“YOU HAVE TASTED THAT THE LORD IS GOOD” (Outline)

September 22, 2019 – Pentecost 15 – 1 PETER 2:3-10

INTRO: Our opening verse (3) contains our theme: “Certainly you have tasted that the Lord is good!” As
we study the Bible it is interesting to notice how the Lord uses our physical senses to help us better
understand the depth of God’s grace and mercy. We see God’s goodness in his miracles. We hear the
wonders of God in songs of praise. Today the Lord invites us to taste his goodness. "Taste and see that
the LORD is good. Blessed is everyone who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you his saints, since those who fear
him lack nothing” (PSALM 103:8, 9). “CERTAINLY YOU HAVE TASTED THAT THE LORD IS
GOOD!” I. God chose us by his will. II. God chose us for his work.

I. GOD CHOSE US BY HIS WILL.

A. Verse 4. There is a vast difference between those who rely on Christ and those who deny Christ.
1. Believers recognize the Savior Jesus Christ as the “Living Sone”.
2. Unbelievers reject Jesus. That is their choice. Does not change fact Jesus is still Savior.
B. Verse 9a. Consider God’s amazing titles for those who are believers. God’s children.
1. “Chosen people” God’s choice. “Royal priesthood” title usually reserved for Aaron’s sons.
2. “Holy nation” reminder of Gods’ choice. “God’s own possession” belong to God.
a. People have special possessions. b. Believers are the Lord’s very special possessions.
C. Verse 10. Once not people but now God’s people. Once not mercy but now received God’s mercy.
1. This verse described the Gentiles. At one time lived outside of God’s kingdom.
2. Titles once describing only Israel now applied to believing Gentiles. All believers.

D. God’s choice is that all people would be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. This will of
God is in direct contrast to our sinful life. Scripture reminds us that we are conceived in sin. Born in
sin. Live sinful lives. At the moment of conception we begin our earthly lives as sinners. Enemies of
the Lord. Not too often do enemies become friends. Even less often do enemies become part of each
other’s family. But this is exactly what our loving, heavenly Father does for us. “In fact, you are all sons of
God through faith in Christ Jesus. Indeed, as many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with
Christ" (GALATIANS 3:26, 27). The Lord God calls us his chosen people. The pure white robe of
Christ’s righteousness completely covers our sin darkened hearts. God’s choice of mercy and grace.

E. All of us like to belong. There is a certain sense of safety in belonging to a family. We find that
others care for us. Love us. God’s family is no different. The only difference is that the Lord’s love is
perfect. Completely. In spite of our wickedness, rebellion, and sin the Lord God forgives our sins.
Freely. Fully. Once not God’s people. God’s choice we are now God’s people. Once not shown any
mercy. God’s choice reveals to us his mercy and grace. "And, it will be that in the place where they were told,
‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God’" (ROMANS 9:26).

F. As believers we are “the people who are God’s own possession.” Amazing. Miraculous. We belong to
the Lord, body and soul, by his choice of mercy and grace. On our own we would make the wrong
choice. Even when we think we have made good choices they may not be godly choices. Of course, we
make bad choices. Even though we know better. In the perfect Garden of Eden Adam and Eve made
the wrong choice. We are far removed from that place. That time. Evil has increased. God’s choice is
always still the best choice. God’s choice for every believer is eternal life. "…the promised Holy Spirit…is
the down payment of our inheritance until the redemption of God’s own possession, so that his glory would be
praised” (EPHESIANS 1:14). God’s choice of mercy is “the redemption of God’s own possession”!

