You Are Chosen!

"You Are Chosen"

Main Scripture:

1 Peter 2:9 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.”

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Introduction:

Why Do People Feel the Need to Be Chosen?

Key Thought: The need to be chosen comes from deep psychological/emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.

1. Psychological Needs:

o Need for Belonging (Genesis 2:18 18 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”): Humans are created for connection. Being chosen affirms inclusion and reduces feelings of isolation.

o Desire for Identity and Purpose (Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born, I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”): Being chosen gives people a sense of identity and direction.

o Quest for Validation and Worth (Ephesians 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,): People crave acknowledgment and confirmation of their value.

2. Emotional Needs:

o Love and Acceptance (Isaiah 43:1…” You are Mine”.): Being chosen communicates care and love.

o Security and Stability (Romans 8:38-39…” nothing shall be able to separate us from the Love of God.”): Being chosen provides assurance of being secure in God's love.

o Fear of Rejection (Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me,

Then the Lord will take care of me.): The fear of being left out drives people to seek acceptance.

3. Spiritual Needs:

o Divine Calling and Purpose (John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you…): Spiritually, people desire to be chosen by God for a higher purpose.

o Assurance of Eternal Security (1 Peter 2:9 – Key Verse): Being chosen by God represents salvation and eternal hope.

o Legacy and Impact (Matthew 25:23 ‘Well done, good and faithful servant… ): Being chosen enables people to leave a lasting spiritual legacy.

• Ask the congregation: “Have you ever felt overlooked, rejected, or like you didn’t belong?” I have Good news for you today.

• Transition: “The truth is, God has already chosen you for something greater than any earthly honor. Today, we’ll explore what it means to be chosen by God.”

4. Physical Needs:

1. Provision and Sustenance

• Biblical Example: Elijah in the wilderness (1 Kings 17:4-6)

o After being chosen as God’s prophet, Elijah needed food and water. God provided through ravens and a stream.

o Application: Being chosen often comes with practical needs like food, water, shelter, and financial support to fulfill the mission.

2. Health and Strength

• Biblical Example: Moses’ Strength in Old Age (Deuteronomy 34:7)

o Moses’ physical vitality allowed him to lead Israel until his last days.

o Application: Fulfilling a calling often requires good health, stamina, and resilience, which God can strengthen.

3. Safety and Protection

• Biblical Example: Daniel in the Lion’s Den (Daniel 6:16-23)

o Daniel’s physical safety was preserved because of God’s protection.

o Application: Being chosen sometimes places individuals in dangerous situations where divine protection is crucial.

4. Shelter and Stability

• Biblical Example: Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6-9)

o God instructed Noah to build an ark, ensuring physical shelter during the flood.

o Application: Shelter provides stability, allowing people to focus on their calling without constant survival concerns.

5. Community Support

• Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 2:44-47)

o The early believers shared resources, ensuring no one lacked physical necessities.

o Application: Being chosen often involves receiving help from a supportive community.

6. Rest and Renewal

• Biblical Example: Jesus Resting (Mark 6:31)

o Jesus recognized the need for rest and encouraged His disciples to do the same.

o Application: Rest is essential for sustaining energy and avoiding burnout when fulfilling a calling.

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Spiritual Perspective on Physical Needs

While being chosen often comes with spiritual responsibilities, God acknowledges and meets physical needs to enable service. Jesus emphasized this when He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God... and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

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Key Points:

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1. You Are Chosen by God for a Purpose

John 15:16 – “16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”

Explanation:

• God’s selection isn’t based on status, talent, or past mistakes. He chose us out of love and grace.

• “I want the whole Christ for my Savior, the whole Bible for my book, the whole Church for my fellowship, and the whole world for my mission field.” John Wesley