Holy and Beloved by God
Holy and Beloved by God
August 15, 2007
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience”
Col 3:12
1. Holy and Beloved (dearly loved). These are not to be taken as vocations but as predicates further defining the meaning of chosen. All three terms—chosen, holy, and dearly loved—are transferred from the old covenant to the new, from Israel after the flesh to Israel after the Spirit.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” 1 Peter 2:9-10
2. In the New Testament the terms chosen, holy and beloved seems to be used always of the objects of God’s love; for example: “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you” 1 Thess 1:4; “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
3. Compassion is a genuine sensitivity and heartfelt sympathy for the needs of others. This is an attribute of God, who is described as compassionate and who acted so on our behalf.
4. Kindness - Acting charitably, benevolently toward others, as God has done toward us. God’s kindness is a continual theme in the Psalms and Prophets. Kindness takes the initiative in responding generously to others’ needs. Because believers have received kindness, we ought to act that way toward others. This does not come naturally; it is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” Gal 5:22-23
5. Humility. An attitude of self-esteem that is neither puffed up with pride, nor self-depreciating. It is a true understanding of one’s position with God. As Christ humbled himself (Phil 2:6–11), so believers ought to humble themselves in service to the Lord.
“who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” Philippians 2:6-11
6. Compassion, Kindness, Humility. These three words describe the Christian mind in general. It affects either our relationship to others (compassion & kindness), or our estimate of self (humility).
7. Gentleness - Meek, Humble, considerate of others, submissive to God and his Word. Gentleness is not to be confused with weakness; instead, it means consideration for others and a willingness to give up one’s rights for the sake of another. Again, Christ is our example.
8. Patience - Long-suffering, or putting up with people who irritate. The person might have the right to retaliate, but chooses patience instead. The Holy Spirit works in us to increases our endurance.
9. Gentleness and Patience. These last two words denote the exercise of the Christian temper in its outer bearing toward others. They are best distinguished by their opposites. Gentleness is the opposite of rudeness or harshness, while patience is the opposite of resentment, revenge, or wrath.
10. So let us “put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”
Promises of God
They are a foundation of our faith, and we have them as such; and also of our hope. On these we are to build all our expectations from God; and in all temptations and trials we have them to rest our souls upon. - Matthew Henry
The Bible
The Bible is the statute-book of God's Kingdom, wherein is comprised the whole body of the heavenly law, the perfect rules of a holy life, and the sure promises of a glorious one.
- Ezekiel Hopkins
GracePointe Baptist Church
2209 N Post Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73141
Phone: (405) 769-5050