Doing God’s Will
Part 6
Proclaiming Christ
As we saw from the book of 1Peter a few weeks ago we are to be holy because God is holy (1:16). Throughout the book of 1Peter there are a number of areas given to us in which the holiness of God is to be lived out. God desires (wills) for us to proclaim Christ, to be sanctified (which we looked at last week), to submit, and to suffer. We will be looking at these over the next few weeks and today we will start with what we are to proclaim as Christians.
All around us today there seems to be a sense of aimlessness – a lack of true purpose and focus in people’s lives. People are caught up in fads and gimmicks that promise many things but rarely deliver anything of substance. Unfortunately, this is true within Christianity also – especially in America – to Christ’s dishonor and the Church’s shame. We get so involved in systems and programs that over time we tend to lose focus on what the church is really all about. We develop our own missions and mindsets which may have a spiritual overtone but lack Biblical depth. We may see immediate results in what we’re doing but fail to see long term results (from one generation to the next) because we failed to build upon the everlasting foundation. The Church’s strength and effectiveness over the long haul (and thus, we as Christians) will be determined by what we proclaim. What we proclaim gives a good indication of what we are focused on. Thus what we proclaim will greatly determine what we are to become over the long haul.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1Peter 2:9, 10
The person who is in Christ is no ordinary person and belongs to no ordinary group of people! The Christian is part of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession and if we allow the fullness of what this means to impact our lives, the Church of Jesus Christ – the Bride of Christ – will live with such vision and purpose as to change the world.
The Church of Jesus Christ (and thus each individual Christian) is first of all a chosen race. From the beginning of time God has chosen a people upon whom to set His affection (Deut. 10:15). The Church of Jesus Christ is God’s chosen people! Christian, no matter what human race you belong to in this earthly world, if you are now in Christ, you belong to a new race. You have been set apart from the people of the world to be a part of the people of God – a chosen race that is destined for glory!
The Church of Jesus Christ is also a royal priesthood. The Old Testament priest’s function could be summarized by two basic privileges: 1) the worship of God (or service to God), and 2) the proclamation of God and His Word. These privileges have now been given to every Christian. In 1Peter 2:5 it states that we are a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. This sacrifice is really worship. We are to live lives of complete worship to God. We are to be a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). As a royal priesthood we have the privilege to testify of His greatness, His Word, and His deeds to those around us. The privilege lies in the fact that not only are we to worship Him with complete adoration, surrender, and awe, but we can because He is the One who has made us holy – we are a holy nation! Look around the world and see if you can find one nation that is holy and righteous. You can’t! Every nation run by men is sinful and corrupt because man is sinful and corrupt. But wait! There is one nation that is holy, righteous, and true – the holy nation of God – the Church of Jesus Christ! The true Church of Jesus Christ is a nation inhabited by people from all over the world – and you, O child of God, are a part of His holy nation.
Finally, we see that the Church of Jesus Christ (and thus each individual Christian) is a people for God’s own possession. We belong to God and we are very dear to Him. We are special and unique; upon us He has set His affection. Christian, never think that you are a nobody. You are a somebody – you belong to the body of Christ! You’ve been bought with a price (1Cor. 6:20)!
Now what does all of this have to do with proclaiming Christ? I didn’t write about what we are so we will become self-absorbed and focused on ourselves. We are all these things because of Christ – we are because He is! Therefore, we are to proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Many Christians today are weak and not experiencing the victory Christ secured for them on the cross because they are not proclaiming Christ (what we proclaim gives evidence to what/who has our attention and affections). Too many Christians today are more excited about the recent movie, fashion, or sports event than they are about the Risen Savior. Though each Christian will give an account before God and are thus responsible for what they do while here on earth, even more so do the pastors and elders of the church have a greater responsibility. Many Christians are weak because the Church is defective due to focusing on the wrong things. As a Church we are to set forth before the people Jesus Christ in all the fullness of His glory. We are to proclaim Christ and His Word; not ourselves, man, methods, organizations, programs, systems, fads, gimmicks, politics, or philosophies. Christ Jesus is the One whom we are to proclaim. We are to proclaim – “set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him” (Amplified Bible) – Jesus Christ. Only when we proclaim Christ will we become what God wants us to be (Colossians 1:28). God is committed to conforming us into the image of His Son and only when Christ is proclaimed will this become a reality in the Church (Romans 8:28-20; 1John 3:1-3).
As I stated earlier, if we allow the fullness of what we are in Christ to impact our lives, we will change the world. Not because we are proud and think we are better than others, but because of the humility that the richness of this truth should bring to our lives. We did nothing to become the people of God. Not only did we do nothing, we don’t deserve it! It is all by God’s wonderful grace and mercy. For you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. As one man rightfully said, “There is more mercy in the Lord Jesus Christ than there is sin in me.”
O Christian, let this truth penetrate deep into the depths of your soul and bubble up through your heart and mouth so that your mouth may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Join with the Psalmist in resolute determination to proclaim God alone.
I will extol Thee, my God, O King; and I will bless Thy name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless Thee, and I will praise Thy name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall praise Thy works to another, and shall declare Thy mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of Thy majesty, and on Thy wonderful works, I will meditate.
And men shall speak of the power of Thine awesome acts; and I will tell of Thy greatness.
They shall eagerly utter the memory of Thine abundant goodness,
and shall shout joyfully of Thy righteousness. -Psalm 145:1-7
Christian, go to God’s Word and discover the excellencies of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Pick up your Bible and read of the richness of His grace, the beauty of His majesty, the greatness of His power, the goodness of His mercy, and the glory of all that He is. Fix your eyes on Him, open your mouth and proclaim Him.
By God's Grace ~ Through God's Word ~ For God's Glory!
Chuck Long
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