THE CHURCH, GOD'S PECULIAR TREASURE


A. "AND THEY SHALL BE MINE, SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS, IN THAT DAY WHEN I MAKE UP MY JEWELS; AND I WILL SPARE THEM, AS A MAN SPARETH HIS OWN SON THAT SERVETH HIM." - Mal. 3:17
  1. This text offers to us added incentives for wanting to be members of the church of God, God's peculiar treasure:
    1. God claims the church and its members as His own - "they shall be mine".
    2. He thinks of the members of the church as His most precious possession - "my jewels".
  2. A peculiar treasure:
    1. That which is stored away for special occasions to put on display is considered a treasure - Luke 12:23; Jas. 5:3
    2. What we hold of special value to us and upon which we bestow much love and labor is held in the highest esteem - Matt. 13:46; 1 Chron. 29:3
    3. That is true of material things and also of heavenly treasures - Isa. 39:2; Matt. 6:21
B. THE CHURCH, GOD'S PECULIAR TREASURE
  1. God's reasons for looking upon the church as His peculiar treasure:
    1. He ransomed it at an infinite price - John 3:16; Rom. 8:31- 33; Jer. 31:11; Matt. 20:28
    2. He actually bought the church with His own blood - Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 6:20
    3. He loves the church with an everlasting love - Jer. 31:3
    4. He bestows much sacrificial labor upon the church - Eph. 5:24-27
  2. It is wonderful to be included in God's peculiar treasure:
    1. Think of the words of Peter - 1 Pet. 2:9-11
    2. It places a great responsibility upon the members of the church - 1 Pet. 2:9-11; 1 Tim. 3:15
C. WHO QUALIFIES FOR GOD'S PECULIAR TREASURE?
  1. The Bible shows that persons of sterling character are held in high esteem by the Lord:
    1. Abraham is called "the friend of God" - 2 Chron. 20:7; Jas. 2:23
    2. Enoch was translated that he should not see death - Gen. 5:22-25; Heb. 11:5
    3. Daniel was greatly loved by God - Dan. 10:11
    4. Paul was a chosen vessel - Acts 9:15
  2. Anyone can be among God's peculiar treasures:
    1. God is not a respecter of persons - "Whosoever will" - Rev. 22:17; Acts 10:34 EXAMPLES -
      1. Ruth the Moabitess - Ruth 1:16-17
      2. Rahab the harlot - Ps. 87:4
  3. What makes the redeemed God's peculiar treasure?
    1. Essence of rightful ownership - John 17:8-11. Our loving Saviour feels that all for whom He died are his precious own - "they are mine."
    2. The fact of purchase is still another experience which endears us to the Lord - 1 Cor. 3:19, 20
    3. The sense of miraculous achievement is still another reason for attachment. "In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people." - Isa. 28:5. "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God." - Isa. 62:3
  4. Think, dear reader, of God's estimate of His people! The restoration of the image of God in our lives - Rom. 8:29; the loyalty and sacrifice of God's children are all contributory factors to our standing before God: Rev. 3:7-11


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