Scripture References: 1 Peter 2:9-10; Romans 6:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 1:13

Intro: Welcome. Speaker Dylan shares his testimony of coming to faith at 17, moving from feeling like an unwanted "loner" to experiencing God's transforming love. This wasn't just adding religion, but becoming a new person with a new identity. Understanding this God-given identity is crucial for living the Christian life and facing resistance. Today focuses on 1 Peter 2:9-10, unpacking the identity God declares over us.

Key Points:

1. The Core Problem: We seek identity, often finding it in fleeting or false sources (popularity, image, relationships, success), leading to emptiness. Self-improvement fails; only Jesus truly transforms.
2. The Context (1 Peter): Peter writes to encourage believers facing persecution by reminding them of their secure, God-given identity, which empowers them to stand firm.
3. Our Identity Declared (1 Peter 2:9-10):
   • "Chosen Race": Handpicked by God who saw, knew, formed, and set His love upon us before we responded. We are wanted, adopted into His family. Counteracts: Feelings of rejection, being unwanted or unlovable. Knowing we are chosen frees us to love.
   • "Royal Priesthood": We have privileged, direct access into God's presence anytime, through Jesus' sacrifice. The veil is torn. We don't need a human mediator or fear being struck down. This access is for all believers, not just leaders.
   • "Holy Nation": "Holy" = Set apart for God's purposes. As God is holy (utterly different, pure), He has set us apart from the world to reflect His character. This identity shapes our actions – we live holy because we are holy in Him.
   • "A People for His Own Possession": We belong to God; He treasures us. This identity is corporate – we belong together as God's family, the Church. Unity is vital.
4. The Purpose (v. 9b): "...that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." We receive this identity not just for ourselves, but to be a blessing, reflecting His light and goodness to the world. We share our story of transformation.
5. The Foundation (v. 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." Our status is based purely on God's grace (getting undeserved blessing) and mercy (not getting deserved punishment), alluding to Hosea's story. He chose us despite our unfaithfulness.
6. Baptism: Sign of New Identity (Rom 6:3-4; 2 Cor 5:17): Baptism is the public declaration and external sign of this internal reality. Going under water symbolizes dying to the old self/sin with Christ. Coming up symbolizes being raised to new life – becoming a "new creation" in Him. It's like a wedding ring, signifying our covenant relationship and belonging.

Conclusion: Your true identity isn't based on your past, performance, or others' opinions. If you are in Christ, God declares you are chosen, royal, holy, His treasured possession, brought from darkness into light by His sheer mercy. This is who you are. Believing and living from this identity transforms everything and empowers us to face challenges and proclaim His goodness.

Call to Action: For those not yet followers: Stop trying to fix or fill yourself. Only Jesus offers true transformation and belonging. Turn to Him today. For believers (especially those being baptized): Embrace your true identity. Let it sink deep. Renounce lies about your worth. Remember your

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