Why Sanctification Is Not Optional but Essential
Bible Study Guide
Introduction to Being Sanctified (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2)
(Verses 1-2) Paul changes course after he fills the believers of Thessalonica with prayerful praise, encouragement, strengthening, and lovingly urging and guiding. He opens here with urgency on a single point of Christian doctrine. It is one of the most important aspects of our daily Christian walk with Christ.
Paul states to the Thessalonians in verse 1, “we instructed you on how to live in order to please God.” Then he goes on to raise the level of his instruction to a state of urgency saying, “Now we ask you and urge you to do this more and more.”
Immediately, Paul makes it very clear these instructions are not his but were given to them by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
Remember, in Ch. 1 verses 4-8 Paul reminds the Thessalonians of their experience of Paul preaching the gospel. Them receiving and accepting the gospel and their sharing of the gospel was no ordinary “one and done event.” By no means, because they felt the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Once they accepted and put their faith and trust in all matters, in Jesus Christ.
But here in Ch. 4 we see Paul urging them that what they’re doing in the name of Jesus is just the first step. Now comes the journey toward being holy and righteous. They must continue to love one another and to separate themselves from the world. This must be done so they will be seen as true followers of Christ. This will add validity to the Thessalonians’ message of sharing the gospel in a vital region that has the potential to spread far and wide.
What Does It Mean to be Sanctified?
Short answer: To be set apart.
Paul sums up his urgency to live in order to please God by stating in verse 3, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified.” This is the Christian journey. Our walk toward holiness and righteousness through the guidance of the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us in exchange for our sins.
“He made Him who had no sin to be sin, so that through Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
The Three P’s of Sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3-12)
(Verses 3-12) I once heard it wonderfully and simply explained.
“Sanctification is Putting into Practice what we are in Position.” What exactly does that mean?
Paul introduces and reminds his Thessalonian readers of this sanctification journey, aka Christian walk. He guides his young believers with these steps they should take to live in order to please God and be sanctified.
- Avoid sexual immorality
- Learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable
- Do not fall for lustful desires of the flesh
- Do not take advantage or wrong in any way a fellow brother or sister
- Love one another more and more
- Lead a quiet life
- Do not meddle in the affairs of others
- Keep yourselves busy putting to good use the gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Anyone who rejects these instructions, rejects God himself
These are all pleasing to God.
Here are the three positions of sanctification.
1. Positional Sanctification
It is when we fully accept and place our faith and trust in our Savior Jesus Christ. In this way, we are justified by God in His eyes. We have become positionally sanctified as a child of God. This is the first step toward our final reunification with Christ and presented unblemished (Glorified) to the Father.
“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7)
2. Progressive Sanctification
When we accept the free gift of salvation that God extends to us through His son Jesus, the Holy Spirit then comes to dwell within us. It is the Holy Spirit that will guide us on the next step. This next step in this journey of sanctification helps us become more holy and righteous in the eyes of God.
This journey will continue up until the day we leave this world through falling asleep or the rapture. Therefore, we should with urgency increase our holiness and righteousness each day. We rely on the help of the Holy Spirit, progressing in our sanctification.
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;” (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
3. Perfected Sanctification
This will mark the end of our sanctification journey as our sanctification is perfected by Christ in our glorification. This will occur when Christ returns and we depart from this sinful flesh and blood. We will then be presented with our glorified bodies.
The Perfect One (Jesus Christ) will perfect us in order to make us worthy to stand in the presence of our God after we are raptured.
“May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” (1 Thessalonians 3:13)
Paul’s encouraging words of how to live a sanctifying life are even more applicable to us today. This is especially true as we approach the imminent return of our Blessed Hope and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let these words edify us and remind us daily of what it means to live in a way that is pleasing to God.
Closing Reflection for 1 Thessalonians 4
Friends, every human life follows a visible pattern. We are born, we grow, we reach physical maturity, and then—slowly but surely—our bodies begin their descent toward weakness, aging, and death. Scripture never hides this reality. Yet God is doing something far greater beneath the surface. Through His Holy Spirit, He is changing us inside out. As our physical life moves downward, our spiritual life is meant to rise. This is the sacred work of sanctification.
Sanctification loosens our grip on what is temporary and strengthens our longing for what is eternal. As the body weakens, the soul is trained to release the binds we have on the things of this world and to cling more tightly to heaven. Desires change. Priorities shift. The things of this world lose their power as holiness takes root. Step by step, the believer is shaped into someone increasingly set apart—more attentive to the Spirit, more obedient to truth, more aligned with righteousness.
This is not loss; it is separation and preparation. Sanctification is God’s mercy at work, fitting us for the day when Christ presents us to the Father—holy, blameless, and ready for glorification.
Go Back to the Thessalonians End Times Study Guides
Closing Prayer
Dear Holy Father,
We submit our lives to Your sanctifying work. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to walk in holiness and righteousness as our hearts loosen its grip on the world. Teach us to desire what is eternal and to release what is temporary. Sharpen our obedience, guard our minds, and steady our steps as You shape us into vessels set apart for Your glory. When our strength fades, let Your Spirit remain strong within us. Prepare us day by day to live blameless lives, attentive to Your voice, faithful in truth, and ready for the moment when we stand before You through Christ—holy and unblemished.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.