But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. 1 John 1:2b-3 |
When I read this verse I can’t help but get excited. Can you imagine the day when we will see Jesus face to face and be like Him? It’s hard to get my mind around that most days. In this world I often get so focused on my flesh I can’t even imagine ever being like Him in any form. But in God’s word we also read that those who are God’s children have HOPE. Hope that one day He will come for His bride. (1 Thess 4:17)
So we live with hope of the coming of our Lord. But what do we do while we wait? How do we live with hope while we wait?
We purify ourselves. I have been seeing a very clear consistent word from my Lord as I’ve been studying 1 Thessalonians.
God wants us to live holy and pure lives while we wait in hope for His return. In 1 Thess 3:13 it says Paul prays that God would strengthen the hearts of His children. Why? so that we would be “blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones.”
In Chapter 4 are told that it is God’s will that we be sanctified (set apart). (vs3) We are to control our bodies in a way that is holy and honorable. (v4) We are to live a holy life. (v7)
Just so we don’t think it’s purely for God’s children in Thessalonica God repeats it. In 1 Peter 1:15-16 “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.
And 1 Cor 7:1 “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
I will let God speak for itself. But let me ask a few questions. How does God want you to live until He returns? What does it mean to be holy? What would a life of holiness look like? What are we to purify ourselves from?
What goes into your mind? What do you read, see or think? Is it holy? Pure?
I love your new look! I haven't been by in a while, life has been busy, too busy... this week I have taken time to say "no" to "stuff" and to BE with my Lord and my family... it has been wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post... it is so very important what we allow to enter our minds and hearts... if we really thought our Lord was coming back tomorrow that are many, many things we would most likely do differently... why is that?
Blessings!