Ben Connelly - Sunday, 18 September 2022
What it means to be God's People
Scripture References: Genesis 35:1-29, Ephesians 2:1-14, 1 Peter 2:9-10
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CloseHave you ever wondered, what do God’s people look like? Here, at the close of Jacob’s story we learn some fascinating things about what types of people God calls to be in His family and what their life looks like. After all the nastiness of chapter 34 God still calls Jacob and his family back to Bethel. God is faithful to His people and brings them back to the land and blesses them. Jacob’s life shows the faithfulness of God to an undeserving people. Ruben’s failure points us to the truth that true power in God’s people is found in service. The death of Rachel and Deborah show us that God saves His people through suffering, not from it. All of this points us to the God who sends His only Son to die, so we, a group of undeserving rebels, can be counted among His people and made fit for His service.
Scripture References: Genesis 35:1-29, Ephesians 2:1-14, 1 Peter 2:9-10
Related Topics: Genesis | More Messages from Ben Connelly | Download Audio
Perseverance to the end… this is Peter’s final encouragement as he wraps up his letter to exile believers scattered throughout the world. In the face of persecution and hostility, how are we to remain strong in our discipleship to Jesus and persevere?
Those who lead God’s mob must lead them in such a way that they can follow the template of Jesus, and be sustained in their ‘resolve’ (4:1) to be like Jesus. This takes a leadership that shepherds the sheep in a way that serves, that is humble. Moreover, it also means that those being led are to know that such leaders are to be submitted to – and that all the mob is defined by humility – just like the Chief Shepherd.
If we follow a crucified Saviour, should we expect anything less than the unjust treatment Jesus received? In chapter 4, Peter wants to prepare his readers for a life of discipleship, as following Jesus will have implications. Christians will be persecuted for their faith and suffer as a result. But that shouldn’t take us by surprise nor should we lament when suffering comes upon us as a result of bearing His name, but rather rejoice!
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