How should our behavior reflect being "chosen" and "treasured" by God? Chosen and Treasured—Why It Matters Today Deuteronomy 7:6 sets the tone: “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth.” Living Set Apart • Holiness is not optional; it is the logical response to being “holy to the LORD.” • 1 Peter 1:15-16 echoes the call: “Be holy, because I am holy.” • Practical outworking: reject anything that blurs the line between the world’s values and God’s standards (Romans 12:2). Daily Gratitude in Action • Chosen people live thankfully, not grumbling (Philippians 2:14-15). • Gratitude fuels obedience: “Whoever loves Me will keep My word” (John 14:23). • Verbal thanksgiving—regular testimony to God’s goodness—reminds us and others of our status as His treasure (Psalm 107:2). Guarding Identity with Humility • Election is unearned grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Humility disarms pride: “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Serve rather than dominate: Jesus washed feet, then said, “I have set you an example” (John 13:15). Zealous for Good Works • Titus 2:14—Christ “gave Himself…to redeem us…and to purify for Himself a people…eager to do good.” • Good works validate identity: they are fruit, not the root, of salvation (James 2:17). • Seek opportunities: caring for the vulnerable (James 1:27), practicing generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7). Reflecting God’s Ownership • We are His “treasured possession,” so life is stewardship, not ownership (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Decisions—finances, relationships, time—pass through the grid: “Does this honor the One who owns me?” Proclaiming His Excellence • 1 Peter 2:9 identifies believers as “a chosen people…that you may proclaim the virtues of Him who called you.” • Evangelism, worship, and everyday conversations showcase God’s character. • Silence about the gospel contradicts chosen status; proclamation confirms it. Cultivating Covenant Loyalty • Deuteronomy 7 continues: loyalty brings blessing; infidelity brings discipline. • Faithfulness in marriage, business, speech, and digital life demonstrates covenant loyalty (Colossians 3:17). • Regular self-examination keeps us tethered to covenant priorities (2 Corinthians 13:5). Hope-Fueled Perseverance • Knowing we are treasured secures us in trials (Romans 8:28-39). • Perseverance makes our calling visible to a watching world (Philippians 1:27-28). • Confidence: the God who chose us will faithfully finish His work (Philippians 1:6). Summary Snapshot Chosen and treasured believers: 1. Live holy lives. 2. Overflow with gratitude. 3. Walk in humility. 4. Pursue good works eagerly. 5. Steward all they are and have. 6. Proclaim God’s excellence. 7. Remain covenant-loyal. 8. Persevere in hope. Deuteronomy 7:6 is more than a title—it is a summons to visible, daily, God-honoring transformation. |
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