YOU ARE CHOSEN

ICEBREAKER
When you were a kid, did you ever play a game where the captains took turns picking their teams? How did that feel to you?

We’re discussing a series called “New Year. New You.” And, it’s all about “Strengthening your core for a healthier life” meaning your spiritual core, your Identity in Christ. Today we’re talking about the principle “You Are Chosen.” 

REVIEW & DISCUSS
Read 1 Peter 2:9-10. Then read Deuteronomy 10:15 and review the context of that verse.

YOU ARE CHOSEN
When Peter says 2:9, “you are a chosen people,” he’s applying a phrase that was originally used for the Hebrews in Deuteronomy 10:15. What does this say about us as Christians?

v9 - What does the phrase “that you may declare the praises of him” indicate about the purpose of our being “chosen”?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.

v18-19 - What is the “ministry” and “message” of reconciliation and what do they indicate we are to do?

YOU ARE AN AMBASSADOR OF CHRIST
Whichever translation of the Bible you use (NIV, ESV, KJV, NASB, etc.), the CSB (Christian Standard Bible) does a good job of translating this verse as “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, ‘Be reconciled to God.’” What has your experience been being an ambassador of Christ and reconciling people who are far from God back to God? 

What does it entail to live as an ambassador of Christ?

Any successes? Any fears?

TAKEAWAY​
​Leading people to Jesus requires both serving (ministry of reconciliation) and speaking (message of reconciliation). What are ways you can serve others with the love of Christ?

What are some ways you can speak the message of Christ?

Who in your life do you think God may be choosing you for?

PRAYER
First, take some time to ask people to identify prayer needs related to the discussion about encouraging one another. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in prayer.