1 Peter 2:9

1 Peter 2:9 ‘But you are. chosen race,. royal priesthood,. holy nation,. people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;'

‘But you are' -Only two groups exist. And what makes the difference is obedience to Christ. Carefully note that unbelief is equated to disobedience to the word (1 Peter 2:7-8), therefore belief in Christ involves obedience to the word.

‘chosen race' -all these blessings are for ‘you who believe' (1 Peter 2:7). ‘Chosen'-picked out. ‘Race'-nation, people. POINTS TO NOTE: 1. Jewish and Gentiles believers in Christ now compose the chosen people, the true Israel (Galatians 3:29; Galatians 6:16; Romans 2:28; Matthew 21:43). 2. This reveals that physical Israel no longer plays. role in the plans of God. God doesn't have one spiritual purpose for physical Israel and another spiritual purpose for the Church. Those who don't accept Jesus are doomed! (John 8:24)

‘Royal Priesthood' -‘Royal'-‘a priesthood of royal rank, or in royal service' (Arndt p. 371). Again,. destination that was given to Israel in the Old Testament (Exodus 2:6). Which is now given to Christians (Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:9). 1. This expression infers that Jesus is presently reigning as King (Acts 2:29), and that we are in. sense sharing in that reign (Ephesians 2:6). 2. Have you ever though of yourself as ‘royalty'? 3. Christian do you realize that you have higher connections and more wealth than any earthly prince or king? That you have access to God that Cardinals, archbishops and even the Pope doesn't have? That you have greater insight into truth than any philosopher, theologian, scholar or guru? ‘Of, course this priesthood of all believers is. concept contrary to the clergy-laity system (a concept that, in many instances, has someone else assuming our rightful Christian responsibilities and privileges.)' (Oberst p. 105)

‘a Holy Nation' -‘a dedicated nation' (NEB). What God desired of Israel (Exodus 2:6; Deuteronomy 7:6). Dedication to God and purity is one of the themes of this letter (1 Peter 1:15; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 4:16). As. congregation, do we act like. group of people who are dedicated to God's service? Our loyalty must always be first to our heavenly citizenship (Matthew 6:33; 1 Peter 3:20; Colossians 3:1).

‘a people for God's own possession' -‘a people claimed by God for His own' (NEB). ‘Possession'-‘one's own property' (Thayer p. 504). (Titus 2:14) ‘the private, special treasured possession of God..' (P.P. Comm. p. 72). Again, such an expression had been used of Israel (Deuteronomy 7:6; Deuteronomy 14:2; Deuteronomy 26:18; Exodus 2:6; Malachi 3:17). 1. This passage contradicts the idea of the universal Fatherhood of God (i.e. God created us all, therefore we are all God's children, and will all end up saved.) Only Christians truly belong to God. For they have been purchased with the blood of Christ (Revelation 1:5). The statement is very exclusive. 2. Concerning everything which God has created, the only thing that God will ‘get' is His people.

‘that' -such. relationship brings with it. great and wonderful responsibility.

‘you may proclaim' -1. ‘You may'-freewill, choice. 2. ‘Proclaim'-‘make known by praising or proclaiming, celebrate' (Thayer p. 220).

‘the excellencies of Him who has called you' -‘Excellencies'-‘gracious dealings, excellent and glorious attributes' (Alford p. 1641). ‘intrinsic eminence, moral goodness, virtue' (Vine p. 189). ‘that you may proclaim the wondrous deeds' (Mof). Note that the word “excellencies” is plural. There is so much that can be said about the wonderful nature and acts of God. The list is endless.

POINTS TO NOTE: 1. Christians are people who tell others about the greatness of God: Isaiah 2:21 ‘The people whom. formed for Myself, Will declare My praise'. Are we sold on God? Do we talk about God in wonderful and glorious terms? Are we so impressed with our own salvation that we can't stop talking about our new life and its blessings? Mark 5:19 ‘Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.' 2. ‘Christians are to “publish abroad” the mighty works of God, which include both his activity in creation and his miracle of redemption in the life, death, resurrection, and revelation of Jesus Christ.' (Davids pp. 92-93) 3. According to the verse, this is one of our reasons for existing! For examples of praise see (Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:9; Revelation 15:3; Revelation 19:1). 4. God needs to be praised when we preach the gospel to individuals (Acts 17:21). In addition, the character and reputation of God needs to be defended when we hear people assigning the origin of this earth to Evolution, etc…5. ‘The answer to our search for ultimate meaning lies in “declaring the excellencies” of God, for he alone is infinitely worthy of glory. Redemption is ultimately not man-centered but God-centered.' (Grudem p. 112) 6. The Psalmists often talk about the greatness of God (1 Peter 9:14; 1 Peter 71:15; 1 Peter 73:28; 1 Peter 79:13; 1 Peter 107:22; 1 Peter 119:13)

‘who called you out of darkness' -By the gospel message (2 Thessalonians 2:14). ‘Darkness'-(Acts 26:18; Colossians 1:12). How many of us realize that we were in darkness? What would your life be like today, if you were still in the darkness?

‘into His marvelous light' -‘Marvelous'-‘wonderful, remarkable' (Arndt p. 352). 1. Do we appreciate the insight, knowledge, clarity, etc…given to us by the Word of God? (Psalms 119:130). 2. Like men and women who had been blind, we can now see, really see what life is all about. Have we taken this for granted? Think of all the hurtful and foolish attitudes and opinions from which God has set you free. Think of the consequences which you have avoided. Think of the vast improvement in your life and especially the life to come. God has liberated us from ignorance, guilt, bondage to sin, sinful addictions, superstition, worry, etc…