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Articles
The People of God
There are many great lessons that we can learn from the pen of the apostle Peter. When one examines the writing of this man we find many truths in regard to the people of God. For just a moment of your time notice I Peter 2:10 where Peter wrote “who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” Observe that Peter speaks about the people of God in these few words. There are some things for us to observe from this passage.
Observe first, they were at one time not the people of God.
As we look at their past history we see that at one time they were not the people of God. This was indeed a sad position for them to be in. They were separated from God and not in fellowship with God. The apostle believes it is good for them to remember what they were in order to really appreciate what they are now. The writers of God’s word often bring to the minds of the people what they had been in days gone by. Many of us need to stop and recall what we use to be in order that we might really appreciate what we are now.
Observe secondly, their present position.
They are now the people of God. That is they belong to the family of God, they have been adopted into the spiritual family of God. They make up what Peter described in verse 9 as a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people. What a contrast to what they were to what they are now in Christ. They were not the people of God, now they are the people of God; and in this there are many blessings. We should all be grateful that we are the children of God. Let us not forget that it is God that made this possible. Let us also remember that when we were baptized into Christ we had the view of being the people of God. We should never neglect to be thankful that by the amazing grace of God we can become the people of God.
Observe third, their purpose as the people of God.
Just what is their purpose in this life as they are now identified as the people of God? Has their purpose changed from when they were not the people of God? Yes, for now they are to sow forth the praises of Him that called them out of darkness. (I Pet. 2:9) They are to offer spiritual sacrifices unto God as is revealed in I Peter 2:5. I wonder in our day do we realize our purpose in life as the people of God. I am convinced that if more Christians did realize their true purpose as the people of God then more people would be brought to the Lord.
Observe fourthly, their destination.
The fourth and final thing to remember about the people of God is their final destination. Turn to the writing of Paul in the Philippian letter chapter 1:21-25. Paul said it is better to be with Christ. The people of God long to live with their Father in heaven and to live for Him now. This is the hope we now have as Paul stated in Titus 1:2. Now observe this great truth from I John 3:1-2: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” As the people of God we long for the day we shall see Christ and be with Him forever, but don’t miss the blessing we have now. John said NOW we are the children of God. That is why when we pray we can address God as our Father. Are you now a child of God?
