May 01, 2011
Posted by editor on July 5, 2011 under Bulletin |
FEATURED ARTICLE
THINGS THAT ARE PRECIOUS – by Jim Bell
There are very few things in life that we might consider to be “precious”. A new car with all the latest options might be nice and luxurious, but it is hardly precious. A new house a family has been anticipating moving into might be beautiful, but even a new home is not thought of as being precious. However, when we see a new born baby being held in tenderness, that is something we would all say is “precious”.
The word “precious” is an adjective which means “of high price or great value; very valuable or costly”. There are very few things in scripture that is spoken of as being precious. This word is unique in the writings of the Peter as he refers to those things that we as Christians should view as “precious”.
1 Peter 1:18-19 – “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” The blood of Christ is precious because it is the only thing that could save us from our sins. All the gold and silver of the world could not buy a man the forgiveness of just one of his sins, much less, the numerous deeds he has done contrary to God’s Will. It took something more precious that all the material wealth of this world to redeem us to God. It took the precious blood of
Christ, the Lamb of God. He was the perfect lamb without spot or blemish that went to slaughter for us that we might be saved. See also I Peter 2:7
I Peter 1:7 – “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Our faith is precious. It is of great value because it is that which can sustain us through the fiery trials of this life. Without a genuine faith, we could not survive the testing that we face. God makes us a promise that we will not be tempted above what we are able to bear (I Cor. 10:13); but He allows us to be subjected to the trials of life because these can produce endurance and spiritual maturity (James 1:2f)
1 Peter 1:4 – “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” In Christ, we have many wonderful promises. These promises are precious. They are of tremendous value to those who stand upon them by faith. Such promises as: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (I Peter 5:7). …” he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised (James 1:12).
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish (John 10:28). These promises are sure because God cannot lie and He alone has the power to grant these unto us. However, these promises are not for everyone but only those who appropriate them by faith and seek to be obedient to Him. In other words, these “precious promises” are conditional upon us and our response to His Will.
Let us as Christians come to have a greater appreciation for the things which are more valuable and important that the material things of this world. Let us cherish the things that belong to us in Christ that are “precious”.