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1 Thessalonians 5:23-34
Through sanctification, God conforms believers to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. In Scripture, the writers use images that describe how the Lord shapes the lives of His children. Isaiah 64:8 portrays Him as a potter. The verse says, "We are the clay and You our potter; and all of us are the work of Your hand." Like a potter, God uses tools to perfect His creations.
The Bible is one tool the Lord uses. According to Psalm 119:105, Scripture functions as "a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." The Holy Spirit illuminates the verses so we, in turn, can come under conviction and grow in our faith.
God also uses the church as a tool to mold believers. Pastors and teachers minister the truth about the ways of God. Also, in Hebrews 10:25, God calls His children to fellowship together. He wants believers to encourage and uplift each other during the sanctification process. Church provides the opportunity for fellow Christians to encourage each other and hold one another accountable.
Suffering is another tool God uses for our good. A suffering believer runs directly to the heavenly Father for comfort and aid. God freely offers us comfort and help. But He also uses our painful circumstances to shape us even more. When we submit to His work, we exit our suffering by looking more Christlike than ever.
God's transforming work goes on all the time. If we wish to glorify our Lord by faithfully reflecting Him, we must yield to His sanctification tools.
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