Identity and Purpose • 07.30.23
Nick Lees   -   July 30, 2023

Identity and Purpose

1 Peter 2:4-10

Understanding the church’s identity and purpose

  1. Identity: Called by God and set apart for Him
  2. Purpose: To live sacrificially, worshipfully, and evangelistically for God

Good morning church family! Welcome to our visitors. My name is Pastor Nick Lees.

I have to say, I’m looking forward to serving together as a church today for our quarterly 5th Sunday service day. If you’re newer to our church, every quarter there is a month with 5 Sundays in it, and on that 5th Sunday we combine down into a single service to be able to go out and serve in our community during the second service hour. We want our practice to match our professed beliefs, that we are not here to be served but to serve, just like Jesus did with us. We have a variety of ministry partners we get to serve with who are doing great work in our community!

If you didn’t sign up for a service project but would like to help, please stick around afterwards and we’ll help you get connected to a project. For now, let’s turn our attention to the study of God’s Word in 1 Peter.

Ushers + Bibles (1 Peter 2; page 1203)

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been diving into a verse-by-verse study of 1 Peter. In fact, last week we talked about the hope of future grace and conforming our lives here and now around that hope. Peter has been very intentional to start his letter to the churches in Asia Minor with some beautiful reminders of the great mercy of God in their lives. He’s also reminded them of God’s sovereignty over their salvation and suffering, and the certainty of future grace that awaits them. These powerful truths are linked to their identity as elect exiles, the ones whom God has called and chosen before the foundation of the world to be his people. You may recall, in 2:2, Peter referred to the incredible transformation that had taken place in their lives. They were saved from their sin and were now encouraged to long to know God through His Word. The people receiving this letter had been rescued, redeemed, and adopted into the family of God by the precious blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.

What marvelous truths to consider! And, as we’ve stated throughout, these truths are not limited to the 1st century church. If your faith is in Jesus Christ, then these truths are for you too! Truly we have so much to rejoice in already from our study of 1 Peter. Today will be no different. As you may notice, the title of our sermon today is “Identity and Purpose” which captures the twin focal points of this next segment of the letter. Peter is going to continue to remind them of who they are and why they are here. So, let’s turn our attention to the study of the text now.

1 Peter 2:4–10 (ESV)

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:

       “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,

a cornerstone chosen and precious,

       and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

       “The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone,”

8 and

       “A stone of stumbling,

and a rock of offense.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

9 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. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

In a few short verses, Peter addresses God’s plan for his people, the importance of our response to Jesus, and the way their new identity should shape their lives. Without further ado, let’s spend the rest of our time…

Understanding the church’s identity and purpose

Notice I said, “the church’s identity and purpose” and not “the Christian’s identity and purpose”. That was intentional; Peter is writing to churches and the calling he is speaking about is not solely individualistic, it is also corporate in nature. So, yes, individually these things are true for Christians, but the danger for us, in our individualistic society, is that we often minimize or overlook the corporate nature of this calling. As we read, please read with the church in mind first, and then take it a step further to apply it to yourself if you are a Christian. If you’re here and wrestling with what you believe, well I hope you’ll take this text to heart today and realize the necessity of faith in Christ!

Our discussion begins with understanding the church’s identity. We are…

  1. Identity: Called by God and set apart for Him

When I say called, I am using language that we’ve heard in both verse 9 today and in verse 15 of chapter 1 last week. By called, I am speaking of the work of God in our lives to save us from our sin and thereby set us apart for him (aka to be made holy). The letter of 1 Peter has made it very clear that God is sovereign in our salvation – the one whom God calls comes… and he who comes God transforms to be holy.

Ordo Salutis (Visual Theology) This graphic is a slightly different version of the Ordo Salutis or Order of Salvation than I’ve used in previous weeks. I thought it might be nice to switch up the visuals. This graphic walks us through the process God does to save a man or woman. Peter has directly referenced quite a few components of this salvation process in his letter already. Today in verses 4-5 he speaks of the process known as sanctification or being made holy. This is a lifelong process by which God increasingly conforms us to the image of his Son in holiness. Here’s what Peter said:

1 Peter 2:4–5 (ESV)

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

These 1st century Christians were drawing near to Jesus, the living stone who had been rejected by men but valued/chosen by God. And as they came to Jesus, responding to God’s call/work in their lives, God was doing a work in them. Peter described them as living stones who are being built up by God as a spiritual house so that they would be a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices to Him. I know that’s a mouthful, so let’s work our way through it. These are spiritually significant identity statements (about who you are)!

