People of Praise — Our Identity and Calling
🔑 Main Text: 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
📌 Key Idea:
God didn’t just save us to escape hell — He chose us, empowered us, and set us apart to live as a people of praise who reflect His glory to the world.
✨ I. Our Identity in Christ — Who We Are
🔹 “A Chosen Generation”
- You are not random; you are handpicked by God (John 15:16).
- Chosen for intimacy, purpose, and impact.
🔹 “A Royal Priesthood”
- We carry both authority (royal) and access (priesthood).
- Called to intercede, worship, and minister to God.
🔹 “A Holy Nation”
- Separated from sin, but set apart for God.
- Holiness fuels pure praise.
🔹 “A Peculiar People”
- Not strange, but special and distinct in divine purpose.
- We live differently because we belong to Someone different.
🙌 II. Our Purpose — Why We Were Formed
📖 Isaiah 43:21
“This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.”
- God didn’t just redeem us to survive — He formed us for expression of praise.
- Worship is not just what we do — it’s who we are.
🏠 III. The Dwelling of God — Where He Lives
📖 Psalm 22:3
“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”
- Praise builds a throne for God’s presence.
- The more we praise, the more we attract His nearness.
- Praise is God’s preferred address.
🔁 IV. The Lifestyle of Praise — How We Respond
📖 Hebrews 13:15
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually…”
- Praise is not seasonal or circumstantial — it is continual.
- A sacrifice means we praise even when we don’t feel like it.
- It is the fruit of lips, not just the sound of instruments.
🔓 V. Accessing God’s Presence — Our Approach
📖 Psalm 100:4
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise…”
- Praise is the password into God’s presence.
- Gratefulness opens gates. Praise moves us closer.
- Before requests come reverence.
📣 Conclusion: You Were Made for This
You are not just a person with praise — you are a person of praise.
It’s not just an activity — it’s your identity, your calling, and your power.
🙏 Call to Action / Prayer Points:
- “Lord, help me live as a person of praise every day — not just on Sundays.”
- “Let my life, not just my lips, reflect Your glory.”
- “Teach me to access Your presence through continual thanksgiving.”
