Bible Thoughts June 28, 1998
"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works"(Titus 2:14-KJ).
"He is sure peculiar" is the way some might describe an individual. Such conveys the idea that the person is different from most of the people one knows. Such an appraisal may be the result of lifestyle, certain habits, attitudes, behavior, or a host of other characteristics. In far too many cases, it is not a nice term.
Paul is describing the Christian as being peculiar in a different sense. One is not this kind of peculiarity because of the person's unusual habits, speech, position, or other factors. The word used by Paul describes the one who belongs to God. The American Standard Version translates the verse in this way: "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works."
The Christian is peculiar in relation to the world because of what Christ did for us and the salvation that follows. There are four points in the passage that will help us understand what Paul is teaching.
1. Christ gave himself for us. Jesus left heaven to come to a sin-cursed world to die on our behalf. No other had so loved(before or since). He endured the reproach, the shame, the agony, and the suffering in order that we may have an opportunity to be saved. Jesus died for every person from Adam to the last infant born. Out of the masses of humanity, God desired that men might be saved through His sending an only begotten Son to die on the cross.
2. Christ gave himself to redeem us from all iniquity. There was no power in mortal men to make that redemption possible. It took a sinless one from heaven to be a perfect sacrifice. He who had no sin suffered death for every single one of us who sin(or have sinned). The power of that blood reaches every person in every age from the beginning of mankind. Those who accept and obey His will are the peculiar ones of whom Titus speaks.
1. Christ gave himself to purify unto himself a people for his own possession. While the world is given over to the lusts of the flesh, Jesus created a people who were purified by His blood. These belong to the Lord and not to Satan. In the eyes of the world, it makes Christians appear as peculiar in a very different sense. Those who have not contacted the blood of Christ are amazed that disciples live a life of sacrifice and obedience. Christians realize they are "a people for his own possession."
4. Christ gave himself to have a people zealous of good works. While the world seeks after pleasures of this world and satisfaction of the lusts of the flesh, disciples of Christ spend their time and effort in good works. It is a zealous pursuit that will bring the satisfaction of a home in heaven in the next life. That zeal is manifested in putting the kingdom first in one's life, assembling with the saints, living a righteous life, and showing by word and example the dedication to the Lord.
What about it? Would the Lord want me for his own possession?
Would I be embarrassed to be a part of the Lord's chosen ones because
I have a lifestyle that does not fit the dedicated disciple of
Christ? Could I talk in the presence of the Lord as I talk around
other folks? Would I be willing to take Jesus to the places I go?
Could I recommend my habits and lifestyle to him? Do I live each day
in a manner that pleases the Master? Would I be ashamed to have him
in my house? What about it...do I live each day as one who is
Christ's possession?
Out of the past..."If there has ever been a
day when it was important for the friends of Jesus to rally to his
cause, and to stand up for God's will and word and way, that day has
dawned upon us. As the great infidel, Thomas Paine, I believe it
was, said: "These are times that try men's souls." That language, in
various forms, has been quoted thousands of times since he wrote it
long ago in reference to the Revolutionary War and the times that
immediately succeeded that bloody struggle, and it applies today, to
this generation, in reference to Nashville and the contiguous
country, to the condition of the people here this very moment. These
are times that tell who are on the Lord's side and who are on the
other side, who are brave enough to dare and do and suffer for the
cause of Christ, and who are afraid to stand up for Jesus because, so
far as men count numbers, they are in a hopeless minority in the
land"(T. B. Larimore).
(These words, uttered close to a century ago, still
reflect a current need. It is apparent that each generation must
fight its own battles and win its own wars. The battle is no
different today than it was in brother Larimore's day. Satan is
still in control of the vast majority. Sin is still evident from
every corner. False religions are still around. Atheism has not
surrendered. We face, as Christians, a constant battle. We continue
in a contest between good and evil; right and wrong; truth and error.
We cannot, for one moment, lay aside our armor and settle in the
dust of time. The constant vigilance we require needs the courage
and determination of every Christian. We need to stand up for what
is right regardless of the opposition from the adversary. In the
strength of Israel's God, let us stand. With the sword of the
spirit, stand firm against every departure from the word of God.
Only in such dedication can we expect to win the battle for the souls
of men. Will you stand with us on Jehovah's side?)
An observation...Marriage is an institution
ordained of God for the honor and happiness of mankind, in which one
man and one woman enter into a bodily and spiritual union, pledging
each to the other mutual love, honor, fidelity, sympathy, forbearance
and comradeship such as would assure an unbroken continuance of their
wedlock as long as they both shall live. -H. Leo Boles said it
well.