“A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation”: How will you specifically respond to these truths from God?

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

God has given special authority and a unique culture to his church. He also issues to his people the pivotal responsibility to proclaim the gospel and grow the church. In what ways might this verse be encouraging or motivating for you? How will you specifically respond to these truths from God?

When we realize how much God loves us, saves us, and honors and cherishes us as his very own, we will understand our unique privilege and responsibility to proclaim his greatness to others. Our very lives belong to him. Without him, we would be lost, hopeless and live in darkness and despair. When we consider whom God has made us to be, and what he’s done for us and continues to do for us, then we are motivated and encouraged to be faithful to him in all things. Paul expressed it this way, “For the love of Christ compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14, NKJV). This verse means that Christ’s love motivates us to share His good news!

The people of God are the only ones charged with the responsibility to share the good news of Jesus with others. Every believer is to live for the glory of God and fulfill God’s will. We are individuals with different gifts. We are not all the same but wherever God has placed us and called us, there we are to serve him (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 12-27). Peter encourages us to be faithful and glorify God with whatever gift God has given us:

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:  whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 4:10-11).

The disciples of Jesus in the first century shared the good news of Jesus with everyone they could. Throughout the world, there were no believers, disciples made or churches started until the word of God was taught by men and women who had the faith and commitment to talk to others about Jesus. This is the way disciples were made then; it is the way that disciples will be made now and until Jesus comes. If you know Jesus, and how much he loves you, then you know that he wants you to be faithful to him in everything, including helping to make disciples for him in whatever ways you can. Pray to God and ask him to help you to reach out to others. Wherever you are, he will help you do what he wants you to do. You can support and encourage the growth of his kingdom where you are and wherever you have influence.