“YOU HAVE TASTED THAT THE LORD IS GOOD!” God chose us by his will of mercy and grace.
II. GOD CHOSE US FOR HIS WORK.
A. Verse 5a. “Living stones…spiritual house…holy priesthood.” The universal priesthood of all believers.
1. All believers called to do God’s work. All believers anchored on Christ the Living Stone.
2. Verse 6. Zion is the Church. Believers are not put to shame who trust in the Cornerstone.
3. Verse 7a. Believing Christ is an honor. Chosen by God. Believers taste God’s goodness.
B. Verse 7b. There are those who do not believe. They reject the precious, chosen cornerstone.
1. Verse 8a. Unbelievers stumble over building stone. Great fall over large rock. Christ.
2. Verse 8b. Unbelievers continue to disobey God’s Word. Their destiny is destruction.
C. Believers taste that the Lord is good. Believers are humbled by God’s choice of grace and mercy.
1. Verse 5b. Believers bring spiritual sacrifices to God. Only acceptable through Christ Jesus.
a. Old Testament sacrifices brought, killed. b. New Testament living sacrifices, lives.
2. Verse 9b. Living sacrifice was to proclaim praises of God who called out of darkness.

D. It is only and purely by God’s grace and mercy that we can and do taste the Lord is good. We were
born with hearts of stone. It takes the power that only the Lord God has to change stony hearts into
hearts of flesh. It is in our hearts of flesh that the seed of God’s Word is planted. Only in hearts of flesh
can seed take root. Spring up. Bear abundant fruit. Only God’s divine power can change anyone’s
hearts. Lives. Eternity. "For the God who said, ‘Light will shine out of darkness,’ is the same one who made
light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2
CORINTHIANS 4:6). In darkness and a void God spoke light into existence. Creating power.

E. The Lord God of Armies has chosen us out of darkness into his light. The Lord’s light shines
brightly in our hearts. For our lives. Divine light alive and well in us will distinguish between what is
good and right from what is evil and wrong. Taste God’s goodness. There is more to being a believer
than just believing truth. There is also God’s choice upon us for his work. By faith the Lord Jesus lives
in us. By faith we desire to live for the Lord Jesus. We live lives of sacrifice. “Through Jesus, therefore, let
us constantly offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name” (HEBREWS 13:15).
This is not a difficult sacrifice – to praise and confess Jesus’ name. It becomes a way of speaking and
living for us when we remember we have tasted that the Lord is good. God’s choice for his work.

F. John chapter 15 speaks of the Vine and branches. Branches die when disconnected from the vine.
Branches falling from trees will not grow. Simple as that. Believers separated from the Lord Jesus, the
Vine, will perish. Lives will be fruitless. God’s word for us is fruitfulness. "You did not choose me, but I
chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will endure, so that the Father will give you whatever you
ask in my name” (JOHN 15:16). Note again: God’s choice. Enduring fruit is righteousness, joy, and
peace. Our world needs to see this fruit. Hear. Only we who have tasted God’s goodness can share.

CONC.: Every day the goodness of our God surrounds us. Strengthens. Encourages. Brings joy. And
comfort. "Taste and see that the LORD is good.” God has chosen us by his will. By his grace and mercy.
God has chosen us for his work. Our loving, heavenly Father provides purpose for our lives. "Your
words came to me, and I devoured them. Your words became my joy, the delight of my heart, because I bear your
name, O LORD God of Armies" (JEREMIAH 15:16). Our souls are fully satisfied by devouring God’s
Word. Even when our lives seems to be sour remember: “CERTAINLY YOU HAVE TASTED THAT
THE LORD IS GOOD!’ Our loving, heavenly Father has chosen you to know this truth. To show this
truth. Amen. Pastor Timm O. Meyer

PENT. 15 rdgs.: PROVERBS 25:6, 7; HEBREWS 13:1-8; LUKE 14:1, 7-14; (PSALM 119)
SERVICES: 7:45am @ McCook (Sun) / 10:00am @ Redeemer (Sun) / NCF 1:00 Min. (Sat) & 12:00 Med. (Sun)
BIBLE STUDIES: 11:15am @ Redeemer (SUN) / 5:45pm (Med) + 7:30pm (Min) @ NCF (TUES.)
/ Sunday radio broadcast @ 9:00am on KQNK 106.7FM or 1530AM