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1 Peter 2:9-10 (NASB77) 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
- He repeats this idea in the next chapter – 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NASB77)
The Main Idea: Let who Jesus is to us spill out at appropriate times and in an appropriate manner.
Sanctifying Christ as Lord is not about gutting it out but about grasping how wonderful He is.
When we proclaim His excellencies to those who do not yet believe, it’s called evangelism. When we proclaim His excellencies to one another it’s called encouraging one another. When we proclaim His excellencies to Him, it’s called praise.
I. When we proclaim His excellencies to those who do not yet believe it is called evangelism.
We are called to be witnesses not experts. We aren’t called to be theologians.
A man blind from birth said “…one thing I do know: I was blind but now I see.”
A woman met Jesus one day said, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” John 4:29
Paul – Acts 26 – on trial for his life. When the pressure was on, Paul relied on his story.
It’s not the drama of your story. It’s God’s power working through Your story.
People can debate your theology, but they cannot refute your testimony.
It’s not just your conversion story. It’s you answer to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say I am?”
You are not responsible for people’s reaction to your story. We are called to be witnesses; each person’s conscience is the jury.
II. When we proclaim His excellencies to believers it is called encouraging each one another.
The first half of Ephesians proclaims His excellencies.
- He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world.
- Predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters
- He sealed us with His Holy Spirit
- Redeemed us through the blood of Christ
- He lavished His grace upon us
- His incomparably great power towards us
- When we were dead, He made us alive
- Created us for good works He’s prepared for us. to do.
- He has given us access to the Father through the Spirit
- Fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) the peace of God, which transcends all understanding.
Philippians 4:13 (NIV) I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
1 John 3:1 (NIV) 1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us…
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NIV) 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel… 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.
III. When we proclaim His excellencies to Him it is called praise.
Psalm 29:2 – Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name.
Luke 10:21 (NIV) Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.”
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