Exodus: A Group StudySample

What is this passage saying?

As “elect exiles” (1 Peter 1:1), Peter encourages his audience to root their identity in the unshifting realities provided by the gospel.

What is this passage teaching?

Peter is writing to a group of believers who were experiencing an identity crisis. These believers were caught between the call of faithfulness to the gospel and the desire to live as they once did. Using similar phrases as Yahweh in Exodus 19, Peter writes that believers are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession” (1 Peter 2:9; Exodus 19:5-6). As a chosen race, the church identifies as a true family. Not connected by ancestral blood like the Israelites, the church is bound by the blood of Christ, gathering people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. As a royal priesthood, every believer is meant to offer their lives as a sacrifice of praise to God. As a holy nation, believers are set apart and consecrated for the work of the Lord. As God’s possession, believers can rest in his faithfulness to provide and protect them. Finally, just as Israel was meant to be a blessing to all the earth (Genesis 12:3), the church exists “to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

How do I respond?

How are you living out this identity in Christ? You may be tempted to trust in your gifts, wealth, or accomplishments to validate your worth. However, Peter makes it clear that believers find their identity solely in what Christ has accomplished for them. What parts of your life try to supersede the identity Christ has given you? Pray that God would increase your faith in him and give you opportunities to “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”