Chosen Identity: Embracing God's Love and Purpose
Summary
In my sermon, I began by addressing the congregation's perception of themselves and the importance of understanding what God thinks about us. I used an AI-generated image of God to illustrate the concept of God's loving gaze upon us. I then delved into 1 Peter 2:9, emphasizing that we are chosen by God, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God's special possession. I personalized this scripture to reinforce our identity in Christ and the purpose of declaring God's praises.
I explained the concept of being chosen, not as an ongoing action but as a definitive state of being handpicked by God. I shared my personal experiences of feeling unwanted and assured the congregation that with God, we are always chosen and loved. I tackled the doctrine of election, clarifying that we are all God's elect, chosen for His purpose.
I spoke about our dual identity as both kings, having dominion over the earth, and priests, representing God to mankind and vice versa. I clarified that our dominion does not extend over people but over the earth, as God intended for Adam in Genesis. I emphasized that we can approach God boldly, as He is our loving Father.
I discussed the concept of holiness, using my well-worn Starbucks tumbler as an analogy for being set apart for a specific purpose, despite our imperfections. I reassured the congregation that we are holy because God has made us so, not because of our own efforts.
I shared about God's love being shed abroad in our hearts, enabling us to love others and perform good works as an expression of His love. I explained that being a priest is about loving people with God's love, which is a distinguishing characteristic of a believer.
I recounted my high school experiences, where I lived a double life trying to fit in with different groups. Despite not always living right, I was still a witness to others because of the love of God within me. I shared stories of how I was a positive influence on my friends, even when I didn't realize it.
I concluded the sermon with a prayer, asking God to help us feel His love and to understand that we are seen as perfect through Jesus' sacrifice. I blessed the congregation, encouraging them to know that God is for them and that they are like trees planted by rivers of water, prosperous in all they do.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding our identity as chosen by God is foundational to our self-perception and our relationship with Him. We are not continuously being chosen; we have been chosen, which is a permanent state of grace and favor in God's eyes. This understanding liberates us from feelings of inadequacy and rejection. [05:53]
2. Our dual role as kings and priests entails both authority over the earth and a mediatory position between God and mankind. We exercise dominion as stewards of creation while also interceding and representing God's interests on earth. This dual role is a profound responsibility and privilege that shapes our interactions with the world and with God. [13:33]
3. Holiness is not about external perfection but about being set apart for God's purposes. Like my well-used tumbler, we may be battered and imperfect, yet we remain holy in our unique calling. This perspective helps us embrace our imperfections while pursuing the purpose for which we were created. [20:02]
4. The love of God in our hearts compels us to love others and to engage in good works. These works are not a means to earn God's favor but a natural outflow of the love He has given us. Our actions as believers should be motivated by love and serve as a testament to our faith. [26:26]
5. Our testimony is powerful, even when we are unaware of its impact. My high school experiences taught me that living out the principles of God's love can influence others positively, regardless of our own struggles. We should never underestimate the witness we provide through our actions and treatment of others. [41:22]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 2:9, what are the four identities given to believers? How do these identities relate to our purpose? [01:21]
2. What does the term "chosen" mean in the context of 1 Peter 2:9, and how does it differ from being continuously chosen? [05:09]
3. How does the analogy of the well-worn Starbucks tumbler help explain the concept of holiness? [17:34]
4. What is the significance of being both kings and priests according to the sermon? [09:15]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are "chosen" by God impact our feelings of inadequacy and rejection? [07:28]
2. In what ways does our dual role as kings and priests shape our interactions with the world and with God? [13:33]
3. How can the concept of holiness as being "set apart" for God's purposes change our perspective on our imperfections? [20:02]
4. What does it mean for our actions to be motivated by the love of God, and how does this serve as a testament to our faith? [26:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unwanted or inadequate. How does knowing that you are chosen by God change your perspective on that experience? [07:28]
2. How can you exercise your role as a "king" in your daily life, taking dominion over the earth without overstepping into dominion over people? [10:48]
3. Think of an area in your life where you feel "battered and imperfect." How can you embrace your holiness in that area, knowing you are set apart for God's purposes? [17:34]
4. Identify a specific way you can show God's love to someone this week. How can this act of love serve as a testament to your faith? [26:26]
5. Recall a situation where you were a positive influence on others without realizing it. How can you be more intentional about being a witness in your daily interactions? [41:22]
6. How can you approach God more boldly in your prayer life, knowing that He is your loving Father? [12:11]
7. What steps can you take to align your personal goals with God's purposes, ensuring that you are fulfilling the purpose He has set for you? [16:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Chosen for Divine Favor
We often struggle with feelings of inadequacy and rejection, questioning our worth and purpose. Yet, the truth is that we have been chosen by God, not on a conditional or temporary basis, but as a permanent state of grace and favor. This divine selection is not based on our merits but on God's sovereign love and purpose. As chosen individuals, we are called to embrace our identity in Christ, understanding that our value is not determined by the world's standards but by the One who created us and called us His own. This realization frees us from the need for constant validation from others and allows us to live confidently in the knowledge that we are loved and accepted by God. [05:53]
"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." - 1 Peter 2:9 ESV
Reflection: How does knowing you are chosen by God change the way you view yourself and your interactions with others today?
