Peculiar 3 – Light in the Dark
PECULIAR 3
LIGHT IN THE DARK
One of the words Peter uses over and again:
Calling, Call, Called.
Calling—Emboldens, Encourages, Empowers.
Class Captain – Badge
God does not call us to get a job done he calls us to empower us.
Peculiar – who you belong to characteristically.
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• AN ETERNAL CALL TO CHRIST. (Peter/Unlikely)
• A TEMPORARY CALL TO AN ASSIGNMENT.
(Class Captain)
• A DAILY CALL TO A DIFFERENT STANDARD.
What am I called to do?
God will call you to a WHO before a DO!
Who before do—When you know who you are—Know what to do.
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Peter writing to persecuted Christians
• Superstitious—Miracles—Magicians—Jesus head magician.
• Incestuous—Agape Meetings (Love Feasts)—Brother and Sister
• Cannibals—Take and eat my body.
9 …for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9
Not what you were—New creation—Redeemed—Set free
Most don’t think we are Superstitious—Incestuous—Cannibals.
Self-righteous—Judgmental—Intolerant bigots.
Some so called Christians—Unfortunately earned these titles.
Peter writing to suffering and despised Xian
Christ is calling you—Different standard.
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11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.
12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.
1 Peter 2:11-12
Peter—Not going to try to convince them to believe like we believe.
Going to show them what we believe—by how we behave.
Not going to tell you about my faith first—Live my faith!
You don’t have to be defensive.
Best defense is a good offense
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Do you think I’m ever criticized? Our church?
Instead of defending—We’re not a cult. Not a bad guy—get to know me.
Lead the way with irrational love.
We are not spiritual consumers—Church exists for world!
Known for what we are for—Not against.
Let’s be generous—Righteous—Loving!
…15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. 1 Peter 2:15
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21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. (*) He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21
(*) Not get promotion, Makes fun of you, Only one not invited
Weak—he was gentle.
Didn’t understand—patient.
Rejected—he was loving.
Sinned—forgiving.
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What was he not—Proud, Arrogant, Condescending, Defensive, Hateful.
22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. 1 Peter 2:22-24
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Peter continues: what said more peculiar – showing who you belong to characteristically.
Normal: Curse those—Curse! Hate those—Hate! Revenge—Wrong
9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 1 Peter 3:9
You are called to go the extra mile
Love your enemies—Bless those who persecute you!
To the world that’s peculiar in a weird way
To us that’s peculiar in a showing who we belong to characteristically.
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You’re on call!
Chosen by God—Royal priest—Holy Nation—People belonging
Called to do good!
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Class Captain
Down and depressed
Bullied
Family member betrays—forgive
Neighbor can’t mow
Left out
Takes advantage—Continue love
Short $ groceries
Need church
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I’m on call—On call to Love. Serve. Give. Blessing.
On call to find a need and fill it, find a hurt and heal it.
You are called
Chosen by God—Royal priest—Holy Nation—People belonging
Called to Do Good