THE WAY GOD THINKS OF YOU
- 1 Peter 2:1-12
I AM SPECIAL BECAUSE
I. I AM __CREATED__ IN GOD’S _IMAGE_
- v6
> Matthew 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it.
Since I am a_Stone___ in God’s building, I need to _Serve_____
1. I need to _Attend______ because when I am not _Here____ I am _Disobedient__.
2. I need to _Minister___ because when I am not _Ministering__ the church is _Weakened___.
Living stones are vitally related to one another. They find their best use when they are brought together with other stones and build into what they were designed to be. As long as stones are scattered on the ground, they cannot provide shelter from the heat or cold or rain for people. It is only when they are united and help form a building that they become what they were designed to be.
Do you remember a time of discouragement in Elijah’s life? Do you remember what he prayed when he was discouraged? He said, “Lord kill me. I am all alone God. Just kill me.” Do you remember what God told him? God said, “I have 7,000 who have not bent their knee to a pagan god.” I have 7,000 people in this country. Elijah, you’re not alone.”
Did you see that? When Elijah needed encouragement, when he needed help, when he needed a believing brother or sister to pick him up, they were no where to be found. They were either hiding, or busy. God’s family was weakened, because believers were not where they needed to be, to encourage their brother.
> Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
II. I AM A CHOSEN RACE – 1 Peter 2:9
I want you to circle that word, “Chosen”. You have been chosen by God. Chosen by God. Chosen to be on His team.
I have been chosen by God, I need to remember that.
Not junk. You are special.
III. I AM A ROYAL PRIEST – 1 Peter 2:9
> Revelation 1:6 and made us a kingdom, priests, to His God and Father…
Think of the honor. Descendents of Aaron. Only the high priest could enter the holy of holies.
I am a priest, I need to represent God to people and people to God.
> 1 Samuel 12:23 As for me, I vow that I will not sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you. I will teach you the good and right way.
IV. I AM A HOLY NATION – 1 Peter 1:9
You, with other believers, are God’s representatives on earth. A local church, living out together the life of Christ within them, is God’s strategy to change a lost world.
I am a holy nation, I need to show Christianity to the World
Some people wonder whether we really believe what we say we believe. Second, some people do not doubt that we believe it; they wonder whether we live by it. Third, some people do not doubt that we believe it or live by it; they wonder whether it makes much difference. (George G. Hunter III, The Celtic Way of Evangelism, 60).
Many new believers report that the experience of the fellowship enabled them to believe and commit. For many people, the faith is about three fourths caught, and one fourth taught.” (Ibid, 54).
V. I AM A PEOPLE FOR HIS POSSESSION – 1 Peter 1:9
This refers back to Malachi 3:16-17 where the prophet speaks of the time when God will gather His priceless jewels to Himself.
> 1 Corinthians 6:20 You were bought with a price …
I am a special possession, I need to remember my value.
The value of even the most common thing is increased if it is owned by someone special, or important. Bed of Abraham Lincoln. One of Benjamin Franklin’s books. Etc.
You are special because you were purchased by God.
My friends, you are special. You are special, a block in God’s building. You are special, you are a chosen race. You are special; you are a royal priest. You are special, part of a holy nation. You are special; a special possession of God.
I WILL RESPOND BY
1. I will live a clean life – v11
2. I will live an honorable life – v12 “Leave no room for slander.” When the ancient Greek philosopher Plato was told that a certain man had been making slanderous charges against him, his response was, “I will live in such a way that no one will believe what he says.” (William Barclay, The Letters of James and Peter, rev. ed. 203)
3. I will live a serving life – v12 “observe your good works.” The way we earn the right to be heard, the right to share Christ, is through serving others, just as Jesus did. Jesus said, “The greatest among you shall be your servant.”
4. I will live a model life – v12 You are being watched.
In the summer of 1805, a number of Indian chiefs and warriors met in council at Buffalo Creek, New York, to hear a presentation of the Christian message by a Mr. Cram from the Boston Missionary Society. After the sermon, a response was given by Red Jacket, one of the leading chiefs. Among other things, the chief said: …
‘Brother, we are told that you have been preaching to the white people in this place. These people are our neighbors. We are acquainted with them. We will wait a little while and see what effect your preaching has upon them. If we find it does them good, makes them honest and less disposed to cheat Indians, we will then consider again of what you have said.’
[Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Hopeful (Wheaton, IL: SP Publications, Victor Books, 1982), p. 57. Quoted in Hope in Hurtful Times, by Charles Swindol
