1 Thessalonians 5:23–28 “Entirely Sanctified”

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Matt Maher – Lord, I Need You
• Refiner’s Fire – Brian Doerksen feat. Mission House
• Sanctuary

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Sanctification – Lesson for Kids
• I Will Follow | Kids Worship | Lyrics and Actions – Song for Kids
• I OBEY RIGHT AWAY | Kids on the Move – Song for Kids
• I Have Decided | Cave Quest VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

From verse 23 onward, this letter draws to a close. The phrase “the God of peace” (v. 23) carries the Hebrew concept of shalom, which refers to a state where every aspect of life is whole and complete. The expression “sanctify you completely”—with “completely” translating the Greek holotelos—is best understood as “in every area.” This means both the inner and outer life, as well as one’s personal and social life, are to become holy. When we live this way on earth, then at the Lord’s return, our whole being can be preserved “blameless and complete.”

The mention of “spirit, soul, and body” refers to the three dimensions of human existence. Holiness is the Lord’s calling for all believers (v. 24). The word “faithful” here means “trustworthy” or “one who keeps promises.” The Lord always brings to completion the work He begins.

Finally, the apostle asks for prayer on his behalf (v. 25), for he too is a frail human being. He also urges the believers to “greet one another with a holy kiss” (v. 26). This kiss was a greeting given cheek-to-cheek. It is called “holy” because it is an expression shared between brothers and sisters in faith. He further asks that the letter be read to all the believers (v. 27), showing his desire for it to be circulated widely.

From the start, Paul used the first-person plural pronoun “we” because Silas and Timothy were with him. However, in verse 27, he suddenly uses the first-person singular “I.” Following the custom of the time, he likely dictated the letter to a professional scribe. In such cases, the sender would write the closing greeting in his own handwriting to verify that the letter truly came from him. Thus, verse 27 indicates that Paul personally wrote this line. He ends with the Greek form of farewell— “grace” —as his final blessing.

Meditation:

In the apostle’s final prayer for the Thessalonian believers, two key themes stand out: holiness and wholeness. Earlier, the apostle had said, “God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life” (4:7). In the Hebrew understanding, holiness means being set apart. An object set apart for God was called a holy offering. Likewise, God commands, “Be holy, because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44), meaning we are to live as those set apart for Him. This is why Paul urged, “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1).

To live as someone set apart for God—dedicated to Him—means that in our words and actions, we must be different from those who are not. Our values, our view of life, our worldview, our attitude toward others, our use of money, and our approach to work must all be distinct. This is why the apostle prays, “May He sanctify you completely” (v. 23). As mentioned earlier, “completely” here does not mean “without any flaw or blemish” but “in every area of life.” Likewise, “May your spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless and complete” carries the same meaning—that both the inner and outer life, as well as the private and public spheres, must be transformed in harmony.

Fulfilling such a calling is impossible for a natural person. It can only happen as we depend on the Lord daily. The God who has called us to holiness will help us fulfill that calling when we respond in obedience—because He is faithful. This is why we worship, pray, read, and meditate on His Word. For believers, making this pursuit our top priority each day is the way we are called to live.

Prayer:

God, who has called us to holiness, we will follow that calling. Help us so that this calling may be fulfilled. And may our distinction as those dedicated to You be evident in every area of our lives. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God calls us to live a holy life—set apart for Him—in every area of our lives, from how we think and speak to how we treat others, use money, and approach our work. Holiness is not just about avoiding wrong but about daily depending on God so our whole lives—inside and out—show we belong to Him.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What do you think it means to be “special for God” or “set apart for Him”?
  • Can you think of one way you can show you belong to God at home or school?
  • Why do you think God wants every part of our lives to be holy, not just some parts?
    
• Youth
  • In what areas of life is it easiest for you to live in a way that honors God? In what areas is it hardest?
  • How might your friendships, use of money, or attitude toward school show that you are set apart for God?
  • What does it look like to rely on God daily so that your whole life—inside and out—becomes more like Him?