Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:9-12
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.
1 Peter 2:9
Apostle Peter wrote this passage as a continuation of the previous passage, emphasizing our rebirth in Christ as new creations with a longing to glorify God. He reminds us of our belonging to God and our separation from the world for a holy purpose: advancing the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God has handpicked us, not because of anything we have done, but out of His boundless love and sovereign choice. We are set-apart, belonging to a royal priesthood, and called to be holy. This serves as a reminder that our identity is deeply rooted in God's love and purpose for our lives.
We were once in darkness, but now we are in His wonderful light. This transformation is not only personal but also a call to action. This action involves shining the light of Christ so that people will glorify our Father in heaven. How can we do this? By obeying His commandments, which truly set us apart from worldly standards.
As His people, our citizenship is in heaven, and our conduct should reflect His standards. We are called to live in a way that stands out among unbelievers, serving as a testimony to the transforming power of God in our lives.
Apostle Peter pleads with us to stay away from fleshly desires, as these no longer align with our new standards. The standards of this world are no longer our norms; they are alien to us. Our new standard of life is in Christ, especially when we are with non-believers.
It is our duty to ensure that the word of God is known to all nations and that we live out its content. Through our actions, we reinforce our identification as Christians, giving glory to our Father.
Reflect
1. Are you actively living as a chosen and set-apart child of God, shining His light in a world filled with darkness, and glorifying Him through your actions and deeds?
2. Have you considered how your identity as a chosen person, transformed by God's mercy, influences your daily choices and interactions with others?
Remember
We are saved and chosen by God to be His workmanship, not merely statues for His kingdom. Our duty is to actively work for His kingdom.
Our lives as new creations revolve around His words, which serve as our standard of living. God made a sovereign choice to include us in His holy kingdom, knowing and cleansing us from our sins and unfaithfulness.
Read
Ephesians 2:1-22; Ephesians 1:1-23
Pray
Thank You for choosing me to be saved, even though I do not deserve it. It is Your mercy and grace that have made this possible, as nothing within me is holy, yet You chose me.
Grant me the strength and wisdom to resist the temptations that seek to pull me away from Your purpose. Let my life be a testimony to Your transforming power, so that others may see Your goodness in me.
May I always seek to glorify Your name, even in the face of challenges and accusations. Let my life be a reflection of Your goodness and grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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