(a) Explain Peter's description of Christians as "a Chosen Race and a royal Priesthood"... (b) Give two examples in a Christian's daily life to support the ...

(a) Peter's description of Christians as "a Chosen Race and a royal Priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9-10)

• Peter applied to the church the titles once given to Israel, teaching that believers now enjoy this special standing through Christ, the living stone rejected by men but chosen and precious in God's sight.
• "A chosen race": Christians are a people specially selected and set apart by God, no longer defined by natural birth or nationality but united by faith in Christ; once they were no people, but now they are God's people.
• "A royal priesthood": every believer, not just a special class, has direct access to God and is called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, and to share in the kingship and priestly ministry of Christ.
• "A holy nation": they are a people consecrated and separated for God's service, called to be holy as He is holy.
• "God's own people": a people for His possession, redeemed by the blood of Christ and recipients of His mercy.
• The purpose of this calling is that they may declare (proclaim) the wonderful deeds (excellencies) of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvellous light.

(b) Two examples in a Christian's daily life supporting this description

• Proclaiming God's praises and witnessing: the Christian shares the gospel and speaks well of God through evangelism, prayer, worship and testimony.
• Living a holy life of good works: the believer maintains pure conduct among unbelievers, offering himself and his service as a spiritual sacrifice, so that others may glorify God.