Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
It really doesn’t matter what definition of peculiar we look at, the modern day peculiar is strange, odd, unusual, or special. That fits perfectly in our darkening world. It is strange, odd and unusual to see those who choose to follow God, and turn their back on the iniquities of the world. One of my favorite quotes from Russell M. Nelson, and there have been hundreds of amazing ones, is “Stand out; be different from the world. You and I know that you are to be a light to the world. Therefore, the Lord needs you to look like, sound like, act like, and dress like a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Yes, you are living in the world, but you have very different standards from the world to help you avoid the stain of the world.” (Hope of Israel) All of us living in these “latter days” were the “peculiar” ones in heaven as well, we stood out as an example as true followers of Christ, valiant in all that we did, and courageous in our stand for truth.
“I believe if you could see yourself living with your Heavenly Parents and with Jesus Christ; if you could observe what you did premortally and see yourself making commitments—even covenants—with others, including your mentors and teachers; if you could see yourself courageously responding to attacks on truth and valiantly standing up for Jesus Christ, I believe that every one of you would have the increased power, increased commitment, and eternal perspective to help you overcome any and all of your confusion, doubts, struggles, and problems. All of them!” -Russell M. Nelson (Hope of Israel)
Let’s look at the advice that Paul gives to those who love the Lord, those who want to be “peculiar.” Remember in Hebrew peculiar means valued treasure and in Greek it means possession. I believe that Paul is trying to help us to understand that as we take on Christ’s name we truly belong to him and are wrapped in his love, and we become a valued treasure here on earth. We are those that “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord”, but we are those that have been endowed with the spirit of “power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” What a gift, the Lord is putting his full trust in His peculiar people, begging us to bring the light of the gospel to the whole world, through our “faith and love which is in Jesus Christ.” (2 Timothy 1:7,8,13)
I love the use of the word “soldier” in 2 Timothy. We think of a soldier as someone who is robed in the clothing of their profession, they stand out with a distinct honor, and they fight for whom they work. Paul tells us to be a “good soldier of Jesus Christ”. He tells us to be “strong”, “endure hardness”, and wait upon the Lord for increased understanding. “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” “Be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,” as you help those that are captives of Satan come unto repentance. (2 Timothy 2:1,3,4,7,22,24,26)
1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
Paul goes on to explain that those that are most treasured in the eyes of the Lord should have a heart of genuine love for all mankind; their prayers should emulate that love through their “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” Through these prayers we should seek “a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” This is only possible by Christ’s love “Who gave himself a ransom for all, Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” This is should be our prayers, that all will come unto Christ, and that we can be an instrument in His hands, in helping all find Him. (1 Timothy 2:1,4,5,6)
1 Timothy 4:5 sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
Paul explains the curses of the “latter time”, and then tells us how to avoid them. We need to stand out and be peculiar. Another way to do this, is to study the scriptures (accompanied by sincere prayer). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Through prayerful study of the scriptures we can understand God’s will for us, and have a clear knowledge of his gospel. This knowledge and desire is what is going to help us to bring the light of Christ to the world. (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
With these two tools we will be able to be missionaries everywhere we go, at all times and in all places. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” This can be scary, and intimidating, but the Lord promises to be our strength, “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever.” (2 Timothy 4:2,17,18)
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began
-Sherri Jorgensen
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