WHO, WHAT & WHY

1 PETER 2:9-12

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE WHO OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE [v. 9-11]

1. A Chosen Generation - elected to serve [v. 9, Colossians 3:12-17]

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

2. A Royal Priesthood - encouraged to represent [v. 9, Revelation 1:5-6]

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

3. A Holy Nation - expected to imitate [v. 9, 1 Peter 1:15-16]

4. A Peculiar People - exceptional by acquisition [v. 9, Ephesians 1:14]

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory

5. The People of God - extraordinary by Ownership [v. 10] - some will pay more for things once owned by famous people

6. Strangers & Pilgrims - excluded by citizenship [v. 11, Hebrews 11:13]

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

II. THE WHAT OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE [v. 9, 11-12]

What does God expect because of WHO you are?

1. God expects you to Publish His Praises [v. 9, Ps. 107:2]

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

2. God expects you to Abstain from Fleshly Lusts [v. 11, 1 Thessalonians 4:3]

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

3. God expects you to have Good Behavior [v. 12]

III. THE WHY OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE [v. 9-12]

1. Because God has Completely Changed You [v. 9-10]

2. Because God Knows it is NOT Good for You [v. 11]

3. Because by Doing So You will Glorify God [v. 12, John 15:8]

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.