Reflecting Gods Ownership You were sealed with the Holy Spirit with a view to the redemption of Gods own possession, to the praise of His glory (Eph.1:14 Someday God will take full possession of all that is rightfully His. Yesterday we saw that God seals us with the Holy Spirit as a pledge of our eternal inheritance. Here Paul says He does so with a view to the redemption of [His] own possession. That refers to when God takes full possession of all that is rightfully His. Everything is Gods by creation, but Satan has usurped Gods rulership to become the god of this world (2 Cor.4:4) in whose power the whole world currently lies (1 John 5:19). Consequently, all creation is in bondage to decay and groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time (Rom. 8:22, NIV). It eagerly awaits the time when the curse of Genesis 3 is reversed, all Christians are fully glorified, and sin is eternally vanquished. What a glorious time that will be! You are Gods special possession because you are His by redemption as well as creation. In Revelation 5:9 the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders sing to the Lord, Worthy art Thou . . . for Thou wast slain, and didst purchase for God with Thy blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. In Acts 20:28 Paul charges the Ephesian elders to guard carefully the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. That makes you a priceless commodity to God—part of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for Gods own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God (1 Pet. 2:9-10). As Gods special possession, you should reflect His ownership and sovereign rule in everything you do. Remember, you are not your own . . . for you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Suggestions for Prayer Thank God that you are His treasured possession.Seek His Spirits leading in proclaiming His excellencies to others through your words and deeds.Ask Him to teach you to esteem other believers as highly as He does. For Further Study Read Ephesians 2:1-13, noting the spiritual privileges and responsibilities that are yours in Christ.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 12:00:45 +0000
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