Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” This phrase “be thankful” means literally “become thankful!” God has done so much for us that we should seek to become increasingly grateful people.
It is impossible to wrap our minds around the fact that Joseph was in prison – falsely accused. Yet, God was with him and granted him good favor – The LORD was with him; God showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there.
God never changes!
God’s favor provided Noah protection and deliverance. Abraham received God’s favor (Genesis 18:3), and the added distinction of being called God’s friend (Isaiah 41:8, James 2:23). Moses also received God’s favor, and the unique blessing of seeing God’s glory (Exodus 33:17-23).
In waking up this morning, I have been shown favor. And we know that all things work together for good to them that Love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.
The called are those that are invited or called (for a purpose). These are those who are invited or called to something.
Using klesis (the call) with kletos (the called/the invited) would be look like this:
Humble yourselves and listen to the call of God, you who are invited, to repent and trust in Him to receive salvation.
Kletos: called/invited
- For many are the invited, but few are elect. (Matt.22:14)
- You also are among them, the invited to belong to Jesus Christ. (Rom.1:6)
- From Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, one invited to be an apostle, set apart for…. (Rom.1:1)
- But to the invited, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God (1 Cor.2:4)
- To all those loved by God in Rome, the invited saints: Grace and peace to you (Rom.1:7)
- ….work together for good for those loving God, the invited according to His purpose (Rom.8:28)
- those accompanying the Lamb are the invited, and elect, and faithful (Rev.17:14)