IDENTITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light. “Once, you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
1 Peter 2:9-10 (NLT)
Peter’s words here must be such an encouraging reminder to his exiled Jewish brothers and sisters, living out their faith in a hostile culture, as he reminds them again of who they are as Christ-followers: a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, and God’s very own possession! What an incredible honor that they, and all Christ-followers, are now ontologically all these as new creations in Christ! Being born into this new identity as royal priests carries with it responsibilities of spiritual offerings of sacrifice:
- Offering one’s own body as a living sacrifice – holy, acceptable (Romans 12:1-2)
- Offering continual praise to God – the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. (Hebrews 13:15)
- Offering our resources for hospitality, care (Romans 12:13)
- Offering our acts of service for meeting needs (Hebrews 13:16)
- Offering of intercessory prayer – pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Living as a born-again believer means that you are now living under God’s protection and provision. You have access to Him, and He offers you His mercy! If you’re like me, living a life of faith in Christ is difficult, and I often mess up. Even in my best efforts, I sin, but as the song lyric says, …my sins they are many, His mercy is more! What great joy and freedom to live and do what pleases God when we know He is merciful! And we can go to Him daily and receive His mercy!
APPLICATION: Ask God to speak to you and show you areas of spiritual offerings where you can bless Him, the church, and those around you. Perhaps there is even a new or additional offering He is showing you to pursue. Thank God for speaking to you and enabling you to serve and make a difference by His power at work in and through you!
PRAYER: God, thank You for the life that You’ve called me to in service to Your Son, Your church, and those You have placed in my life. By the power of Your Spirit, do Your redemptive work in and through me. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?