As God’s redeemed people, we have been called to be holy - to set ourselves apart for God and to live in a way that pleases Him. In our passage this week, Paul encourages the Thessalonians - who themselves pursued holiness faithfully - to continually grow in it with increasing measure. Specifically, he addresses the issue of holiness within the contexts of sexual purity and financial responsibility.

While Paul exhorts the Thessalonians - and by extension us - to pursue holiness, the greater reality is that God Himself wills that we grow in holiness and sanctification. It is God’s intention that we increase in holiness. And now as believers we are able to do so because God has empowered us through the gift of His Holy Spirit.