Titus 2:11-14 and 1 Peter 2:9-10
Introduction:
1. This description of the church highlights the continuity of God’s scheme of redemption from OT Israel to the NT church.
2. In both cases, God separated a specific group of people from all others to be His people in a unique manner.
Discussion:
I. Israel: God’s Special Treasure
A. Exodus 19:5-6 is the foundational text for this concept.
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” shows the intimacy of this relationship (Deuteronomy 26:17-18; 29:12-13; Jeremiah 7:23; 11:4).
D. God dwelt among His people (Leviticus 26:11-12; Ezekiel 37:27).
II. Israel’s Dispossession and Promised Restoration
A. Sadly, Israel rejected God and His covenant which prompted their removal (Deuteronomy 29:24-28; 1 Kings 9:6-9; 2 Kings 25; Hosea 1:4-9).
B. Yet, God was not done with His people (Deuteronomy 30:1-6; Jeremiah 24:1-7; 31:31-34; Hosea 2:23; Amos 9:11-12; Zechariah 8:8).
C. These promises of restoration were partially fulfilled in their return from exile, but it was evident there was something still missing.
III. The Promise Fulfilled in the Church
A. “People of God” is applied to the church throughout the NT.
B. John was to make ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke 1:17).
C. As with Israel, so it is with the church that God dwells among His people (John 14:23; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18).
D. These truths fulfill the prophecies listed above:
1. Hebrews 8:8-12 cites Jeremiah 31:31-34 as fulfilled in Christ.
2. Acts 15:14-18 cites Amos 9:11-12 as fulfilled in Christ.
3. 1 Peter 2:9-10 blends the language of Exodus 19:5-6 with the fulfillment of Hosea 2:23 in Christ.
Conclusion:
1. Being uniquely the people of God was Israel’s primary purpose.
2. This privilege is true of the Israel of God (the church) today (Galatians 6:16).
3. May we never lose sight of the richness of the blessing of being God’s people.
4. May we likewise never forget the responsibilities that come with this blessing.