First, I want to draw your attention to the phrase “are being built up” – this is a passive verb – indicating that the action is being performed by someone else, in this case, God! God is the one actively building them up “as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood…” This fits so well with the other teachings from Peter about the sovereignty of God. God is actively involved in the calling, maturing, and completion of his people. From start to finish, God is at work!

On top of that, did you realize Peter is using terminology that was previously used only for the nation of Israel? You might be tempted to think, “So what? Why does that matter?” It matters because he’s not talking to the nation of Israel! He’s talking to Gentiles (non-Jews)! And he is using these terms of them. Peter is affirming the plan of God that has been revealed through the pages of Scripture – that God has always had a plan to make a people for himself from both Jews and Gentiles, from all who would believe in His Son, Jesus Christ!

In the Old Testament, God had called the nation of Israel his chosen people who were to be a holy priesthood.

Isaiah 43:20 (ESV)

20    The wild beasts will honor me,

the jackals and the ostriches,

       for I give water in the wilderness,

rivers in the desert,

       to give drink to my chosen people,

Exodus 19:6 (ESV)

6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”

Now he declares that all who believe in Jesus Christ are a part of his chosen people and they are intended to represent and reflect him (the job of the priests). This is not limited to a specific “tribe” of Israel like the Levites, and it is not restricted to a certain class of people today like the “clergy”. God has called all Christians to be his holy representatives on earth, and they do this together, as the church. We’ll come back to the ways we can do this later. First, I want to make sure we understand our identity!

For now, I would ask you to evaluate where you stand with God. Are you a part of his chosen people? Do you recognize that your sin means you need his Son to be your Savior? This whole section began with “as you come to him” – meaning to Jesus in faith. This is the crux of the matter. Your response to Jesus Christ.

Listen to how Peter described the two possible responses in verses 6-8:

1 Peter 2:6-8 (ESV)

6 For it stands in Scripture:

       “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,

a cornerstone chosen and precious,

       and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

       “The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone,”

8 and

       “A stone of stumbling,

and a rock of offense.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

Peter quotes several Old Testament passages to make his point about the people God is building for himself. Jesus is the stone foretold of long ago, the cornerstone, which is the first and most important stone in the whole building. It is the stone that determines the way the rest of the foundation is laid, and the building is built. In this case, the building is figurative for the people God is creating for himself, who will represent and reflect him.

God’s plan, from eternity past, was to send this chosen and precious cornerstone, Jesus, to reveal who are his and who are not. And that is revealed by your response to Jesus. Either in faith or in rejection of him. And those who believe in him will not be put to shame. Further, we are told that those who believe will receive honor! They will be chosen and precious, just like the cornerstone. But for those who do not believe, they have rejected Jesus and he becomes a stone of stumbling and offense to them. Their rejection is disobedience to the Word of God.

Do you see the dividing line when it comes to Christ? You either believe in him and exchange shame for honor, or you reject him in unbelief and are destined for judgment. The stone of offense and rock of stumbling is a statement of judgment by God of the nations of Judah and Israel. Paul quotes the same passage in Romans 9 to reference the judgment of unbelieving Israel. There can be no doubt that this is a serious matter of judgment for unbelief.

  1. Identity: Called by God and set apart for Him

When we talk about the church’s identity as “set apart” for Him, you might wonder “set apart from whom?” The answer is from those who disobey, those who reject Christ.

In the days of the early church, Peter preached this same message to the Pharisees (the religious leaders of the Jews).

Acts 4:10–12 (ESV)

10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Faith in Jesus is the only way of salvation. It is by faith in him that anyone is set apart or made holy for God. Unbelief will only result in judgment, as Jesus himself declared in Matthew 21 in the parable of the tenants. We don’t have time to read it today but write Matthew 21:33-44 in your notes to check out later.

Jesus spoke this parable in judgment of the Pharisees, who did not believe in him, but the principles apply more broadly. Your response to Jesus matters! Either you believe and have life, or you reject and are condemned. There is no middle ground. Which is it for you?

Now, incredibly, Peter makes a very powerful statement at the end of verse 8, one that shocks us as modern readers. “As they were destined to do.” Just as the one God calls comes to salvation, so the one whom God does not call does not come… And the clear teaching of Scripture is that this was ordained by God.

