Sanctify them through thy truth
By Evangeline Unity Esaaba Folson
Jn 17:14 I have given them thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Jn 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from evil.
Jn 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Jn 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.
To sanctify is to make Holy. Therefore “Sanctify them through thy truth” means make them holu through your word which is truth or the truth.
Something or statement is said to be true or the truth when it falls in line or in accordance with facts. The word of God, the bible, contains facts about;
- Who God is
- It is power
- It is Love
- It is plan of salvation for all mankind.
How can we be made holy (sanctified) by the word?
It can be done by:
- Studying the word
Joshua 1:8, 2Timothy 2:15
- Applying the word to our lives
Deuteronomy 28:1-2
Deuteronomy 28:13
John 15:7
- Confessing our sins
Isaiah 1:18, Joshua 3:15, 1 John 1:9
Studying the word
Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shall make thy way prosperious, and then thou shalt have good success.
John 17:14 Says that the world hated Christians because they have received the word of God. Even unbelievers, people of the world knows that the word of God can work wonders in a Christians life. It sanctifies him/her
Psalm 119:11 Says thy word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against thee. When you study the word and meditate on it, you get to know what pleases God and what incurs His wrath, then, you will know what to do at all times.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew (show) thyself approved unto God, a workman that needth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. According to the above when you study the word thoroughly you know what to do at all times and you can stay away from sin. The truth in the word about sin sanctifies you.
Applying the word to our lives
Deuteronomy 28:1-2
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and do all His commandments…the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: All these blessings shall come on thee… Most people have studied the word but they refuse to do what it says. it is when you apply the word to your life, that God can sanctify you.
Foe example Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the shadow of death I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
“The valley of the shadow of death” is any challenge or situation in your life that causes you to become miserable and sometimes lose hope.
Most people in such situations turn to drinking, using of Hard drugs, aldultery and fornication etc. trying to ease their pain but it only makes things worse.
But the christians knows the presence of the Lord is with him/her, it calms and comforts you and leads you through the “valley” or helps you overcome the challege without falling into sin or destruction.
John 15:7 Says If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will and it shall be done unto you (paraphrased). When you abide in the word you stay away from sin, you please God and he grant you the desires of your heart.
Confessing your sins
Isaiah 1:18
Come let us reason together, saith the Lord: thou your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as soon…
In the verse above, the Lord urges us to come to Him matter what we have done, once we put our trust in Him and repent from our sin, He will cleanse us and make us whole.
Joshua 3:5 also emphasices that the Lord can do wonders among us only when we sanctify ourselves from all sins.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleans us from all unrighteousness. When you confess your sin, it is an indication that you have repented and have no desire to repeat the action. God will then forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.
Songs are God’s words to His children. It directs them on what to do. I lov christian songs, they minister to me in every situation.
meditate on the words of this song:
As the Lord has called us out of this world
let us stay outside
He is looking for a righteous people
Holy in His sight
Looking for a people who have
chosen what pleases Him
And would freely stay away from this world’s attitude and sin
He said sanctify yourself from tomorrow
I will do wonderous thing among you.
References
- King James Online Bible
- Oxford English Mini Dictionary
- Google.com
