His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him
who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light
1 Peter 2:9
In Isaiah 33:17-24, there is a description of what it is like to live in a nation set apart to be holy and righteous in the worship and service of God. This picture was historically fulfilled in the reign of Hezekiah, but it foreshadow the kingdom of Christ, in which all things are made perfect. The Jews had lived so long under tyranny and the depraved desires of their own heart that they had forgotten their call. Isaiah described the kind of life they were called to, a life that carried with it the promise of freedom in holiness. The city of God, we will look for the next few days at what it means to be God's people; to live under divine rule in the city of God; and to be, as Peter wrote, "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people."
When God created man, He made him in His own image. He called humanity to mirror and reflect His character and holiness. But sin marred this image, and as a result men now longer live according to God's holy law. When God called Israel to be His people, He was calling man back to this original mandate. They were consecrated for a holy life, to be set apart from the world and be different.
Paul applies this theme to all Christian in Romans 12:2 when he writes, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." We are called to holy living. To live in the city of God means to live by a different standard the standard of God's law. The key to this transformation life is the renewing of our minds according to the Word of God. Those who live in the city of man want us to think their thoughts and conform to their ways. But God has commanded us to think His thoughts after Him and to live according to a higher law.
Sadly, too few Christian are doing this. Polls show that the behavior of professing Christian is not demonstrably different from the world's. Paul could call people to look at his life as a testimony of the truth. Can we do the same? Or do we look too much like the world in our broken marriages, our adultery our abortion, they called it love win? and our lust for fame and fortune? Let us come back to the city of God and live holy lives by transforming power of God's word.
What areas in your life are most obviously not transformed to the holy behavior God has called you to? Make a list of these areas. Be specific. Make each a point of fervent prayer everyday. Look up Bible verse that have to do with these things and memorize them. Repent of your sin, knowing God is present to empower obedience. Psalm 14:2 The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
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