Embracing Our Identity as Chosen People of God
Summary
Summary:
Today, we explored the profound message of being chosen by God, as articulated by the Apostle Peter in his first epistle. Peter draws a parallel between the life of Jesus and the life of the church, emphasizing that just as Jesus was a chosen stone, rejected by the world but precious to God, so are we as members of God's temple. This identity as chosen people is not just a spiritual concept but a call to live out our faith in tangible ways. We are reminded that suffering is part of our journey, just as it was for Christ, and that our worth is found in being chosen by God, not in our own choices or achievements.
The sermon also delved into the historical and theological context of being chosen, touching on the practice of veiling among young Catholic women as a symbol of being set apart. This practice highlights a deeper longing to be physically and spiritually distinct, a theme that resonates with Peter's message of being living stones in God's spiritual house. We are called to be a royal priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices and living out our faith in a way that reflects the kingdom of God.
Furthermore, we examined the concept of predestination and election, as discussed by theologians like John Calvin, and how it relates to our identity as chosen people. The focus is not just on individual salvation but on the communal aspect of being conformed to the image of Christ. This communal identity is crucial as we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, living out a life of sacrifice and mercy.
In conclusion, we are reminded of our priestly duties to offer spiritual sacrifices and extend mercy to others. This radical way of living, characterized by sacrifice and mercy, challenges the world's values and calls us to build longer tables rather than taller walls. As chosen people, we are invited to live in a way that makes no sense without the resurrection of Christ, embodying the spirit of mercy in all that we do.
Key Takeaways:
1. Chosen Identity: Our identity as chosen by God is foundational to our faith. It is not based on our own choices or achievements but on God's love and purpose for us. This identity calls us to live out our faith in tangible ways, reflecting the kingdom of God in our daily lives. [01:32]
2. Suffering and Christlikeness: Suffering is an integral part of the Christian journey, as it was for Christ. Embracing this reality helps us grow in Christlikeness, understanding that our trials are not in vain but are part of God's refining process. [04:27]
3. Communal Faith: Our faith is not just individual but deeply communal. We are called to be a diverse and multi-ethnic community that reflects the image of Christ. This communal identity strengthens our witness and helps us live out our priestly duties. [14:04]
4. Radical Mercy: Mercy is a radical act that defies the world's values. As recipients of God's mercy, we are called to extend it to others, even when it seems undeserved. This sacrificial way of living challenges us to build longer tables and invite others into God's kingdom. [29:27]
5. Living Stones: As living stones, we are part of God's spiritual house, called to offer spiritual sacrifices and live out our faith in a way that reflects Christ. This identity empowers us to be active participants in God's kingdom work, regardless of our background or vocation. [20:11]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:32] - Chosen by God
- [02:56] - The Practice of Veiling
- [04:27] - Spiritual and Physical Distinction
- [05:50] - The Illusion of Choice
- [07:21] - Living Stones and Spiritual House
- [08:47] - Old Testament Parallels
- [10:07] - Election and Predestination
- [11:27] - Calvin's Theology
- [12:43] - Predestined for Sanctification
- [14:04] - Communal Identity
- [15:31] - Priestly Duties
- [17:02] - The Temple and the Spirit
- [18:29] - The Role of the Levites
- [20:11] - The Priesthood of All Believers
- [21:42] - Spiritual Sacrifices
- [23:13] - God's Special Possession
- [24:49] - The Power of God's Mercy
- [26:14] - Embracing Our Chosen Identity
- [27:45] - Tangible Reminders of Faith
- [29:27] - Sacrifice and Mercy
- [31:06] - Radical Mercy in Action
- [32:43] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1 Peter 2:4-10
Romans 8:29
John 4:13-14
Observation Questions:
1. How does Peter describe Jesus and believers in 1 Peter 2:4-10? What imagery does he use to convey their roles? [07:21]
2. What is the significance of the term "living stones" in the context of Peter's message? How does this relate to the Old Testament? [08:47]
3. According to Romans 8:29, what are believers predestined for, and how does this relate to the concept of being chosen? [12:43]
4. How does the practice of veiling among young Catholic women illustrate the idea of being set apart, as discussed in the sermon? [04:27]
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be a "royal priesthood" and how does this identity impact the way believers live out their faith? [15:31]
2. How does the concept of suffering relate to Christlikeness, and why is it considered an integral part of the Christian journey? [01:32]
3. In what ways does the communal aspect of faith strengthen the identity of believers as chosen people? [14:04]
4. How does the idea of radical mercy challenge the world's values, and what implications does this have for believers today? [29:27]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. How does understanding your identity as chosen by God influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [01:32]
2. Consider a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did it help you grow in Christlikeness, and how can you embrace future suffering with a similar mindset? [04:27]
3. Think about your role within your church community. How can you contribute to building a diverse and multi-ethnic community that reflects the image of Christ? [14:04]
4. Identify a situation where you can extend mercy to someone who may not seem deserving. What practical steps can you take to show radical mercy in this context? [29:27]
5. As a living stone in God's spiritual house, what spiritual sacrifices can you offer in your current season of life? How can these sacrifices reflect Christ's love and mercy? [20:11]
6. How can you incorporate tangible reminders of your faith into your daily routine, similar to the practice of veiling? Consider items or practices that help you remember your identity as part of God's chosen people. [27:45]
7. Reflect on the idea of building longer tables rather than taller walls. How can you apply this principle in your relationships, both within and outside the church community? [31:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Chosen by God's Love
Our identity as chosen by God is foundational to our faith. It is not based on our own choices or achievements but on God's love and purpose for us. This identity calls us to live out our faith in tangible ways, reflecting the kingdom of God in our daily lives. Being chosen by God means that we are set apart for a divine purpose, much like Jesus, who was a chosen stone, precious to God but rejected by the world. This understanding should transform how we view ourselves and our mission in the world. We are called to embody this chosen identity by living lives that reflect God's love and grace to those around us. [01:32]
"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 approach your daily interactions and decisions today?
