Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 2:10
For the last two days, we have looked at our identity, which we have as God's children. We have also clearly seen the mission God has called us to fulfill. Since we have this new identity in Christ and have been called on this incredible mission for God, we need to remember that the only reason we can do this is that Christ has transformed us. Before believing in Christ as our Lord, we were sinners, we stood guilty before God, and we were enemies of God (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:3, 12). Everyone without Christ is still in this lost state. But, through our Lord Jesus Christ, we don't receive what we once deserved, but we've received what we never deserved. We have fully received God's mercy and grace (Ephesians 2:4-5). God unpacks this good news for us again and powerfully illustrates it in 1 Peter 2:10, "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" (see Hosea 1:6, 9, 10; 2:23). The heart change we've experienced through Christ was initiated by the mercy of God and created in us a brand-new identity and life change. So, only through a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ can people be transformed from not being a people of God to being His children. Never forget the mercy God has given to you. When you fully understand God's mercy on you, then you can extend that mercy to others and invite them to join God's eternal family.
Challenge & Application
1. What does God teach us about our relationship with Him and our relationship with others?
2. How has God’s mercy so changed you that you now give that mercy away to others, even those who don’t deserve it?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!