1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people… I. THE DIVINE ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH. 1. "An elect race." Separated, called, chosen, quickened. Not a casual result out of ordinary forces. II. HER FUNCTION IN THE WORLD — "a royal priesthood." Here king and priest are blended to show the power and function of the priesthood. We plead with man for God and with God for man: the regal kings are the saints of God. III. THE BEAUTY OF HER CHARACTER — a holy nation." With us holiness frequently is a bundle of negation, an emptiness; but holiness is a cluster of positive glories, the glory of courage, the gleam of tenderness, the radiancy of mercy. IV. HER PRECIOUSNESS TO GOD. "A peculiar people." His delight, joy, resting place. It is easy to depreciate. It takes a wise man to see the background as well as the figure on it. If the Church can be chosen, royal, priestly, beauteous, dear to God, she wants no earthly help. V. HER WORK IN THE WORLD — "that ye may show forth the excellencies of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light." 1. Every quickened soul has its own story to tell. There is a gospel according to you and me. The truth of God is the gathering up of all these gospels. 2. We have the power to utter praise. 3. We have the motive — gratitude for deliverance from darkness. (R. Glover, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: |
    |