Sermon Central
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Positively Peculiar
Contributed by Thomas Donelan on Jun 3, 2010 (message contributor)
Summary: When we think of the word peculiar, we usually think of it in the adjective form: odd, different, distinctive but it is not about how we dress, act, or speak (although these things should be different). But the word translated from the Greek means somethi
Introduction
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.
When we think of the word peculiar, we usually think of it in the adjective form: odd, different, distinctive but it is not about how we dress, act, or speak (although these things should be different). But the word translated from the Greek means something different than that: Peculiar people mean in this case one that has been acquired. That is He purchased us and if we belong to someone else what do they expect of us?
We Are:
A Chosen Generation
Was first used by God to the nation Israel (Deut. 7:6) in fact all four of these titles were first used by God in reference to Israel, but they failed in recognizing the Messiah when He came, the Christian believers became God's chosen, but that does not mean He has forgotten Israel and will bring them back to Him because He is God and not man and will keep His promises.
For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
-The Christians are the graphed in wild branches but we need to remember we are not what is important, it is the root.
-Remember the reason they were broken off: unbelief. We need to stand in faith of the one who is our life support, our salvation: Jesus Christ.
-We need to set aside any pride we have in ourselves or our accomplishments. All our life, energy and strength comes up from our root system. So we need to keep the right frame of mind: humility.
-So the fact that the Christians are the new "chosen nation" (not the USA, while once the standard-bearer of the Christian faith, can hardly be called a Christian nation anymore) because the Jewish people denied their Messiah (they cried "Crucify Him! His blood be on us and our children (cf. Mark 15:31 & Matthew 27:25) God set them aside for now, and those who accept Christ as Saviour are the chosen generation.
-The fact that it is a singular generation shows us the fact that God has no grandchildren. Each person must decide for himself.
A Royal Priesthood
When God first separated Israel to Himself, He wanted a nation of priest (cf. Exodus 19:6), but eventually he chose the line of Aaron to be the priest. Now each person is a believer-priest but more than that we are a royal priesthood. This is due to our position in Jesus:
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption , whereby we cry, Abba, Father.16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
-The word adoption had a more significant meaning then than now. A roman adoption was binding and the child not disowned. For many years the Roman emperors who had no male child would adopt a competent man to be his son and future emperor of Rome.
-We as Christians receive the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Adoption and God becomes our Father (we are not born children of God contrary to what some teach. That is why I don't call everyone here brother; you may have a different Daddy that I do! (As Jesus said, You are of your father the devil. Cf. John 8:44 and walking in the gate here no more makes you a Christian than sitting in a pig pen makes you a pig.) making us joint heirs with Jesus. He is King of kings and Lord of lords, thus He makes us a Royal priesthood.
