Text: Psalm 116:15
As we grow, it is important that we learn to see things the way God does. Some things that we might value are worthless. We must learn to realize this, see what’s important to God, and set our priorities accordingly. Our text describes something precious to God. We will consider this and other passages that describe things as being precious in the sight of God.
His Chosen People (Isaiah 43:1-7)
- “Since you are precious in My sight…” (v. 4) – describing the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people; they were chosen because of God’s promise (Deuteronomy 7:7-8)
- God was affirming His love for them – He had redeemed them (v. 1), loved them (v. 4), and promised to be with them (v. 2, 5)
- Christians are God’s chosen people today (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14) – He has redeemed us (Titus 2:14), loves us (1 John 4:10), and promises to be with us (Hebrews 13:5-6)
- God’s chosen people are precious in His sight – they must be precious in ours as well (1 John 4:10-11)
The Blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19)
- “But with precious blood…the blood of Christ” (v. 19) – the blood Jesus shed in His death
- The blood of Christ was necessary for redemption (Hebrews 9:22, 11-14) – redemption allowed us to have forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7); redeemed from the curse of the law so we can be adopted by God (Galatians 3:13; 4:5)
- More precious than silver and gold – they are perishable but Christ is eternal (John 1:1); Jesus is the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16); nothing else can do what it does (Hebrews 9:22; 10:4)
- We must recognize that the blood of Christ is precious – not through lip-service, but by obedience (Hebrews 10:26-29)
The Cornerstone of the Church (1 Peter 2:4-7)
- “And coming to Him as to a living stone…choice and precious in the sight of God” (v. 4) – this is referring to Jesus
- This passage is emphasizing the church – Jesus was the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20), the foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11), so we cannot build upon anyone/anything else; the church belongs to Him (Matthew 16:18) and was purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28)
- We must see the church as being precious – be part of His church (Acts 2:38, 41, 47), not any of the churches of men; don’t show contempt for it by forsaking the assembly (Hebrews 10:25) or despising our brethren (1 Corinthians 11:22)
Unity Among Brethren (Psalm 133:1-2)
- “…unity…like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard…” – not only are our brethren precious [previous point], so is our unity
- Unity is likened to the anointing oil used to consecrate Aaron and his sons (Exodus 30:30) – made by carefully following the Lord instructions (Exodus 30:22-25); they could not use just any oil (cf. Leviticus 10:1-2)
- Jesus prayed for unity among believers (John 17:20-21) – the same unity Jesus enjoyed with the Father (John 10:30; 8:29); as the anointing oil was to be made according to God’s specifications, so is our unity (Philippians 3:16-17)
- We need to appreciate unity as being precious – strive to maintain it (Ephesians 4:3)
A Gentle and Quiet Spirit (1 Peter 3:4)
- “…a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God“
- This was a description of a godly wife (1 Peter 3:1) – involved submission (v. 1; Ephesians 5:22, 24); included chaste and respectful behavior (v. 2); even relates to one’s dress (v. 3)
- These characteristics of gentleness and quietness should be true of ALL Christians, not just wives – gentleness is a humble submission to the will of God (Matthew 5:5; 1 Peter 5:6); quietness is about being peaceable and not contentious (Romans 12:18)
- We must learn to see these characteristics as precious – not to be selfish or attention-seeking; our prayer should be to lead a tranquil and quiet life (1 Timothy 2:2)
The Death of His Saints (Psalm 116:15)
- “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones” – death is often difficult to deal with, yet there is a different perspective for God’s people
- A similar statement is made near the end of the Bible (Revelation 14:13) – Jesus offers rest (Matthew 11:28); in heaven we will be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17); God had fellowship with man in the Garden, but this was ruined by sin (Genesis 3:8, 23-24); God’s plan ever since has been to restore that fellowship (Genesis 3:15; Ephesians 2:12-16; Revelation 22:1-2)
- We need to see this as precious as God does – those in Christ have hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14); this is a time of rest (Revelation 14:13), so let us be working now (Hebrews 4:11)
Conclusion
- These are some things that are precious to God – they need to be precious to us as well
- Through Christ we have hope of eternal life and rest with Him in heaven – keep working to obtain this (Philippians 3:14; Revelation 2:10); if not a Christian, become one so you can also have this hope (Hebrews 5:9)
