(a) State in detail, all that Peter expected from the people when he said, "But you are a chosen race, a Royal Priesthood, a holy nation". (b) Enumerate fou...

(a) All that Peter expected from the people when he said, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9-25).

1. Because they were a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and God's own people, they were to declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvellous light.
2. They were to remember that once they were not a people, but now they were God's people; once they had not received mercy, but now they had received mercy, and were to live worthy of that mercy.
3. As aliens and exiles in the world, they were to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against the soul.
4. They were to maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that though the Gentiles spoke against them as wrongdoers, they might see their good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
5. They were to be subject, for the Lord's sake, to every human institution: to the emperor as supreme, and to governors sent to punish those who do wrong and praise those who do right.
6. By doing right they were to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
7. They were to live as free people, yet not use their freedom as a cover-up for evil, but to live as servants of God.
8. They were to honour all men, love the brotherhood, fear God and honour the emperor.
9. Servants were to be submissive to their masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the overbearing.
10. They were to endure suffering unjustly while doing right, as having God's approval, following the example of Christ, who suffered for them, committed no sin, and when reviled did not revile in return but entrusted Himself to God who judges justly.

(b) Four factors that prevent Christians from doing the will of God.

1. Fleshly desires and sinful passions that war against the soul.
2. Love of the world, wealth and pleasure.
3. Fear of persecution, suffering and rejection.
4. Ignorance of God's word and weak faith.
5. Bad companionship and ungodly influence.
6. Pride and disobedience to constituted authority.