Day 2: Stewards of Creation and Mediators of Grace
Our identity as believers encompasses a dual role that is both empowering and humbling. As kings, we are granted authority over the earth, called to steward God's creation with care and wisdom. This dominion is not about ruling over others but about responsibly managing the resources and life God has entrusted to us. As priests, we are mediators, representing God to humanity and bringing the concerns of the world before God in prayer. This unique position requires us to live with a sense of purpose, understanding that our actions and decisions have spiritual significance and impact both the physical and eternal realms. [13:33]
"For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God." - Romans 8:19 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you exercise your God-given authority over creation and act as a mediator between God and people this week?
Day 3: Set Apart for God's Purpose
Holiness is often misunderstood as a call to moral perfection, yet it is fundamentally about being set apart for God's specific purposes. Like a well-used tumbler, we may carry the marks of our human imperfections, but we are still chosen vessels, sanctified for divine use. Our holiness is not a result of our efforts but a status conferred upon us by God Himself. This understanding allows us to approach our calling with humility and confidence, knowing that it is God who qualifies us and not our own righteousness. We are called to live out our unique purpose, contributing to God's kingdom in the way He has designed for us. [20:02]
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." - 2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV
Reflection: What are some ways you can embrace your unique calling and live out your God-given purpose, despite your imperfections?
Day 4: Love as the Hallmark of Belief
The love of God poured into our hearts is the driving force behind our actions and interactions with others. This divine love compels us to engage in good works, not as a means to earn favor, but as a natural expression of the love we have received. As believers, our lives should be marked by this love, distinguishing us from the world and testifying to the transformative power of God's grace. Our good works, therefore, are not for our own glory but serve as a reflection of the One who first loved us and called us to love others in His name. [26:26]
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." - John 13:35 ESV
Reflection: How can you demonstrate God's love through your actions towards others in a tangible way today?
Day 5: Unseen Influence Through God's Love
Our testimony is not limited to our words but is powerfully expressed through our lives. Even when we are unaware, the love of God within us can have a profound impact on those around us. Our experiences, struggles, and the way we navigate them can serve as a witness to God's love and grace. We are called to live authentically, allowing God's love to shine through us, influencing others positively and drawing them closer to Him. Our influence is not contingent on our perfection but on our willingness to let God's love work through us, even in our weakest moments. [41:22]
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16 ESV
Reflection: Can you think of a situation where your actions, motivated by God's love, might positively influence someone's perception of faith?
Quotes
1. "I am a chosen person, I am a royal priest, I am part of a holy nation, I am God's special possession that I may declare the Praises of him who called me out of Darkness into his wonderful light. I am, you are, God's chosen person." [02:07]
2. "You are holy, you are part of a called out purpose, you have a reason for being here. So don't think, 'I'm not holy because I'm not pristine.' You are already good enough when you're born again and Blood Bought, you're good enough." [20:45]
3. "We are priests, so God calls us a royal priesthood. We have the dominion over the Earth but we also have the position of representing God to Mankind and we represent mankind to God. We are an intermediary, seated in Heavenly places with Christ Jesus." [13:33]
4. "You are a chosen person. This term also means elect in the Scripture. We are the elect and so when you read in the scripture the elect, you are the elect. So we are chosen and this is who we are, this is our identity." [08:05]
5. "We do works not because he's a slave master, it's because we're expressing his love to the rest of the world. This is part of being a priest, you love those that you are ministering to, you love the world. This is a distinguishing characteristic." [26:26]
6. "God calls us to be special, his special possession. He chose us from the very foundation of the world. Before the Earth was without form and void, God knew you and he chose you. That purpose that he created them for in the heavens, he places that in that seed." [29:45]
7. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, your mind, and your strength. And the second one is just like it, just as important: love your neighbor as yourself. On this all of the law and the prophets hang." [27:44]
8. "We are royalty and we have dominion. God told Adam in Genesis chapter 1, 'You shall subdue the Earth and have dominion over it.' We do not have dominion over people, we have dominion over the earth when we take our position as children of God." [10:48]
9. "This tumbler has been with me to three different continents, has been with me to multiple countries and goes with me everywhere I go. It's beat up, it's banged up, but this is Holy, this is set apart. Nothing goes in this but my coffee." [17:34]
10. "I was always the little pudgy kid, wasn't very athletic, so I wasn't chosen at the first. Most likely, I typically wasn't chosen in the middle. I was always left to be chosen last. But I have been handpicked by God. I was first round draft choice of God." [07:28]
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