The Believer’s Life Based Upon His Position

READ 1 Peter 2

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10).

Peter points out the uniqueness of our position in Christ urging holiness, lawfulness, and decency of life.

Note four unique characteristics mentioned by Peter in relation to the Christian life:

1.   First, we are a chosen generation.  This connects every believer to the covenant blessings tied to Abraham, but also in the dispensation of the church, it speaks of our calling as a chosen generation of called out ones in the New Testament church.

2.   Next, we are a royal priesthood.  This is a fantastic distinction from the Aaronic priesthood.  Our priesthood is one that originates in the person of Christ, not in Aaron.  This makes it a royal priesthood.  We get to come before the king’s throne in heaven.

3.   Thirdly, we are a holy nation.  Again, Israel was called to show forth the holiness of God to the pagans in the world.  We, as God’s chosen priesthood, are to reflect the holiness of God to the world in which we live.  The word “nation” is the Greek word ethnos which points to a certain group of people.  Believers are to be holy.

4.   Finally, we are a peculiar people.  We have been purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ, and this results our being God’s own peculiar property.  Deuteronomy 14:2 sounds like 1 Peter 2:9, “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto Himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.”

 You and I have been called “…out of darkness into His marvellous light.” Praise the Lord for this.

Verse 10 speaks of our life, past and present, “Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God…” We find our identity in the Lord.  We also find mercy in the Lord, “…which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”      

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  What does it mean to be a chosen generation?  How does this impact you?

2.  What does it mean to be a royal priesthood?  What privileges does this give you?

3.  Why does God call you to live a life of holiness?  What can you do better to live right?

4.Why does God call us peculiar? What does this mean?