Go! And Be The People Of God - Psalm 33:12 Series

Go! And Be the People of God - Psalm 33:12 (NLT)

“What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.”

Introduction

Let me ask you this: What defines a nation? Borders? Language? Culture? Scripture declares that there is a nation—not bound by geography or ethnicity, but by covenant—a people whose God is the Lord.

Psalm 33:12 powerfully declares, “What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.” This is not merely a political statement. It is a deeply spiritual truth. Israel was chosen, yes. But now, through Jesus Christ, all who believe become part of God’s covenant family. We are the new Israel—not by blood, but by the blood of the Lamb.

Today, we will unpack what it means to Go! And Be the People of God—to live as His holy nation, called out of darkness into His marvellous light.

1. Chosen by God – A Joyful Identity

Psalm 33:12 again says, “What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.”

The Hebrew word for "chosen" is ?????? (bachar) – it implies careful selection, a delight in what is chosen. God didn't choose Israel haphazardly—He set His affection on them. And now, He has set His affection on us, the Church.

1 Peter 2:9 (NLT): “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…”

What joy indeed! Just as ancient Israel was called out of Egypt, we’ve been called out of sin, out of shame, out of darkness—into God’s marvellous light.

Tim Keller wrote, “To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is what it means to be loved by God.”

Isn’t that beautiful, Church? God knows you—the deepest parts of you. And yet He loves you and calls you His inheritance. That’s joy. That’s identity. That’s the power of being the chosen.

Christian, reject the labels the world gives. You are chosen. You are God's inheritance. Walk in joy, knowing your identity is not based on your past but on God’s purpose.

2. A New Covenant People – The Church as the New Israel

Romans 9:6–8 (NLT): “Well then, has God failed to fulfill his promise to Israel? No, for not all who are born into the nation of Israel are truly members of God’s people! … Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham’s children.”

Paul is explaining that God’s promises to Israel did not fail—they are fulfilled in Christ. The new Israel is composed of those who believe in Jesus. Ethnicity doesn’t define God’s people—faith does.

The Greek term "kleronomos" (???????µ??) means “heir.” In Christ, we are heirs of the promise given to Abraham (Galatians 3:29).

John Piper said, “The Church is the true Israel. All the promises made to Abraham are fulfilled in Christ and belong to all who are united to Him.”

That’s not a replacement; that’s fulfilment. Church, we are not outsiders grafted in as a backup plan. We are part of God’s eternal purpose through Christ Jesus.

Imagine being invited to a royal palace—not as a guest, but as family. That’s what God has done for us. We didn’t sneak into the kingdom—we were adopted, sealed, and given the family name.

3. A Holy People – Set Apart to Glorify Christ

Galatians 3:26–29 (NLT): “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus… There is no longer Jew or Gentile… you are all one in Christ Jesus… you are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.”

We are holy not because of what we do but because of whom we belong to.

"Hagios" (?????) – translated “holy,” means set apart, consecrated. We are set apart for God’s glory.

Charles Stanley once said, “God’s plan for you is not just to save you, but to sanctify you—to make you a vessel of honour.”

Salvation is the doorway. Sanctification is the journey. God has called us not just to be saved, but to be transformed—to shine as lights in a dark world.

As the people of God, we must live differently. Holiness isn’t outdated; it’s our birthright and calling. Let your speech, your love, your decisions reflect that you belong to the King.

4. Called to Go – The Mission of God’s People

Matthew 28:19–20 (NLT): “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations…”

Jesus didn’t say “sit and stay.” He said “go.” The people of God are always a sent people.

As Israel was sent to be a light to the nations, so now the Church is called to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to the ends of the earth.