#290 2025 LA Legislative Preview Part 2

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

”Now, may the God of peace and harmony set you apart, making you completely holy. And may your entire being—spirit, soul, and body—be kept completely flawless in the appearing of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. The one who calls you by name is trustworthy and will thoroughly complete his work in you.“

This scripture talks about holiness as a cooperative endeavor with the Lord. It says that the Lord is the one who sets us apart and makes us completely holy. It is by belief in the Lord Jesus, through His sacrificial death and resurrection that we are made holy. And then it goes on to encourage us to be kept completely flawless or holy. That’s our part, the keeping holy. That requires spiritual discipline and ongoing partnership with Holy Spirit -- inviting Him to search all aspects of our hearts and minds and lives that we remain holy. It’s our commitment and surrender to this ongoing work that gives the Lord the access and ability to perfect us and make us like Him. It reminds me of one of my favorite passages, John 15:5 which says, I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you -- but when you live separated from me, you are powerless. So my encouragement today is to renew your commitment to submission and partnership with the Lord. Invite Him to search all aspects of your life, so you can remain holy and set apart for His purposes.