The Upside Down Kingdom

I. As disciples of Jesus, our identity is the key to our daily life. The people of God in Peter are a people who have a powerful identity

A. A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of God's own choosing.

B. Why did he do this? So we can sing the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

II. Disciples of Jesus are to live a radically alternative life. To make a real difference in the world for His kingdom, we must live within the world as Kingdom people.

A. When we understand who our leader is, we embrace His ways, His methods, His speech, His ethics.

B. 1 Peter 2:18-25 outlines some ways we live a kingdom identity, because Christ (the King, the Anointed One) suffered for us, leaving us an example, we should follow in His steps (v.22)

C. V.22-25 reflect on a powerful passage of scripture known as the "suffering servant" passage found in Isaiah 52-53.

D. This passage (Isaiah 52-53) preaches powerfully.....it compelled the Ethiopian Eunuch to become a disciple of Christ Jesus immediately in Acts 8.

III. Discipleship means continuous learning and maturation. Consider Peter himself.

A. The biography of Peter makes clear the path of improvement!

B. From an impulsive man who refused to deny Jesus to one who denied him, chopped off ears, ready to fight for Jesus, to stepping out of the boat, and ultimately the Acts 2 proclamation.

C. Peter is an excellent snap-shot of how we should change.

IV. Above all, live out the kingdom ways every day by loving others. 1 Peter 4 says, "Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let it be as on who speaks God's words; if anyone servers, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen,"

A. This type of living becomes a radical, electric community of disciples.

B. This type of living is willing to suffer injustices and forgive his brothers.

C. This type of living is the way of a Jesus.

V. We are kingdom inhabitants of the rock who destroys all kingdoms.

A. The early church (Acts 2-5) demonstrated this type to of life, and they were held in high regard in the community.

B. There is no better understanding of salvation than to understand this big picture of identity; embrace the upside down!