We have either failed to see or have ignored the high standard of Christianity. Either way, we have demeaned and diminished discipleship. We have developed a contemporary version of Christianity that demands little. Jesus’ words about counting the cost, denying self, cross bearing, and putting Jesus first–above parents, possessions, prestige, have little meaning in today’s casual Christianity.
Peter wrote to the church when it was scattered, enduring suffering, separated and maligned. He encourages them with several reminders. Perhaps none of those reminders is more powerful that the identity reminder of 1 Peter 2:9-10. First, the church is God’s idea. We are God’s plan and God’s possession–God’s treasured people. God chose the church. God chose us first. We are not the initators; we did not choose God. The church is God’s nation, those over whom God reigns as king. Second, the church is called to holiness. God set apart a people to himself, a holy nation, belonging to him. Holiness is so all-inclusive as to be almost beyond comprehension. Holiness affects every part of life. Set apartness changes priorities and enables purity. Third, the church is God’s royal priesthood. This reflects the promise of Exodus 19:5-6. The church thus becomes God’s presence in the world, and accepts the responsibility to intercede for the world before God’s throne.
Sunday evening’s sermon will explore these three concepts in more detail. Pray that we might not only see God’s plan in our lives, but that we might live it out.