PROCLAIMING THE EXCELLENCIES: Introduction (1 Pet. 2:9-10)

Adventure in the Ascent

With the understanding that we (those in relationship with God) are saints/citizens of Heaven/a royal priesthood, we also see that there is a beautiful, priestly responsibility that comes with it. We are called to “proclaim the excellencies of Him.” Over these next few weeks, we will look into the Scriptural basis, the implications, and the practicalities of it as we grow together in the ministry of the local church and present opportunities to put it into practice…

↠In the past, we have explored, in-depth, the PRIESTHOOD of the believer

↠Before the reformation, it was taught that it was necessary to go to a priest to confess your sin and to receive forgiveness

↠We understand, though, that we can have direct access (1 Tim. 2:5, Matt. 27:50-51)

↠What once exclusively belonged to Israel– election, priesthood, & calling are now the property of every Christian, and we have them in a greater/spiritual sense. The offices that used to be separate- royalty & priesthood now brought together by Jesus, King & Priest!

↠Through these verses, amongst others, we understand that when we come to repentance and walk in newness of life that there is a beautiful change- from sinners to saints (1 Pet. 2:5, 9, Paul in his letters is constantly referring to his readers as saints)

↠If you are a born again Christian, you have access to the Father, you are in relationship, and you are set apart- a royal priesthood, you are a bonafide child of the King.

↠With that comes a beautiful, priestly responsibility- PROCLAMATION

↠God has done a marvelous work in us THAT we may PROCLAIM THE EXCELLENCIES

↠Each one of us then live with the ministry of reconciliation between sinful humanity and God (vs. OT priesthood between God and man) (2 Cor. 5)

↠THIS is the ministry we are all called to, not just “pastors, preachers, etc.,” but ALL!

↠What does it mean to “proclaim the excellencies of Him?”

↠”Proclaim-” an unusual word that occurs only here in the Bible, “to advertise, announce, publish, tell abroad.” It has the meaning of telling something otherwise unknown. Leading to an “ah hah” moment (couple with guidance of Holy Spirit/Word, Col. 3:16)

↠”Excellencies-” “the ability to do heroic deeds-” the things of God that make him splendid, astonishing, praiseworthy and altogether glorious

↠Combined- We have the privilege of telling the world something it would not know otherwise: that God can do heroic things & has the ability to do mighty & powerful acts! This is why your testimony is of utmost importance!

↠The Gospel is not private, but it is very PERSONAL, Good News (Rom. 10:15)

↠They may know about Him, but do they know Him the way I know Him? Do they know Him the way you know Him, have experienced Him, have they tasted and seen?

↠Proclaiming His excellencies is simply you sharing your story, your encounters, your testimonies, the things that you are encountering in your time with Him!

↠Out of darkness and into marvelous light, mercy obtained (9b-10)

↠A large part of our story is that we didn’t used to be God’s people and now we are. Darkness refers to the condition of lostness (1 John 5:19), Transferred to light (Acts 26:18)

↠He has done it for us, He is no respecter of persons, He will do it again, the Holy Spirit is at work drawing all people to Him, and He says, YOU, my ambassadors/citizens of Heaven/My priesthood- Proclaim it! (Psalm 107:2)

↠To what end? All for the glory of God! (1 Cor. 10:31, Westminster Shorter Catechism)

↠The purpose of our work is no different than the purpose of our lives, which is to glorify God in everything we do. Proclaiming His excellencies glorifies Him and rewrites stories…