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304 ♦ Bible Writers' Theology Chapter Nine
Paul prayed for the Thessalonians that their "whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ," and added that He that called them is faithful and able to provide for their sanctification (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; cf. John 17:15-17; Philippians 1:6). Peter asserts that, "Blessed be the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue" (II Peter 1:3).
However, God's faithfulness to sanctify His people should be matched by the Christian's responsibility to cooperate with faith, "abstaining from all appearance of evil" (I Thessalonians 5:22; cf. Romans 12:1; 11 Corinthians 7:1; Romans 6:6; 13:14; Galatians 5:24; Colossians 3:5). The Bible declares that the body of the born-again believer is the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). In the New Testament, practical exhortations for an active and fulfilling spiritual life cover several areas of Christian living. They serve to establish some basic disciplines that help the believer to mature in Christ. Paul, writing to the Colossians, was "joying and behold ing their order and the steadfastness of their faith in Christ" (Colossians 2:5).
Such vital practices include:
Prayerandfasting,astaughtbyChristandHisdisciples (Matthew 6:6-15;26:41; Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-14; John 14:13-14; I John 5:12-15; I Timothy 2:1; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; Romans 8:26-27; Mark 9:29; Matthew 6:17-18; Isaiah 58:1-12; Mark 2:18-20).
• Bible study (I Peter 2:2; Matthew 4:1-11; I Corinthians 10:11; II Timothy 2:15; Romans 15:4; Proverbs 2:1-6; Psalm 119; John 8:31-32; II Timothy 3:15-17).
• Church attendance (Hebrews 10:25; Luke 24:53; 4:16; Mark 16:9-11; Acts 2:1; 20:7; I Corinthians 16:2).
• Tithes and offerings ( Matthew 6:1-3; Luke 6:38; Leviticus 27:32; Malachi 3:7-12; Matthew 23:23; I Corinthians 16:2; II Corinthians 9:7- 14; Acts 4:37; Hebrews 10:34; 6:10).
