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looking for such a wonderful hope to be realized (Titus 2: 13)? The word translated
`looking' is prosdechomai. This is used (1) of things, to admit or to allow; (2) of
persons, to receive kindly, to entertain as a guest and (3) of things future, to wait for, to
expect with confidence.
In this third sense it is used in Luke 12: 36, "and ye yourselves like unto men that
wait for their Lord" or of Joseph of Arimathaea who waited for the Kingdom of God
(Luke 23: 51). So here in Titus 2: 13; we should `live . . . . . waiting for that blessed
hope and the manifesting of the glory of our great God and Saviour Christ Jesus'. We
shall certainly need divine patience to wait. This is one of the fruits of the Spirit which
we all need so much, but it must be practical patience, not the patience of idleness. The
best way we can practically manifest such an attitude is to continually seek His will in
service and witness and then, by His grace and strengthening, to carry this out in deed
and truth, all the while remembering that our eternal home is not here, but it already
exists as a present fact in the heavens (Phil. 3: 20).
During this present life we have to deal with the things of earth in a measure, but wise
are we if we do not allow these things to completely monopolize our thinking and
outlook. The bent of our mind should be upon heavenly things where Christ is now
enthroned (Col. 3: 1, 2) and where our life and citizenship now exist. To have the bent
of our minds on earthly things is exceedingly dangerous, as Phil. 3: 19 warns us.
Beware of any system of Bible teaching or theology that leans this way, even though it is
dressed up attractively. We are a heavenly people with a destiny in the plan of God to
carry out a phase of His purposes in the heavens `far above all', just as redeemed Israel
will be used on the earth. Our high calling has wonders beyond our dreams, safely
treasured in Christ Jesus. Let us live with exceeding joy, anticipating the glories to come,
which are as sure and certain as our Saviour Himself.
No.7.
2: 13, 14 3: 6.
pp. 156 - 160
We are still dealing with the wonderful context of Titus 2: 13, 14; having considered
something of the magnificent hope which lies before every member of the Body of
Christ, the manifesting of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ in the
heavenlies. Verse 14 continues:
"Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto
Himself a people for His own possession, zealous of good works."
This redemption was not effected by God merely putting forth His mighty power on
our behalf. It goes infinitely deeper than that. It needed nothing less than the Lord Jesus
`giving Himself', and in giving Himself, He gave everything; "the Son of God, Who
loved me and gave Himself for me" said the Apostle (Gal. 2: 20). In the same epistle we