True Believers

TRUE BELIEVERS

1 Peter 2:9-10a But you are a chosen race, a royal group of priests, a holy nation, and a special people. You must tell about the wonderful things that God has done. He called you from darkness into His amazing light. Those who were once not a people are now God’s people (Simple English Bible)

The Believers Calling: chosen by God

The Believers Occupation: a royal priesthood. We represent man before God

The Believers Nationality: Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven

The Believers Morality: peculiar (holy) a special treasure

The Believers Identity: A worshipper

We are obedient because we love God. In the Old Testament they obeyed God because they had to; we obey Him because we want to.

Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine

We are zealous because we want to see the Kingdom of God increase.

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

We seek to be productive because the love of God constrains us.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

We are declared by God to be Holy and so we seek to be holy in our actions.

Deuteronomy 28:9 The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways.

Ephesians 1:4 In Christ, God chose us before the world began. He wanted us to be holy and spotless before Him in love. (Simple English Bible)

1 Peter 1:16 This is written: ``You must be holy because I am holy!’’ Peter literally said, You are holy because I (God) am holy

Holiness means that we are set apart for sacred use. What are the things which make us special or peculiar?

FAITH We believe God. We believe what He says.

RIGHTEOUSNESS We are declared righteous by the Father. And then He gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to do righteous deeds.

HOLINESS We have become like the Lord having been fathered by Him at new birth.

SACRIFICE We live out our lives a living sacrifices; we die to our selfish and carnal desires.

We are not special because we try to “outdo” others. We are special because we “look” to the things of others. We are motivated by the Lord God the Holy Spirit and through His Word.

Why are we to be different?

1 Peter 2:9b that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Romans 10:8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

Others can only know the truth by the Word of Faith which we share with them. I must be proclaimed by both word and lifestyle.

Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

When we proclaim the words others will believe and confess and be saved

Romans 10:11. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

They will actually be delighted

Romans 10:12. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

God offers true riches which does include material blessing as well as spiritual.

Romans 10:13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

All can come.. salvation is for all, rich and poor, young and old, good and bad

Romans 10:14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

They need to hear the Word of Faith or they are without hope.

Romans 10:15. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

It is the task of every believer not just the pastor or the professional. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.