Connect 1 Peter 2:9 with Exodus 19:6 regarding God's chosen people. Scripture Spotlight 1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Exodus 19:6 – “And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Shared Vocabulary, Shared Identity • chosen/kingdom – set apart by divine initiative • priesthood/priests – mediators who worship God and represent Him to others • holy nation – a community marked by God’s character • God’s own possession – belonging exclusively to the LORD Old Covenant Promise, New Covenant Fulfillment • Exodus 19:6 speaks to Israel at Sinai, immediately after redemption from Egypt. • 1 Peter 2:9 applies the same titles to believers in Messiah—Jews and Gentiles united in Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22). • The continuity shows God’s unchanging purpose: redeem a people who display His glory. Additional Echoes in Scripture • Deuteronomy 7:6 – Israel chosen “to be a people for His treasured possession.” • Isaiah 43:21 – “The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise.” • Isaiah 61:6 – “You will be called priests of the LORD.” • Revelation 1:6; 5:10 – Christ “has made us a kingdom and priests to our God.” God’s Purpose for His People • Relationship – draw near to Him in worship (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Representation – make Him known to the nations (Matthew 5:14-16; 28:18-20). • Reflection – live holy lives that mirror His character (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Living Out the Royal Priesthood • Worship: offer spiritual sacrifices—praise, obedience, acts of love (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15-16). • Witness: proclaim Christ’s virtues with words and deeds, inviting others “out of darkness” (Acts 1:8; Colossians 4:5-6). • Holiness: resist conformity to the world, displaying distinct values and ethics (Romans 12:2; Titus 2:11-14). • Community: serve one another as fellow priests, building up the body (1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 4:11-16). Takeaway God’s declaration at Sinai and Peter’s affirmation to the church form one continuous thread: the LORD redeems a people to be His treasured, holy, priestly nation—radiating His glory to a watching world. |
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