SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 2:9-17

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Peter addresses his audience as “Beloved," my dear friends. We are bound together in Christ’s love. Each of us is called to do good deeds so His name will be glorified. 

And Peter continues this theme in verse 10, where he alludes to the Old Testament prophet Hosea. 

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. 

We are chosen from all eternity. From our perspective, we were lost, hopeless, and helpless, dead in our trespasses and sins. Yet, our gracious God extends mercy to us. He calls us to be His people! 

Peter’s summary for God’s children (1 Peter 2:17)

1. Show proper respect to everyone – recognize each one’s value in God’s eyes. 

2. Love the family of believers – we are the children of God. 

3. Fear God – live in reverential awe of the Lord. 

4. Honor the emperor – respect those in authority over you. 

 SONG: "Children of the Living God" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6anpAf9EoY