Seven Landmarks of Sanctification
1 Thessalonians • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 1 viewNotes
Transcript
In temporal life, we are used to something we call “qualifiers.”
Qualifier: one that satisfies requirements or meets a specified standard. A word (such as an adjective) or word group that limits or modifies the meaning of another word (such as a noun) or word group.
Context, for instance, can be a qualifier. The context of my words serves as a qualifier to what I say. Terminology can serve as a qualifier, and specific contextual definitions of words are also qualifiers. Different industries can use the very same word, but because of the contextual qualifiers that exist in each situation, the word means different things.
A sequence of instructions can contain a qualifier. Have you ever seen the mounted cabinet housing a fire extinguisher, and on the glass are the words, “In case of fire, break glass”? Those instructions are only to be followed if the qualifier—in this case, fire—is present.
A manager on the job may need to modify his instructions with a qualifier. Political candidates often clarify their prior comments with qualifiers. We often interpret and obey Scripture using qualifiers. “If this is present, or if this is happening, then do this...”
Life is complicated; just as soon as you think you’ve seen it all, something happens to surprise you. You can plan for all eventualities, only to find that you’ve overlooked a few. Qualifiers are needed because of this.
But sometimes qualifiers can make things difficult and even overwhelming. We can start to wonder if everything is up for interpretation! It can feel like every principle of life is followed by, “As long as,” or, “Assuming that,” or, “Only if...”
Thankfully, God gives us some commands and instruction in Scripture that NEVER need qualification. We’re going to see a few of them tonight. I’ve called them, “Seven Landmarks of Sanctification.”
I. What Are Landmarks?
I. What Are Landmarks?
Landmark: an object (such as a stone or tree) that marks the boundary of land.
The Navajo Indians had lived in the American Southwest for many years before American settlers came west. Their native territory lay in the area of the modern states of Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. The Navajo had four landmarks—mountains—that they considered to be sacred. Many historical and cultural things were connected with these mountains, but one of the most notable things about these mountains was that they were “signposts” showing the boundaries of Navajo territory. As long as the Navajo lived within the boundaries of these four mountains, they felt confident that they were in the right place. Of course, these mountains didn’t move, and they were visible from many miles away. That’s what makes a good landmark: it is easily visible, and it doesn’t change.
In tonight’s text, we will see seven landmarks of sanctification. They don’t change, and they are easily spotted, if we take care to look for them.
1 Thess. 5:16-23
<Remind listeners of Thessalonian context: work of God, attacks of Satan, blessings, persecution, etc.>
Now, Paul is wrapping up his epistle, after much helpful exhortation. In closing, he gives them seven landmarks: seven things that, if present, demonstrate Godliness and a positive spiritual direction, and if not present, should concern us and alert us to a negative spiritual direction. That’s what a landmark does! It helps US orient to IT, so that we know where we stand. May God helps us know where we stand tonight.
II. Rejoice Evermore — vs. 16
II. Rejoice Evermore — vs. 16
A. What it is
A. What it is
“Rejoice” is used in the Bible as a greeting.
And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
Rejoicing is part of celebration, both temporal and spiritual.
It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
Evermore: always; at all times.
How can we do this? Only when we are rejoicing for the right reasons. Temporal reasons are not always there—while the prodigal son was gone, there was no reason to rejoice. But in God we always have reason to rejoice!
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
He never changes; He is always in control. He is always working and blessing and helping.
In the midst of his frightening prophecy of God’s judgment, the prophet Joel says this:
Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice:
For the Lord will do great things.
B. What it isn’t
B. What it isn’t
It’s not fake — true rejoicing isn’t a show
It isn’t dependent on circumstances
It isn’t self-focused
It’s never “out of style” — even in times of mourning, we may still rejoice in the Lord!
It isn’t natural to us
Landmark: Rejoice evermore!
III. Pray Without Ceasing — vs. 17
III. Pray Without Ceasing — vs. 17
A. What it is
A. What it is
We understand what prayer is, but it is helpful to remind ourselves that it is a priceless privilege to pray to the God of Heaven whenever we want to! There are so many reasons to pray!
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Brethren, pray for us.
