Unfolded: The Story Of GodSample

“WHO WE ARE - 1 PETER 2:9-12” Persecution of Christians was very intense during the early days of the Christian faith. Christians were dispersed throughout “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1 Pet. 1:1). They wondered how to live while surrounded by disdain in a world that was not really home. The apostle Peter reminded them who they were, of their great identity as followers of Christ. His words are true of all who belong to Christ. Read 1 Peter 2:9-12 and notice the phrases that describe our identity, such as “chosen race.” CHOSEN RACE Just as God chose Israel in the Old Testament to set His affection upon, God has set His love and affection upon you. You belong to Him because of His promise to you, not because of your goodness. As chosen people, we should rejoice that we belong to Him. ROYAL PRIESTHOOD When God instituted the tabernacle system, only the high priest was allowed to enter the Most Holy Place and be in the presence of God. But now we are royal priests. Christ’s death opened a new and living way for us to enter into God’s presence anytime, anywhere. As royal priests, we should enjoy His presence. HOLY NATION God adopted and set Israel apart as His own. As Christians, God has formed us as a new people and declared us to be holy. Because He is holy and has declared us to be holy, we are to live holy lives. PEOPLE FOR HIS POSSESSION We no longer belong to ourselves. We are His, which is far better than being slaves to our sin and slaves to ourselves. STRANGERS AND TEMPORARY RESIDENTS Peter reminded believers that the reason we often feel like we don’t fit in this world is because we don’t. This world is no longer our home. We are to live good lives so that those far from God may observe us and, by God’s grace, be brought to faith in Christ. Then they will join us in glorifying God when He returns. He is returning. When He does, all that is wrong will be made right. And those who know Him will spend eternity with Him. Until then, we live in a world that is not ours on a mission He has given us. Because of who we are, we are to declare His praises and live honorably among those who do not know Him.