Romans 9:22–23 (ESV)

22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—

Jude 4 (ESV)

4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

This is a challenging teaching for us, yet one that Peter, Paul, and Jude assume their audiences will accept as true. I appreciate how Pastor and Commentator Tom Schreiner summarizes it:

Those who disbelieve stumble over the stone, who is Christ. They stumble over Christ because they refuse to believe in him and obey him. People who stumble and disobey are responsible for their refusal to trust in Christ, and yet God has appointed, without himself being morally responsible for the sin of unbelievers, that they will both disobey and stumble.

Peter articulated a common theme in the Scriptures that human beings are responsible for their sin and sin willingly, and yet God controls all events in history. The Scriptures do not resolve how these two themes fit together philosophically, though today we would call it a “compatibilist” worldview. We must admit, however, that how this fits together logically eludes us, and hence theologians have often fallen prey to the temptation to deny one or the other truth. Why did Peter emphasize the theme of God’s sovereignty here? He did so to comfort his readers, assuring them that the evil in the world is not sundered from God’s control. God still reigns, even over those who oppose him and the Petrine believers. (NAC)

These are tough truths to wrestle with this morning. As humans, we often severely underestimate the depravity of our sin and the complete deadness we have to anything good or holy apart from Christ. We ought to be AMAZED that God chooses to save any of us rather than FIXATING on the reality that he doesn’t save ALL of us. The Scriptures testify that none of us are saved by our merit or worth, but solely by the extravagant grace and mercy of God.

Titus 3:3–7 (ESV)

3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy,

by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

If you are in Christ this morning, rejoice that he has called you out of your sin and condemnation to a place of being set apart for Him. As you have heard in 1 Peter, you have been given a new identity in Christ! Let’s consider the identity statements found in 1 Peter 2:9:

  • Chosen race
  • Royal priesthood
  • Holy nation
  • People for his own possession

Each of these phrases was used to describe Israel in the Old Testament. They are significant in that they indicate God’s desire is to have a people who are his, who are set apart as holy, who represent and reflect him to the world around them, and who will spend eternity with him. This is directly tied to the hope of future grace that we learned about last week! It is because God has called and set apart a people for himself that they have the hope of future grace.

Church, do you appreciate the power of these identity statements? Consider this. In Christ… You are no longer enslaved to your sin nature. You are no longer condemned in your unrighteousness. You are no longer an enemy of God destined to an eternity of judgment. You no longer have to fear death or its outcome. Stated positively, you have the hope of future grace. You know that you are already considered holy and will, one day, be made perfectly holy. You are forgiven, accepted, adopted… You are his. You have a Father in heaven who will guard and protect you. He will not let anyone snatch you out of his hand. He will force even trials and suffering to do good to you. He lavishes his great mercy and compassion upon you. His ear is inclined to your prayers. And he has given you a great purpose to represent and reflect him to this watching world. You have been appointed as his ambassador. You are now empowered by His Holy Spirit to accomplish His will. And his will is, in part, revealed in verse 5 and verse 9. Listen again to them and listen specifically for the purpose statements towards the end of each verse.

1 Peter 2:5 (ESV)

5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

9 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.

Do you hear what we have been called to do? What is the church’s purpose?

  1. Purpose: To live sacrificially, worshipfully, and evangelistically for God

 

  • Sacrificially – it’s not about us; it comes at a cost

The New Testament church no longer offers animal sacrifices like the Israelites did under the Law. Jesus Christ was our once for all sacrifice for sin. So instead of animal sacrifices, we are now told in 1 Peter 2:5 to offer up our lives as a spiritual sacrifice and 1 Peter 2:9 that we are to proclaim the excellencies of God. We see similar concepts in Romans 12:1:

Romans 12:1 (ESV)

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

And Hebrews 13:15-16:

Hebrews 13:15–16 (ESV)

15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

To live sacrificially means to use our time, talents, and treasure to worship God and to do good to others. (repeat) How sweet that we have the opportunity as the church to do this today with our service projects! But Paul, Peter, and the author of Hebrews were not just talking about occasional sacrifices in this way. No, they speak of it as our lifestyle. That this would be the way we live! That, as a new man or new woman in Christ, you would be so utterly transformed, down to the deepest desires of your heart, that you now WANT and SEEK to live for the good of others and glory of God. Now you actively fight to put off pride and the pursuit of self and instead put on humility and service.

