Embracing Our Identity in Christ: Hope and Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Green Tree Church. Today, we gathered to worship God and experience His amazing grace. We began with an invitation from Psalm 67, asking for God's blessing and guidance. We prayed for His presence in our worship and for the strength to love Him and our neighbors. I encouraged everyone to join a community group, emphasizing the importance of relationships in our spiritual journey.
Our focus today was on 1 Peter 2:9-10, where Peter describes the church as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God's own possession. These powerful images remind us of our identity in Christ and the hope we have despite difficulties. Peter's letter was written to a church facing persecution, urging them to live with hope because of Jesus' sacrifice.
We explored what it means to be a chosen race, emphasizing that our identity is now rooted in a spiritual heritage through Jesus Christ. As a royal priesthood, we are called to serve and worship God, lifting others in prayer and trusting in His provision. Being a holy nation means our primary allegiance is to Jesus, not any political entity. Finally, as a peculiar people, we are set apart to proclaim the excellencies of God, living lives that reflect His mercy and grace.
I shared a story about Scott Weiland, the lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots, to illustrate the transformative power of knowing we are chosen by God. Despite his struggles, knowing God's love could have changed his life. Similarly, we are called to live out our identity in Christ, making choices that reflect our new reality.
We concluded with a reminder of the importance of proclaiming the gospel through our words and actions. We are to live lives that make others question and seek the hope we have in Jesus. As we partake in communion, we remember the mercy and grace extended to us through Christ's sacrifice. Let us respond to God's love by living out our faith in tangible ways, demonstrating His mercy to the world around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Chosen Race: Our identity as a chosen race is rooted in a spiritual heritage through Jesus Christ. This new identity frees us from the stories we inherited from our earthly families and gives us a new story in God's family. Embracing this identity transforms our lives and allows us to live with hope and purpose. [38:39]
2. Royal Priesthood: As a royal priesthood, we are called to serve and worship God, lifting others in prayer and trusting in His provision. This role is not limited to full-time ministry but extends to every believer, encouraging us to intercede for our communities and reflect God's love in our daily lives. [42:10]
3. Holy Nation: Being a holy nation means our primary allegiance is to Jesus, not any political entity. Our commitment to Christ should shape our values and actions, allowing us to engage in the political process with a biblical perspective and work towards solutions that honor God. [45:03]
4. Peculiar People: As a peculiar people, we are set apart to proclaim the excellencies of God. Our lives should reflect His mercy and grace, making others question and seek the hope we have in Jesus. This distinctiveness is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the gospel. [46:57]
5. Proclaiming the Gospel: We are called to proclaim the gospel through our words and actions, living lives that embody the good news of Jesus. This involves demonstrating God's love and mercy in tangible ways, making a difference in the lives of those around us and drawing them to Christ. [54:44]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[14:14] - Invitation to Worship
[15:00] - Opening Prayer
[30:15] - Importance of Community Groups
[31:03] - Introduction to 1 Peter
[32:36] - Reading of 1 Peter 2:9-10
[33:16] - Reflection on God's Word
[33:55] - NFL Draft Analogy
[36:05] - Chosen Race
[38:39] - Spiritual Heritage
[42:10] - Royal Priesthood
[45:03] - Holy Nation
[46:57] - Peculiar People
[54:44] - Proclaiming the Gospel
[57:22] - Living Out the Gospel
[01:01:00] - Communion Invitation
[01:09:22] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV): "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. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the four identities Peter uses to describe the church in 1 Peter 2:9? How do these identities contrast with the previous state of the believers? [32:36]
2. According to the sermon, what does it mean to be a "chosen race"? How does this new identity affect our lives? [38:39]
3. How does the concept of a "royal priesthood" extend beyond full-time ministry to every believer? [42:10]
4. What does Peter mean by calling the church a "holy nation"? How should this shape our values and actions? [45:03]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our identity as a "chosen race" through Jesus Christ change the way we view our past and our future? [38:39]
2. In what ways can believers act as a "royal priesthood" in their daily lives, especially in their communities and workplaces? [42:10]
3. How can the idea of being a "holy nation" influence our engagement in political and social issues? What does it mean to have our primary allegiance to Jesus? [45:03]
4. What are some practical ways we can live as a "peculiar people" and proclaim the excellencies of God in our everyday lives? [46:57]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. How does knowing you are part of a "chosen race" through Jesus Christ change the way you handle personal struggles or family history? [38:39]
