack faith, increase it; when I doubt, remove it; where I fall short, provide grace. Fortify my spiritual legs to stand firm and strengthen my spiritual arms to hold fast to your truth. I read the words from Second Thessalonians again and listen for the message you have for me.

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage?What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

God speaks to me as I search the scriptures for his truth about sanctification and holiness. God is revealing his promises and sharing his deepest hope for the state of my soul. I meditate on the word or phrase that resonates with me today, listening with the ear of my heart. Perhaps God wants to expose deceptive lies, reveal honest truth, answer gnawing questions, guide my next steps, or supply the deepest need of my soul. Maybe God wants me to understand why my progress toward Christian maturity has stalled. Perhaps it is time for him to break down the barriers and remove the obstacles preventing holiness from growing in me.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, I humbly lay my soul before you, helpless to make progress toward holiness without you, I utterly surrender to your will, grateful for your merciful grace. I believe in your power and have faith you are able to do what I am unable to accomplish alone. I know God is faithful and able to do this. Amen.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

As I leave this time of prayer, I go trusting in God’s faithfulness and love, seeking to share his good news with a broken world.

Amen