Key Verse: 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” This first epistle of Peter was likely written to a predominantly Jewish Christians who had been dispersed all throughout the world from their captivity during the reign of the Babylonian empire and possible due to the persecution the early church faced (1 Peter 1:1). That is why their is so much Jewish allusions and examples used in this epistle. However, there is still great application for us as Gentile believers in the 21st century because after all it was written to Christians. Here in 2:9, Peter is reminding these Christians of their calling. In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel was chosen by God, and called to be a light to a lost and dying world. Peter is reminding these Christians, both Jews and gentiles, that now God has chosen to use the church as lights in this lost and dying world. Why is it that God has chosen the church as his instrument? What is the purpose? God has chosen the church and given them a very specific purpose. We are to proclaim the goodness of God to a lost and dying world. Everywhere we go and everything we do should stem from our salvation. So our job is to go and tell the world about what Jesus has done for us. Peter describes it as being, ‘called out of darkness into His marvelous light.’ This is what Jesus has done for each of us. He has saved us and delivered us from sin and death. God wants us to share the message. That is one of reasons God has established His church. Are we doing that? Are you sharing the message of salvation that God has called you to share!? If not, start today!
