Exodus 19:5-6; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 2:9-12

Introduction:

1. Having determined last week that we must be part of His church, this morning we take some time to ponder one way He expresses His view of the church.

2. With language pulled from Israel’s founding, both Paul and Peter describe the church as God’s special treasure, His own possession.

Discussion:

I. Israel’s Glorious Founding

A. Exodus 19:5-6 is the foundational text.

B. Israel would be His special treasure above all others based on their embracing His holiness (Leviticus 20:7, 26; Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2; 26:18).

C. “I am your God” and “You are My people” (Deuteronomy 26:17-18; 29:12-13; Jeremiah 7:23; 11:4).

D. God dwelt with them (Leviticus 26:11-12; Ezekiel 37:27).

II. Her Dispossession and Promised Restoration

A. Sadly, Israel rejected God prompting their removal (Deuteronomy 29:24-28; 1 Kings 9:6-9; 2 Kings 25; Hosea 1:4-9).

B. Yet, He was not done with His people (Deuteronomy 30:1-6; Jeremiah 24:1-7; 31:31-34; Hosea 2:23; Amos 9:11-12).

C. Their promised restoration was partially fulfilled in the return from exile, but clearly it was incomplete.

III. Her Spiritual Transformation

A. John was to prepare “a people” for the Lord (Luke 1:17).

B. As with Israel, so it is with the church that God dwells among His people (John 14:23; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18).

C. These truths fulfill the prophecies listed above:

i. Christ fulfilled Jeremiah 31:31-34 (Hebrews 8:8-12).

ii. He also fulfilled Amos 9:11-12 (Acts 15:14-18).

iii. 1 Peter 2:9-10 blends the language of Exodus 19:5-6 with the fulfillment of Hosea 2:23 in Christ.

Conclusion:

1. Everyone wants to be chosen and treasured, but what greater blessing could we receive than knowing God chose us as His own special treasure?

2. The question is, how does such assurance shape our lives (Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 2:9-12)?