Paul revealed that God “chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:13). The Holy Spirit is God’s sanctifying agent to set us apart unto God that we be cleansed and refreshed for His service. As we grow in the LORD His Spirit progressively nurtures, refreshes, strengthens and conforms us into Christ’s image that we bear more Christ-like virtues, and likewise be more entrusted and empowered for greater levels of service.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
RELEVANCE
As we turn from things less honorable than the excellence of Christ, and turn towards Him, we gain more of Him, being found in Him—His likeness—being sanctified by Him for His greater purposes. This glorifies God.
“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:7-11).
REFLECT AND RELATE
Conduct a transformation inventory. How have you been growing in Christ? Stretch your vision. Allow God to continue to transform you further in Christ’s likeness.
REFERENCES
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8