DCLM Higher Everyday 6 May 2024 — A Peculiar People – Part 1
Topic: A Peculiar People – Part 1
Text: Titus 2:11-14
11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Key Verse: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12).
Message
Kyle Butt, M. Div, told a story about hunters catching a stoat or ermine (a little furry creature) to get its fur. Hunters would find the ermine’s den when it is not inside and smear the outside with disgusting mud. They would then turn their dogs loose to find the ermine. After a long chase, the ermine would run for safety to its home, only to discover its entrance was covered in filth. Because the ermine values its beautiful white coat so much, it won’t go through the doorway and get dirty; instead, it would give itself up to the hunters so that its fur would not be contaminated. That is why the ermine became a symbol of purity.
The little creature would rather die than get dirty. All who profess to be saved by grace must be peculiarly holy and serve God zealously. Beloved, are you peculiar? Grace (God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense), can never be an excuse for continued sinning. Holy living and constant victory over all sins are what make us peculiar.
Quote: Rather die than get dirty
Challenge: Grace enables us to live free from sin.
Prayer for today: Father, make me peculiarly holy, in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
