Peter's description of Christians as "a chosen race and a royal priesthood"

PETER'S DESCRIPTION OF CHRISTIANS AS "A CHOSEN RACE AND A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD"
Peter described Christians as a chosen race and a royal priesthood. He explained to them that they are a peculiar people of God and a holy nation, God’s own people.

Initially, it was the Jews who regarded themselves as the special people of God, the descendants of Abram, chosen by God. When Jesus came, they rejected him as part of God’s plan of salvation. For this, God took away that special position of the Israelites and gave it to those, who through faith believe in Jesus. That makes them a chosen generation.

According to Peter, Christians have replaced the Jews, who lost their position because they were unfaithful to God. Now God wants the Jews to behave in ways that justify them as believers. 

Peter told them to eschew their former love for carnal things, maintain good behaviour before unbelievers, so that even if they do not speak well about them, on the Day of Judgment, they will confess their righteousness.

EXAMPLES OF A CHRISTIAN’S DAILY LIFE

1. Work for God and obey his commandments.

2. Respect for elders, school authorities and laws of the country.

3. Acknowledge God in everything they do, give him glory for all your achievements.

4. Giving service to the needy in society.

HOW CHRISTIANS ARE EXPECTED TO BEHAVE TOWARD CIVIL AUTHORITY

1. Submit themselves to all human institutions.

2. Submit to the emperor or the governors sent by him to reward the just and punish the wrong-doers. 
3. Honour the emperor.

4. Should not use their freedom as a pretext to do evil.

5. Submit to their earthly masters.

SAMPLE QUESTION(S)

1. a. What did Peter mean when he referred to Christians as a chosen generation?

    b. How did he expect them to behave to civil authorities?

2. 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 above description

 
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