We pray for the lost, we pray for the saved, we pray for physical needs and spiritual needs. We pray for deliverance from temptation, and we pray for God to lead us in spiritual service. We pray to be rescued from trials and persecution, and we pray for preachers and missionaries. If prayer is talking to the One we love most, about the things we need most, why would we ever stop praying? Why does this verse even need to be written? To our shame, we often don’t pray as we ought.
B. What it isn’t
B. What it isn’t
It isn’t self-reliant — we pray because we’re needy!
It isn’t lazy — “too busy to pray” = misplaced priorities
It isn’t faithless — prayer that pleases God MUST include faith!
It isn’t impatient — God uses a different timetable than ours!
Landmark: Pray without ceasing!
IV. In Every Thing Give Thanks — vs. 18
IV. In Every Thing Give Thanks — vs. 18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
A. What it is
A. What it is
It is obedient!
Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
It is trusting
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
It is oriented to, and focused on, God.
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
It is a voluntary offering; it is a response to God’s goodness!
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
B. What it isn’t
B. What it isn’t
It isn’t focused on the superficial things of the present
It isn’t focused on what is comfortable for ME
It isn’t “part-time”
It isn’t lip service
Landmark: In every thing give thanks!
V. Quench Not the Spirit — vs. 19
V. Quench Not the Spirit — vs. 19
A. What it is
A. What it is
Quench: to extinguish; to repress; to stifle.
Of course, we don’t stifle the Spirit, but we are able to stifle His work in our lives, and in those around us. How do we do this?
Gal. 5:16-25
It is submitted
It is obedient
It is humble
It loves Christ and others
It is vigilant and diligent
It is sober
It is concerned
And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
B. What it isn’t
B. What it isn’t
It is not selfish
It is not careless or thoughtless or casual
It is not self-confident
Landmark: Quench not the Spirit!
VI. Despise Not Prophesyings — vs. 20
VI. Despise Not Prophesyings — vs. 20
Despise: to disdain; to bring to nought.
Prophesyings: in Scripture, often divinely-revealed words of God. Now, the preaching of God’s completed Word.
Prophesying has always been a spiritual, supernatural act! True prophesying is always of God.
A. What it is
A. What it is
It is a regard for God’s Word
It is a recognition of God’s work
It is a submission to God’s work
It is a rejection of self and sin
It reflects a tender heart
B. What it isn’t
B. What it isn’t
Mark 12:1-11
It isn’t dependent on your opinion of God’s messenger
May we ALWAYS be concerned at our tendency to despise prophesyings!
Landmark: Despise not prophesyings!
VII. Prove All Things — vs. 21
VII. Prove All Things — vs. 21
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Prove: to examine; to discern; to test.
A. What it is
A. What it is
It is earnest scrutiny
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
It is intentional study
Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
It is testing with truth
Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
It is determined faithfulness
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
B. What it isn’t
B. What it isn’t
It isn’t trust in people
It isn’t walking by sight
It isn’t “convenient living” (“holding fast” can be very inconvenient and unfashionable!)
It is a love for Godliness, not just the results of Godliness
Landmark: Prove ALL things; hold fast that which is good.
VIII. Abstain From All Appearance of Evil — vs. 22
VIII. Abstain From All Appearance of Evil — vs. 22
Abstain: to keep from or refrain from; restraint.
Appearance: outward shape, fashion, sight.
A. What it is
A. What it is
It is able to tell the difference
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
It is concerned about others
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
It is unselfish and self-sacrificing
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
B. What it isn’t
B. What it isn’t
It isn’t self-justifying and self-righteous
It is tenderhearted and loving
It isn’t impatient
Landmark: Abstain from all appearance of evil.
IX. “Sanctify You Wholly”
IX. “Sanctify You Wholly”
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Does this result excite us? If not, that should concern us.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
God has a great design in mind for your life. He wants to sanctify you wholly. He wants to make you into the image of His Son. But that will only happen when we allow the power of God to orient us to His landmarks: these things that never change.
There are many things in life that need qualifiers, but these seven things do not. They are always true. They will always bring glory to God. May we be faithful in aligning our life with these landmarks!