November 6, 2022
John Harris
Be Different
1.God has given us a special
We have a unique, distinct, special identity that is based on what God has done in
-We are
-We
2.God has given us a specific
God has set us apart as his chosen people for the specific mission of representing Him to the world.
-We represent God to the world by being
-We represent God to the world by being
What are some really good stories that come to your mind?
What are some “stories” in our culture that people see themselves living out? (Stories of prosperity, sports, hobbies … )
Read 1 Peter 2:9-10. How do these verses describe the people of God? On a scale from 1-10, how much do these descriptions shape your identity in life?
After reading the following verses about the role of a priest, how can your life be more priestly? How can the church be a royal priesthood? (Lev. 10:11; Deut. 33:10; Jer. 18:18; Hosea 4:1-9; Malachi 2:6-8)
Read Leviticus 20:26 and 22:31-33. How is the word “holy” used in these verses? How does that compare to the modern-day use of the word?
Read Leviticus 19. How does this summary of holiness inform how the mission is to be accomplished? Which items in the list of instructions do you find most challenging and relevant to your own context?
- Read 1 Peter 2:11-12 and Matthew 5:13-16. “Live such good lives among the nations,” wrote Peter. What does that mean in your context? And how can we do this while not sliding into Pharisaism or legalism?
- Why is “being different” an important part of our mission as God’s people? How should that difference manifest itself in our lives?
Close in prayer.