Strong Families Build Strong Churches

Strong Families Build Strong Churches

A Sermon Based on 1 Peter 2:9-10, Exodus 19:5-6, and Isaiah 43:20-21

Introduction

In our modern world, we often hear about the breakdown of family structures and the decline of church attendance. These two trends are not coincidental; they are intimately connected. When we examine Scripture, particularly Peter's powerful words in his first epistle, we discover a profound truth: strong families build strong churches, and strong churches nurture strong families. This relationship forms a divine cycle that strengthens both the home and the house of God.

The apostle Peter, writing to scattered believers facing persecution and uncertainty, reminded them of their incredible spiritual identity. In 1 Peter 2:9-10, he declares: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 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."

These words, rooted in the Old Testament promises to Israel found in Exodus 19:5-6 ("Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation") and Isaiah 43:20-21 ("The beasts of the field will glorify Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I have given waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My chosen people. The people whom I formed for Myself will declare My praise"), reveal five foundational aspects of our identity as God's people. Understanding these aspects transforms not only how we see ourselves as individuals, but how we function as families and as the church community. When families grasp these spiritual realities, they become the building blocks of vibrant, healthy churches.

I. Our Divine Identity: The Foundation of Strong Families (1 Peter 2:9a-b)

A Chosen Race

The foundation of every strong Christian family begins with understanding that we are "a chosen race." This truth revolutionizes our perspective on family life because it reminds us that our identity doesn't come from worldly achievements, social status, or even family heritage; it comes from God's sovereign choice.

Just as God chose Israel to be His special people, declaring in Deuteronomy 7:6-8, "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers," so He has chosen us. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes this divine election throughout the New Testament. This doctrine of election serves as the bedrock of family security. When parents understand that their salvation rests entirely on God's gracious choice rather than their own merit, they approach child-rearing with both humility and confidence. As Jonah declared, "Salvation is from the LORD" (Jonah 2:9), and as John reminded us, children of God are "born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12-13). They know that their children's spiritual destiny ultimately depends on God's sovereign grace, not on perfect parenting.

This truth liberates Christian families from the crushing pressure of performance-based spirituality. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." Instead of trying to earn God's favor through flawless family devotions or perfect behavior, families can rest in the security of God's unchangeable choice. This creates an atmosphere of grace rather than legalism, where children learn about God's love through their parents' peaceful confidence rather than their anxious striving.

A Royal Priesthood

Peter's second description reveals that we are "a royal priesthood." This concept, drawn from Exodus 19:6, combines two powerful elements: the dignity of royalty and the responsibility of priesthood. For families, this dual identity transforms both their self-understanding and their calling.

As royalty, Christian families recognize their elevated position in God's kingdom. They are not merely survivors trying to make it through life, but members of the royal family of God. This awareness should permeate family life, influencing how parents treat each other, how they discipline their children, and how they make decisions. Royal families carry themselves with dignity, make decisions with wisdom, and treat others with respect, qualities that should characterize every Christian home.