The People of God
Posted
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LeeMartini on
7/19/2011 12:37:43 PM
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The People of God
Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
"Himself a People" (Titus 2:14) is translated from the original Greek, periousios which means beyond the norm, unusual as one's own possession. It is made up from two words, one meaning "around" as a circle and the other "to be". Thus, “To be as a circle.” To help us understand the meaning of the word, it represents a circle around a dot. Now the circle becomes a multi-dimensional sphere completely encompassing the dot, which are those aware of His presence within them. (Not all of God’s children are to be found in the church.) As a circle is around the dot, so to is God around all every one of His children. The circle monopolizes the dot within and has it all to itself. So God has His own all to Himself. They are His private and unique possessions. This is not simply a possession, but a valued one purchased at the price of His Son’s Blood. He has reserved them for Himself. In 1Thessalonians 1:1, "The Church of the Thessalonians in God," has the same idea, for the word indicates a sphere. That is, it is in the sphere of God's Love, surrounded by God. Another use for the word in Greek is for a married man who is called periousios, "the chosen one." This is also a place of protection. Place a dot outside of the circle and draw an arrow from that dot to the dot inside the circle. Name the outer dot "Temptation". Consider the outer dot a temptation and that an arrow cannot reach the other without going through the circle! So, no temptation can reach us except that which has been allowed by God the Father first. Therefore all that touches the dot is allowed. Our souls are to be refined by trials and tribulations as a kite rises against the wind… Lee
