But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. You once were not a people, but now you are God’s people. You were shown no mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10
Into the Text
As the gospel continued to spread throughout the world, God prompted men like Paul, Peter, James, and John to write letters, called epistles, to churches or individuals. The Epistles begin with the book of Romans and continue through Jude.
The Epistles are meant to teach doctrines, explaining what Jesus has done and will do for believers, thereby encouraging and strengthening them. They also teach Christians how to live while also challenging wrong attitudes and behaviors.
As believers, we are to flee sin and temptation, pursue righteousness and holiness, live on mission, and display the fruits of the Spirit. These are all part of our sanctification, which is the lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus.
Though we are rescued from the punishment, power, and presence of sin at the moment of our salvation, we still struggle with sin. This is one of the reasons why the Holy Spirit indwells believers, to help us look and live more like Christ.
As we grow in our love for Jesus, we will grow in sanctification. As Peter reminds us, we are a chosen people who have been rescued from darkness to light. We serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who is with us each and every day.
If you’re wanting to know what it looks like to be a follower of Jesus, the Epistles are a great place to start.
Prayer
God, thank you for the Epistles. As I read and study your Word, may you be at work in my heart and life through the Holy Spirit to look more like Jesus. Amen.