Before we get started with our text in 1 Peter 2:9 let’s take a look at verses seven and eight in the same chapter. 7
Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who 2are disobedient,
g“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”
8 and
h“A stone of stumbling
And a rock of offense.”
iThey stumble, being disobedient to the word, jto which they also were appointed.
Peter was quoting Psalm 118:22 and Isaiah 8:13 in order to point out that Jesus was rejected yet He has been lifted up to rule over all nations. In verse eight he points out that those who rejected Him are now offended that anyone would claim that He is God. He is a stumbling block because scripture clearly points to Him and they are forced to be disobedient to the truth of the word by rejecting Him.
Now we come to our text where Peter has something to say to those who do believe.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a (royal) priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of kdarkness into His marvelous light;
The word chosen in this context means to be “selected or marked for favor or special privilege.”
When I was a young boy there were several occasions when my dad woke me up early in the morning and took me out to eat, just me and him. Now I know that might not seem like a big deal but it was, to me, for several reasons. First I was the middle child. I have a brother that is two years older than me and a sister who is two years younger than me. I remember the day I realized just how unfair things were. I was about twelve and it struck me, Michael was always getting to go places that I was not, and when I asked about it I was told that he got to go because he was older than me. Laura was always getting to play with my toys or decide what show we watched on TV and when I would question this I was always told that she got to do what she wanted because she is younger than me. So when my dad would wake me up and take me with him it made me feel special like there was something that was just for me.
God has something just for those who He chooses.
I. We are the children of God because of His own choosing (But you are a chosen generation). The word generation is not being used as we use it today. Instead of a group of people in a cretin time or place, it is referring to a common identity of believers.
Let’s look at some of the privileges that come with being a chosen generation.
A. We are a royal priesthood
The word priesthood relates back to the Old Testament. The Israelites could not stand before the Lord themselves, only the Priest could stand in God’s presence. We are not only a Priesthood in the sense that we can now boldly go before the throne of Christ, but we are a “royal” priesthood. The meaning for the word royal as it is used here is to be a descendant of a royal blood line. We are sons and daughters of the King of Heaven and Earth.
B. A Holy Nation
It is important to know that all of God’s called children make up a nation of believers, not only a nation but a Holy nation. The word Holy means set apart for God. Do you ever take the time to think about the fact that the Creator of all things has set you apart for Himself. We so often want to look at our bad qualities and talk about how unworthy we are. We need to always remember that even though we are imperfect we are still God’s Holy Nation!
C. His own special people
When our Lord looks down on creation and considers all that He has created, He sees a group of people, a priesthood, a generation, a nation that He calls His own.
It is important that we understand that all of these facts, that we are a royal priesthood, a Holy nation and God’s special people reminds us that we are not of this world. We do not have to worry about what are buddies think. We do not have to try to fit in, in order to be good citizens, because we are not citizens of this world. Our home is in Heaven.
II. We are chosen to proclaim His praises.
A. The word “that”, as in “that you may proclaim” refers to the reason we are to proclaim His praises. The most important thing is to remember that there is a reason. We are not called to praise God because evolution over a billion years has by chance created a man named Jesus, who with one life would change the world. We are called for a purpose. That we may proclaim His praises. So if I were to give a test after this sermon and ask ‘Why were we called?’ You would answer ‘ To proclaim His Praises.’
B. Then we come to the word, you as in “you may proclaim” it is also here for a reason. It is not the world’s place to praise God. They are not of the Priesthood, it is our responsibility. If you are not sure who should be praising God then answer two questions, “Do you have a personal relationship with Christ? “ If you said yes, then does that make you a part of the chosen generation, holy nation, and the royal priesthood? Then it is talking about you. So If I asked who is to praise Him, you would say me.
C. Now look at the word proclaim
The word “proclaim” means to tell the nations or to share the news. We are not called to praise Him only in a setting with other believers; we are to let everyone know how good our God is. Praising God in church is only practice for praising Him for the rest of the week. So if I were to ask to who we are to praise him you would say to everyone. We have to be careful here not to say the “world because then we make it some far away people and take the responsibility away from our selves.
III. We were chosen by a specific method.
A. We were called.
There is much debate in our churches today about whether or not a person is saved. I’m not talking about others questioning their salvation. I mean to say that people are questioning their own salvation. Listen to this illustration.
The Secretary of an up and coming investment firm was given the job of making sure that only people whose name was on a list got into the meeting that day. Three women were patiently waiting for her to check them in. She called the first, who was nicely dressed, carrying a briefcase and had a kind, confident smile on her face. The secretary said, “How may I help you?” And the first woman said, “ I received a call from Mr. Carpenter, he said I was hired and I’m here for the meeting.” The secretary checked the list and found that her name was on it, so she let her in. The second woman walked up to the desk chewing gum and listening to headphones. “May I help you?” asked the Secretary. “Uh, yeah, I am here for the job.” The secretary checked the list and did not find her name. “Did you receive a call?” The secretary asked. “Well, no, the woman responded, but my father, my mother, and my sister all received the call so there is no need for me to get one. The secretary replied, “I’m sorry ma’am, but if you have not received a call personally, you will not be able to attend the meeting.” The third lady approached the desk, obviously nervous and frightened, noticing that something was obviously not right, the secretary asked “ Did you receive a call ma’am?” The woman responded, “ Yes, I did receive a call, but I am afraid that my name is not on the list.” “ Why is that ?” the secretary asked. “ When I received the call, I told them that I was not interested because I had other plans for my life.” “ I’m sorry ma’am, but if you did not accept the position when you received the call then your name will not be on the list.”
Do you know if your are saved? Here are some questions to help you be sure. Did you personally receive a call? If you did, did you accept the offer of salvation? There is one more point here that I feel I must stress. Did you receive the call from the Holy Spirit, or your pastor? Only the Holy Spirit is capable of calling God’s chosen people.
B. We are called from one place to another
Your calling itself is not the only way to be assured of your salvation. Peter is clear here that we, as lost people, were in darkness. The word darkness used in this verse is defined in one place as an enveloping sphere where light (öῶò) is absent darkness, gloom, obscurity. You may be thinking that is to strong of a definition. When you are in this darkness you are unable to see out of it. It is the reason for, depression, suicide, murder, child molestation, abortion, spousal abuse, and a list of crimes against one’s self and others that is too long and too graphic to share.
However when we start talking of this marvelous light, which has poured out into the lives of all who have accepted Christ, those who have experienced this will continue to stand and be a witness for all who are still trapped in darkness until our Lord Jesus Christ comes back again.
Do you live as if God has set you apart from the rest of the world?
Are you proclaiming His praises to a lost and dyeing world?
Have you received His call from darkness into light?
If you are living in such a way that people do not know the difference between you, part of His chosen generation, and the generation of this world, then today ask God for strength and wisdom to so that you may enjoy the privileges that come with being part of a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation, His special people.
If you are not proclaiming His praises so that those around you see what He has done for you then today repent and ask God to restore your joy that His praises will overflow out of your life.
If God is calling you today then answer the call. Repent of your sins and move in your soul toward His marvelous light.
