Soap - Possess the Vessel

S: For this is the will of God, your sanctification that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor...

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

O: I understand the first half of this verse pretty well-as it's kind of laid out straight: Paul, telling the Thessalonians that sanctification is something that is necessary as God wills it in the walk with Christ; sexual immorality being pegged in particular.

It must be tough on pastors today, as it's probably the biggest issue amongst men in the church-Seeing as discussing sex is a bit of a taboo amongst men, I can see why Paul would address it so clearly and specifically; I think I can safely assume that people during biblical times were just as open with their sexual sins in public as much as people today (which is pretty much zero).

Which reminds me that discipleship is probably the only sure-fire way the church can address such sins-which seem to be tucked very deep in the conscience of every guy that walks around church. I think the only time I've ever been completely honest about my sexual immorality is when I'm being discipled or when I've discussed it with Jun, when drawing out a 'battle plan' together to fight it. But, even with the older guys in my life, I find it very hard to share or to even bring it up, which poses to be a problem in many ways, as I have nobody to keep me accountable, which makes it doubly hard to bear, and perhaps even more shame on my conscience.

(A:) The problem is that I haven't opened up to the Pathway dudes that I hang out with. Gleaning from the observations and Scripture, sexual immorality pretty much uproots spiritual life like it's nothing if it's left to fester on the heart. I know it's a fight I can't win alone-especially when I think I can pray it out or recite Scripture, but I feel that a good application would be to take initiative and open up to my trusted brothers in Christ. It wasn't exactly how I wanted it to happen, but-realizing that sexual sin (as Paul saw it, early on in church ministry) damages a great deal of Christians, I should take heed of the verse and consider sanctification as a great priority-especially sexual sin, in specifics. I'll find someone to keep me accountable.

"that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor..."

What does this actually mean? Possess my own vessel...in sanctification and honor. I almost feel like this is a part of the application!

The knowledge: Where does this knowledge come from? The Word? Knowledge is often practical and logical information that could be used for one's own benefit. Where can I get the actual knowledge of possessing my own vessel in sanctification and honor?

...of being able to posses my own vessel: Vessel, like my body and spirit? And how can I possess my own vessel? It's not as if I can will myself to be cleansed from sin or anything. But I think this means that my own physical and mental effort contributes to the resulting work of the Holy Spirit. I suppose the heart of that effort can only truly come from the Holy Spirit as well-so...I should probably pray for the willingness to obey the call to sexual purity and sanctification.

...in sanctification and honor: Continued work of Holy Spirit in me to cleanse me of sin.

Seeing that sanctification isn't some kind of passive process where I lollygag in this life and wait for the Holy Spirit to boot up and download sanctification packets in my brain or whatever-I understand that from this passage that I'm going to have to press myself towards sanctification and choose it if I am to see this particular portion of God's will in my life. This means making an active effort to shut out temptation by all means necessary.

P: Father, your Word is good. It is righteous and it embodies who You are and what You are like. Your call is righteous and it is praiseworthy-because You are holy, You call Your people to be holy as well. It's tough, though-sexual sin is the big finisher that always seems to crush and take me down. I don't know how to even hate it or avoid it, because in all honesty-when I sin, I choose that sin over You, and I'm sorry that I can even do that. Lord, teach me to possess my vessel in sanctification and honor. Give me a desire for purity and give me a desire to obey Your call for sanctification in my life. I have no strength of my own to invest in abstaining from sexual immorality that would render my efforts successful-I can only drag myself to Your Word or be prickled occasionally before my moments of weakness. But would Your Holy Spirit do a roaring work in conquering this sin in my life as I take steps to do whatever I can. But just as it is with Your Word and with prayer, it's not as if it will do any good unless Your Holy Spirit guides me, speaks to me, and reminds me. So, Spirit be present in all times and let me be filled-so that I may do the Fathers will, so as to please Him. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria