The Arkansas Traveler

CHOSEN FOR A PURPOSE

I Peter 2: 4-12

INTRO: Peter talks about our being built into a spiritual house with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. He quotes OT scriptures to show that Jesus was to be the chief cornerstone. He would also be a stumbling stone to those who reject Him. In contrast to those, Peter affirms several things about our position in Jesus:

We are A CHOSEN PEOPLE

    Several passages talk about this. "Elect" is another term.

    In Romans 8, Paul uses the term "predestined".

    God chooses to save for Himself those who believe in Jesus.

We are A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD

    Priest had three functions:

       Direct access to God

       Represent people to God

       Bring sacrifices to God

   Each one of us can now do that.

We are a HOLY NATION

   Holy = sacred, set aside, sanctified

    We are set aside for God!

We are PEOPLE BELONGING TO GOD

    We are His family.

    He takes responsibility for us.

    All this brings blessings to us.

OUR PURPOSE

   "to declare the praises of God

      Who called us our of darkness

       Into His wonderful light."

   We must declare His praises.

      By telling others about Him,

      By living out the Christ life,

      By servant ministry.

REMEMBER

OUR PRIVILEDGES BRING RESPONSIBILITY!

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Preached September 14, 2008

Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church

Pastor Fred D. Kerr

fred.kerr@gmail.com

dialogue welcomed!