A Peculiar People
Text: 1 Peter 2:9, Deuteronomy 14:2
Introduction
God has always desired a people for Himself—chosen, holy, and distinct from the world. From the Old Testament to the New, we see His call for His people to be set apart, reflecting His glory and living in obedience to His Word. This is beautifully encapsulated in 1 Peter 2:9 and Deuteronomy 14:2, where God refers to His people as His “peculiar people,” a treasured possession meant to proclaim His greatness.
Today, we will explore the meaning of being peculiar, the characteristics that define us, and the responsibilities that come with this identity. We will also emphasize how peculiar people must overcome, prosper, and live uniquely in Christ with the power of the Holy Spirit.
1. Peculiar People Are Chosen
1 Peter 2:9:
“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.”
Chosen by Grace, Not Merit
- God’s choice of His people is based on His grace and love, not our works.
- Deuteronomy 7:7-8: “The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, but because the Lord loved you.”
- As believers in Christ, we are grafted into this divine calling.
- Ephesians 1:4: “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.”
Purpose of Being Chosen
- To Proclaim His Praises: Our lives must glorify God and testify to His goodness.
- To Reflect His Light: We are called out of darkness to shine His light in the world.
- Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
2. Peculiar People Are Holy
Deuteronomy 14:2:
“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
Set Apart for God’s Purposes
- Holiness means being distinct in our character, actions, and purpose.
- Leviticus 20:26: “You shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy.”
- In the New Testament, holiness is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
- Romans 8:11: “The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you.”
Living in Holiness
- Through Our Conduct:
- 1 Peter 1:15-16: “Be holy in all your conduct; because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'”
- Through Our Mission:
- We are to influence the world without being influenced by it.
- Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
3. Peculiar People Must Overcome
John 16:33:
“In this world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Empowered to Overcome Through Christ
- Being peculiar does not exempt us from trials but equips us to overcome them.
- 1 John 5:4: “For everyone born of God overcomes the world.”
- We overcome by:
- Faith in Christ:
- Romans 8:37: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
- The Word of God:
- Revelation 12:11: “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.”
- Faith in Christ:
4. Peculiar People Prosper in Christ
Jeremiah 29:11:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Spiritual and Material Prosperity
- God’s peculiar people are called to thrive spiritually and in their earthly mission.
- 3 John 1:2: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
- Prosperity includes walking in God’s purpose, bearing fruit, and succeeding in the mission He has given us.
- Psalm 1:3: “Whatever they do prospers.”
5. Peculiar People Are Unique in Christ
Titus 2:14:
“Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”
Uniqueness Through the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit sets us apart, empowering us to live differently.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new is here!”
- Our uniqueness is seen in how we love, serve, and live out God’s truth.
- Galatians 5:22-23: The fruit of the Spirit marks our lives as peculiar.
6. Peculiar People Are Led by the Holy Spirit
Romans 8:14:
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
Walking in the Spirit
- The Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom, strength, and direction to live as God’s peculiar people.
- John 14:26: “The Helper, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things.”
- Through the Spirit, we discern God’s will and resist the world’s temptations.
Conclusion
To be God’s peculiar people is both a privilege and a responsibility. We are chosen to reflect His glory, empowered to overcome life’s challenges, and called to prosper in His purpose. With the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we are equipped to live uniquely and victoriously in Christ.
Call to Action
- Embrace your identity as God’s peculiar people.
- Commit to living a holy, overcoming, and prosperous life.
- Proclaim His praises and shine His light in a dark world.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing us as Your peculiar people. Help us to walk in holiness, overcome through Your strength, and prosper in Your purpose. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may live uniquely for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.