2. Think about your role in your community. How can you serve as a "royal priest" by lifting others in prayer and trusting in God's provision? Identify one person you can pray for this week. [42:10]
3. How does your allegiance to Jesus influence your political views and actions? Are there areas where you need to align more closely with biblical values? [45:03]
4. What is one specific way you can live out your identity as a "peculiar person" this week? Consider a small act of kindness or a conversation that could make others question and seek the hope you have in Jesus. [46:57]
5. The sermon mentioned the story of Scott Weiland and the transformative power of knowing God's love. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about God's love? How can you share this with them? [40:50]
6. How can you proclaim the gospel through your actions this week? Think of a tangible way to demonstrate God's mercy and grace to someone around you. [54:44]
7. During communion, we remember Christ's sacrifice. How can this reminder of mercy and grace inspire you to live out your faith in a more tangible way? [01:01:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Spiritual Heritage
Description: Our identity as a chosen race is rooted in a spiritual heritage through Jesus Christ. This new identity frees us from the stories we inherited from our earthly families and gives us a new story in God's family. Embracing this identity transforms our lives and allows us to live with hope and purpose. We are no longer defined by our past mistakes or the limitations of our earthly lineage. Instead, we are part of a divine narrative that offers redemption and a future filled with hope. This understanding should inspire us to live differently, knowing that we are chosen and loved by God. [38:39]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think about a story or belief from your earthly family that has held you back. How does knowing you are part of God's chosen race change your perspective on this story or belief?
Day 2: Serving as a Royal Priesthood
Description: As a royal priesthood, we are called to serve and worship God, lifting others in prayer and trusting in His provision. This role is not limited to full-time ministry but extends to every believer, encouraging us to intercede for our communities and reflect God's love in our daily lives. Our priestly duties involve more than just personal piety; they include advocating for others, offering spiritual sacrifices, and being a conduit of God's grace to those around us. This calling challenges us to see our everyday interactions as opportunities to serve and honor God. [42:10]
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: Identify one person in your community who needs prayer. Commit to praying for them daily this week and consider how you can serve them in a tangible way.
Day 3: Allegiance to a Holy Nation
Description: Being a holy nation means our primary allegiance is to Jesus, not any political entity. Our commitment to Christ should shape our values and actions, allowing us to engage in the political process with a biblical perspective and work towards solutions that honor God. This allegiance calls us to prioritize our faith over national or political identities, seeking first the kingdom of God in all we do. It challenges us to evaluate our political beliefs and actions through the lens of Scripture, ensuring that our ultimate loyalty is to Christ and His teachings. [45:03]
Philippians 3:20 (ESV): "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on your political beliefs and actions. How can you ensure that your primary allegiance is to Jesus and His kingdom rather than any earthly nation or political party?
Day 4: Living as Peculiar People
Description: As a peculiar people, we are set apart to proclaim the excellencies of God. Our lives should reflect His mercy and grace, making others question and seek the hope we have in Jesus. This distinctiveness is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the gospel. Being peculiar means living counter-culturally, embodying values and behaviors that stand out in a world that often opposes God's ways. Our unique identity in Christ should be evident in our love, integrity, and compassion, drawing others to the hope we have in Him. [46:57]
Titus 2:14 (ESV): "Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."
Reflection: Consider one area of your life where you can live more distinctly as a follower of Christ. What specific actions can you take to reflect God's mercy and grace in that area?
Day 5: Proclaiming the Gospel Through Actions
Description: We are called to proclaim the gospel through our words and actions, living lives that embody the good news of Jesus. This involves demonstrating God's love and mercy in tangible ways, making a difference in the lives of those around us and drawing them to Christ. Our actions should align with our words, providing a consistent and compelling witness to the transformative power of the gospel. By living out our faith authentically, we create opportunities for others to encounter Jesus and experience His love and grace. [54:44]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Think of one practical way you can demonstrate God's love and mercy to someone in your life today. How can your actions open the door for a conversation about the hope you have in Jesus?
