The Christian and the Computer

Sanctification

2 Thessalonians 2:13

But we should always give thanks to God for you, ^bbrethren beloved by the Lord, because ^cGod has 

chosen you ¹from the beginning ^dfor salvation ^2ethrough sanctification ³by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

Romans 6:19-23

1 Corinthians 1:30

Hebrews 12:4

Understanding the Term

“The Greek term for sanctify, hagiazō, means to “set apart” for God’s special use, or “to make distinct from what is common.” Hence, sanctification is to be made like God who is distinct from all else and therefore holy. The Greek word for “sanctify” refers to a process which is perfect in principle, though not yet attainable.” (Holman Key Treasury of Bible Words)

Sanctification is much like the technology industry, what it is today is better than it was yesterday but not as good as it will be tomorrow. Computers, cell phones, flat screen tv’s, video game systems and more. All are looking to be better in every way possible. Cell phones have evolved into something that only years ago people were simply dreaming of. The military has the best of the best in technology whether it be ruggedized, extremely fast, or state of the art imagery. As it is with technology so it ought to be with the follower of Jesus Christ. 

We should be in a constant forward state of change, looking at yesterday and appreciating the upgrade or transformation we have undergone. Then looking ahead at tomorrow, seeking Christ and allowing Him to upgrade what He deems necessary - whether it be character, thinking, our mouths, hearts, maybe perception of His word and people. If you are who you were five or ten years ago maybe even five months ago its time to turn up the heat. Time to take a trip to the cross! If it is the cross that we tell sinners to look to, they had better find us there when they do. We will never become too “mature” to move on from the cross. The cross and Christ is our manufacture and the resurrection is our manufactures guarantee.  

Smooth Sailing

 Matthew 8:18-27 (Hover over reference to view passage or click reference for biblia.com)       

        As the disciples were in the midst of the storm their hearts attitude was if they could bale out or turn back some how they would have. Right there in the midst of the storm they should have just held on for the ride knowing that if Jesus asked them to sail out to sea they could be assured that he would not lead them to their imminent death. He wasn’t about to lead them to failure or destruction or loss. If he calls us he is faithful to carry us through! 

        The Disciples accepted, maybe with ignorance or more gently “blind faith”, the command of Jesus to depart to the other side of the sea. Then when circumstances and situations that seem to pose a threat to the desired goal and destination in light of what Christ asked of them, they became fearful. They worried, thinking that it would be better to go back and maintain life with Christ over here, rather than face losing it all at the cost of obedience! “Ah, Lord I know you said.....and I started to but things just are not going like they are supposed to.......” “Oh you of little faith” SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED as “why have you lost your faith? or where has your faith Gone?” but when Jesus addresses them like this he is speaking to their lack of seeing the whole picture. They had faith in his power and teaching, even in his command. In fact they demonstrated their faith even by waking Jesus up and asking him for help saying “save us!” They had enough faith that Jesus could take them out of the storm but not enough that he could carry them through it! 

        Being a disciple of Christ is in no way a call to comfortability, Jesus never promised “smooth sailing.” Jesus said go to the other side of the sea, and he went with them. But they wanted to give up when they felt threatened, not thinking about the fact that Jesus told them to do this and why would Jesus lead them to their death. They didn’t trust that Jesus would keep them safe in the middle of the storm, simply because they didn’t give any thought to it, or if they did they didn’t have enough faith to believe him to carry them through! 

        So instead they took the easy way out, requested that the storm be calmed. We learn so much from this passage of scripture but what would the disciples have learned if they held on and rode it out? held on to the command and call of Christ in the midst of the storm? would they not have gotten to the other side? Sure if he calls us he is faithful to carry us through. 

        I encourage those of you who are facing what seems to be a trial or some situation that seems as though something went wrong, to hold on to Christ! The testing of your faith produces perseverance (Romans 5:3-4; James 1:2-3). Don’t take the easy road but pray and ask God for his grace to hold on through the trial. He called you and he will carry you through! 

Pastor Billy