Let’s consider what that might look like…

  • Kids – how can you use your time, talent, and treasure to worship God and do good to others?
    • Making it a priority to spend time with him in the Word/prayer
    • Being intentional to look out for the good of others and not yourself
      • Be kind and build up with your words/deeds
    • Share the hope of Jesus with those who don’t know him
  • Adults – how can you use your time, talent, and treasure to worship God and do good to others?
    • Ironically, the fundamentals don’t change, but the ways they are lived out might…
    • You are in the workplace, leadership in your community/family
      • Parents, are you intentionally spending time teaching your kids from God’s Word? Whole-life discipleship. Have a plan!
    • Be on the lookout for opportunities to do good to others (neighbors in need; co-workers, etc.,)
  • What about as the church?
    • 5th Sundays
    • One-anothers when we gather
    • Small groups serving partners

*Pause*

These passages also carry the connotation of worship. We are to live…

  • Worshipfully – it’s about God; making much of him

It is important for the church to open their mouths in praise to God. To have lips that acknowledge his name regularly and publicly. That is why our corporate worship times are so important each week! Please make it a priority to be here if you are in town. Join your voice with the rest of the church in worshiping God!

How sweet that we have an opportunity this very week to gather again for a special night of – Praise & Prayer! These nights have been an opportunity to make much of God as we continue to learn about the spiritual disciplines of worship and prayer.

1 Peter 2:9 also carries the connotation of evangelism. We are to live…

  • Evangelistically – it’s about helping others know God!

Proclaiming the excellencies of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light is something we do both to fellow believers, but also to those who have not yet experienced the saving grace of God. It is only right that we would desire others to experience the same mercy and grace that we have had lavished upon us. *Pause*

Did you know that we have a weekly opportunity to do this as a church? Witness on Wednesdays is a ministry that has been going for about 2 years now from 5:30-6:30pm. A group of us meet at the church and head out into the community of Grimes to welcome new moves to the area and to seek to share the Gospel with them. This is a very practical way to proclaim God’s excellencies. Would you consider joining us in the month of August for at least one of the Wednesdays? I know it might be intimidating, but this is a great way to grow in our faith and obedience to our Savior. You will be paired with someone who has experience in doing this already, and, truly we are all learning together. We’re just trying to be bold and obedient!

I really appreciate the words of Commentator Edmund Clowney as a reminder of our motivation in all of this, “We adore God not to gain his favour, but because adoration is our response to his grace.” (Edmund Clowney – BST) This is not about our works earning us any righteousness, but rather a response to the incredible grace that has been given to us! When you realize how deep the darkness is that you were rescued from and how beautiful the kingdom of light that you are now in is… then you should desire to help rescue others from it! Praise God for his glorious grace!

The Apostle Paul got it. Listen to his testimony:

Acts 26:15–18 (ESV)

15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—

to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Paul knew that Jesus Christ had called him to share the Good News of salvation by faith in Jesus with others! What if God desires to use you to help someone else trapped in darkness to know him? This is a bit of a trick question. God does desire to use you in this way! His plan is to use people like you and me who have been radically redeemed by grace to share that same hope and Gospel call with others. I want to exhort you with the words of Paul to the church in Rome:

Romans 10:14–15 (ESV)

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

Church, you are being sent to preach the Good News! We are called and set apart for Him, so that we might live sacrificially, worshipfully, and evangelistically. If you are in Christ, then this is your identity and purpose! Let us be people who are joyfully about the work that God has given us. There are tens of thousands of people in our community that need to hear the good news. Will you go to them? Will you share with them the very hope that you have? *pause*

Here is a sobering thought to end on. It struck me as I was preparing for the sermon and realizing Peter was talking to the church.

A church that is not living this way is not a true church. (repeat) A church that is consumeristic, selfish, and not motivated to share the Gospel is in direct contradiction to what God has called it to be…

What kind of church will we be? And will you do your part in making our church a God-glorifying one? I look forward to growing together with you.

Let’s pray.

Pray through Colossians 1:9-14

Colossians 1:9–14 (ESV)

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

All the Earth

5th Sunday Dismissal

  • Childcare Workers + Team Leaders
  • Freedom for Youth: Team Leader – Brent and Renee Schulte
  • Many Hands for Haiti Clive: Team Leader – Frasier and Mikaela Dew
  • 141 Garage Sale Setup – Renee Taber
  • JOPPA & Community Clean Up: Kris & Liz Mortensen (they’ll come meet back in the worship center)
  • If you did not sign up for a project yet, meet with Amanda Quinn in the back of the worship center