Day 2: Embracing Suffering as Christ Did
Suffering is an integral part of the Christian journey, as it was for Christ. Embracing this reality helps us grow in Christlikeness, understanding that our trials are not in vain but are part of God's refining process. Just as Jesus suffered and was rejected, we too may face hardships and rejection. However, these experiences are opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God. By embracing suffering, we align ourselves with Christ's journey and allow God to work through our pain to bring about transformation and maturity in our faith. [04:27]
"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake." (Philippians 1:29, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you see your current struggles as part of God's refining process, and how can you embrace them with a Christlike attitude today?
Day 3: Living in Community as a Reflection of Christ
Our faith is not just individual but deeply communal. We are called to be a diverse and multi-ethnic community that reflects the image of Christ. This communal identity strengthens our witness and helps us live out our priestly duties. As a community, we are to support one another, share in each other's burdens, and celebrate each other's victories. This unity and diversity within the body of Christ serve as a powerful testimony to the world of God's love and grace. By living in community, we fulfill our calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving and loving others as He did. [14:04]
"Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." (1 Corinthians 12:27, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the unity and diversity of your faith community this week, reflecting the image of Christ to those around you?
Day 4: Extending Radical Mercy
Mercy is a radical act that defies the world's values. As recipients of God's mercy, we are called to extend it to others, even when it seems undeserved. This sacrificial way of living challenges us to build longer tables and invite others into God's kingdom. By showing mercy, we reflect the heart of God and demonstrate the transformative power of His love. This radical mercy is not just about forgiving others but also about actively seeking ways to serve and uplift those in need, embodying the spirit of Christ in all that we do. [29:27]
"Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience God's mercy through you today, and what specific action can you take to extend that mercy to them?
Day 5: Becoming Living Stones in God's Spiritual House
As living stones, we are part of God's spiritual house, called to offer spiritual sacrifices and live out our faith in a way that reflects Christ. This identity empowers us to be active participants in God's kingdom work, regardless of our background or vocation. We are called to be a royal priesthood, offering our lives as spiritual sacrifices that honor God and serve others. By embracing our role as living stones, we contribute to the building of God's kingdom, creating a spiritual house where His presence dwells and His love is made known. [20:11]
"You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you offer your life as a spiritual sacrifice today, contributing to the building of God's spiritual house?
Quotes
1) "In the Christian story, our worth is found in the fact that we ourselves have been chosen by God. Peter is calling the people of this letter, the believers, back to a more foundational identity. Peter uses language of us being living stones as a part of God's house and God's temple, but also attributes to us this priestly language. Like Alex mentioned, we are the ones who chose them. Like Alex mentioned a couple Sundays ago, this language is actually firmly rooted in the Old Testament and would have been very familiar to Peter. However, to us Gentiles, for us non-Jews, we may need some more exploration, especially since we're only 2,000 years removed from their context." [06:30] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "God's temple, the place where he dwells, is no longer Herod's political building project, nor in any other place made by human hands. Rather, God now dwells with those who were made by his hands, in his image and in his likeness, us. The Holy Spirit has revitalized the breath of God that was breathed into humanity at creation and baptized us for kingdom work. It means that we are all priests, meant for the work of God. It is no longer restricted to the tribe of Levi, thank God, all of us. Your job title, your talents, your vocation, none of that matters. It is no longer just the Levites, but it is all of us that God has called into the priesthood of the kingdom of God. It means we all have skin in this game." [19:00] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "We sacrifice because it is what we see as Christ's model. In his death, Jesus gave it all. And to pick up our cross means that we every day are learning to do a little bit of the same. Finally, Peter ends our section with this, but you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special people. God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." [22:42] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "For those of you who have taken this outstretched hand, do not be afraid of losing it. Like I mentioned before, sometimes in the church, we seem to discount the power of God's mercy. We seem like it's a slim type rope so easily slipped off in a moment where our disordered desires get the best of us. This mentality can help us feel insecure in our status as a member of God's people, his family. I want to affirm to everyone here who has accepted Christ as their Lord, salvation is not a fickle thing. It is not sand that slowly slips through our hands and is lost in the wind. Rather, it is a powerful example of God's plan to bring humanity back to where we began, in the garden with our loving God, our maker. In the cool of the day." [25:14] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Secondly, I would just remind us to remember our priestly duties. Peter described our duty twofold in this passage, sacrifice and mercy. And I love this because of how often these two things coincide. That Venn diagram is very close. For mercy, true, mercy is often a thing of sacrifice. Christ's ultimate display of mercy was shown when he gave up his very life. And to be instruments of that mercy, Christ asks us to sacrifice. He asks us to sacrifice what we would rather do to be people of over mercy. Mercy simply defined is giving someone what we do not think they deserve. Forgiveness, but it is ultimately taking action that we do not deserve. Why? Because we have been recipients of mercy that we never earned. But it is what we have received from God." [28:45] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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