Quotes
1. "So joining a community group that takes a risk, being willing to step into a relationship and inviting other people to know who you are. And, but I'm telling you, as my own spiritual journey, it's worth the risk. Being willing to be known and to get to know other folks. This is a great place for you to learn and grow in your spiritual journey, corporate worship. But one of the ways that we really become the people that God's called us to be is by doing this in relationship and having people share with you." [30:15] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And the reason we're studying First Peter right now is because we're wanting to gain an understanding of how do we live with hope in the midst of difficulty. That's the overarching theme. This idea of suffering runs through all of this letter that Peter wrote to this church who themselves were experiencing persecution and suffering and hardship. And he's pointing them to live in hope because of what Jesus has done for them. And so as we're studying and learning about this, we're gaining all this insight into what it means to live as God's elect exiles." [31:29] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What does it mean that he's describing them as a chosen race? This points us back to Peter's first verse in the whole letter. He says that they are elect exiles. He says chosen sojourners. Peter reminds us that God called a certain family to be his own, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to be his people, a chosen race that he would bless in order that they would be a blessing to the nations, which was the promise to Abraham. And now God's chosen race is a family, not based on a physical heritage determined by a bloodline, but rather a spiritual heritage made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ." [38:00] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we know that we've been set apart by a glorious God, it changes who we are. Peter also describes them as a royal priesthood, sometimes described or translated as a kingdom of priests. I touched on this last week as the church is described as a holy priesthood. Here, it's a royal priesthood. Now, priests were really important to God's people, and they facilitated the worship life of the community in the Old Testament. The sons of Levi, one of the 12 tribes of Israel, they were set apart from other families in order to function in, in the temple." [41:37] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Peter describes them as a nation that is set apart. Holy means to be set apart, perfect and pure. Now, we're not holy because of our work, anything that we've done, but we're holy because of what Jesus has done. This means that we are to live out lives of obedience. Peter touched on this in chapter one, verse 17. He says, be holy just as I am holy, reminding them of the commandment in the Old Testament. This means that we are a spiritual family set apart. And it's not based on an ethnic identity. It's not based on geographical boundaries. Instead, the evidence of our nation, our nationhood, is our allegiance to the heavenly King Jesus." [45:03] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So as God's people, we know that we've been chosen by the Father. And so our identity is that of a people who are being brought up into Christ, claimed, called, and cared for eternally, and loved by God the Father. And so when we know this, when we allow this truth to resonate and to filter down into our lives, it changes who we are as people. That means that there should be something noticeable in our demeanor, in our attitude, even in our language. Everything of who we are, everything that we have, should be affected by this sense of God's great love for us." [46:57] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The more we meditate on Jesus, the more we think about our being chosen, the more we think about the greatness and the glory and the goodness of God, the more we lean in, the more we're willing to take steps of obedience to respond to who he is and what he has done. I remember having a conversation with a friend of mine in Memphis, and he was very, very successful. And he spent most of his life trying to live what he understood to be the good life by having amazing experiences, by going on vacations, by having beautiful things." [48:37] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And so by grace, God has revealed to me over time that his kingdom and his person and the community of faith is more valuable. That doesn't mean that I still don't struggle with those things. But then in increasing measure, as I encounter Jesus, as I work out my faith with fear and trembling, I realize that I value something different. It's more important to me. And that to the world and to him is a peculiar thing. It didn't make sense. He wasn't understanding why I was doing that." [50:23] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "What is the peculiar thing that is attainable and realistic for you that means you're living as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a peculiar person? People when they ask you about what's going on in your life would go, huh, what are you doing that for? What is that thing? Because it's not going to be go to Africa for most people. But it's going to be something else. If we're really falling in love with Jesus and valuing the kingdom, there's going to be something in our lives that people say, what's up with that?" [52:44] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So we're living out our lives with our words and our actions what the good news of the gospel is. And then he challenged them to remember in verse 10, once they were not a people, but now they are God's people. Once they had not received mercy, but now they have received mercy. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Because of our brokenness and because of our sin, what we deserve is judgment and justice. And when we get mercy, we don't get what we deserve. Grace is getting what you don't deserve. Mercy is not getting what you deserve." [57:22] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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