Introduction: Have you ever heard,”Now that I am saved, I can do anything I want to”?

Is that true for a CHRISTian? Where do we go to find answers?

Paul writes, “Abstain from all appearance of evil. 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. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1Thess 5:22-24).

1. What does “abstain” mean? (1Thess 5:22) – “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

The word “abstain” is ἀπέχω (ap-ekh’-o), which means to hold back, or to keep off, to be away, be distant.” In other words, we should not see how close we can come to sin, but instead stay as far away as possible.

How close do you get to sin? Are there some things that we need to distant ourselves from?

2. What does it mean to be sanctified? (1Thess 5:23) – “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body.”

The word “sanctified” is ἁγιάζω: (hag-ee-ad’-zo), which means to make holy, consecrate, or sanctify. This reminds believers that God is setting us apart. That is His will, to conform us to His image.

Where is our Lord setting you apart? Can you do the same things that you used to do before conversion?

3. What does the future hold…..unto the coming of Jesus Christ? (1Thess 5:24) – “…..unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”

Here is the big picture. Jesus will come again. We will meet Him. 

Conclusion: Meanwhile, before He returns, we should be focused on turning from evil. But at the same time the Lord should be making us more like Him.