A Loved and Chosen People

Introduction

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

Peter gives four descriptions of the church in this text. They are heavily laden with Old Testament imagery and wording.

The church is the the continuation of Israel for God’s salvation purposes.

1. While God does still have favor for the people of Israel, his salvation is for all who believe on Christ, thus the church.

2. These four truths do not describe individual Christians, but rather the church as a whole.

3. However, there are implications for individual Christians.

The church does not replace Israel, but it does fulfill the promises made to Israel; and all those, Jews and gentiles, who belong to the true Israel are now part of the new people of God.

Explanation

Scripture: But you are a chosen race,

Think of how God picked Abraham up and made him a father of a great nation. He chose Abraham.

Deuteronomy 10:15 “Yet the Lord set his heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day.”

God chose Israel’s fathers.

We, as the church, are a chosen people.

When you think about the Book of Exodus and all that God did for the people of Israel, know that God is doing the same for you. He is drawing you out of darkness into a wonderful light.

Scripture: a royal priesthood,

1. What does a royal priesthood mean?

Royal - kings, queens, princes, and princesses

Priests - stood before God on behalf of the people

Combine the two - Standing before God as sons and daughters

2. Israel was to mirror to the nations a relationship with God. They were intermediaries for all people.

Scripture: a holy nation,

Nations are not innately holy, but the church is.

We place our hope in the only nation that will stand which is the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

We mourn the loss of a godly nation. The most godly nation still stands - built not upon nuclear weapons or gross domestic product.

Rather, we sing, because the church is built upon the prayers of the saints to the God who never fails.

The church as a “holy nation” is set apart for the Lord, enjoying his special presence and favor.

Scripture: a people for his own possession

We belong to him, and God takes care of His own.

When something belongs to you, you may or may not take care of it, depending upon the value of the item.

You treat a rotisserie chicken from Walmart differently than your wedding band right.

We are God’s prized possession. He loves us and will never let us go.

70k Michael Jordan jersey - Why is it worth so much? Because Michael Jordan owned it.

Application

How does this passage make you feel about the church?

Conclusion