PM Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2.9-12

Brent T. Willey

The People of God

1 Peter 2.9-12

Introduction:

1. Our identity means absolutely nothing if we do not belong to God!
2. Peter speaks about those “who once were not a people but are now the people of God…” (1 Pet. 2.10) – Christians!
3. How can that be? This is another one of those idiomatic expressions suggesting relationship with God, distinguishing between covenant people and non-covenant people.
4. After the apostle reminds us of our past, alienated from God and thereby without mercy, he then outlines our new identity and the purpose of this remarkable relationship with God.

OUR NEW IDENTITY – Verse 9

1. Covenant people: “A chosen generation” (Exod. 19.5), contrasted with a “perverse generation” (Acts 2.40).
   1. True worshipers: “A royal priesthood” (Exod. 19.6), contrasted with the Levitical priesthood (Heb. 7.11-17).
2. Spiritual ethnicity: “A holy nation” (Exod. 19.6), contrasted with national arrogance (Phil. 3.18-21).
3. God’s possession: “His own special people” (Deut. 26.18), which makes us privileged (Titus 2.14)!

OUR NEW PURPOSE – Verses 9-12

1. To “proclaim God’s praises” to others (v. 9), because this is to be our mission! (Matt. 10.27-31)
2. To “abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (v. 11), because the damage is severe! (Rom. 8.5-8)
3. To “have conduct honorable among the Gentiles” (v. 12), so when they speak evil against us our “good works” will serve as evidence “in the day of visitation.” (Matt. 25.31-33, 46)

Conclusion: With whom or with what are you identified with in this life? God’s people strive to be different from the rest of the world!