Chosen, Set Apart, Yet Still Struggle?

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1st Peter 2:9 (ESV)

“They stumble because they disobey, as they were destined to do.” 1st Peter 2:8 - This tells us that those who disbelieve and disobey were so destined to such a life. However, this does not excuse their actions or even give freedom to go about in disobedience. As I am persuaded to believe, this “destined to” is the result of Adams sin from the garden. As Paul teaches in Romans “As to one mans sin we all are then born into sin.” This destined disobedience is the result of the ignorant heart; to which we all belonged before the Holy Spirit drew our hearts to the grace and mercy of Christ. By sin, all die. By grace, all live. The later being those whom are in Christ. Set apart and chosen.

“But you are a chosen race” This is simply the work of God both in and through us. Where we are called by his grace, made new, and called to be faithful in good works. Surrounding ourselves with community that will stir our hearts to continue walking as God has called us. “Abstain from the flesh… which wages war against your soul.” (2:11) Sin and the flesh will always wage war within us. As long as we walk this earth, we will battle our fleshly desires. Sin seeks to corrupt our hearts, while the Spirit of God works in our lives to sanctify our hearts.

Adam sinned and this left us in a state of sin, Christ came and gave us new life. Are you fully satisfied in doing what God has called you to? What sin are you letting run free and unconfronted? Confront the sin, and by the Spirit run to the cross and flee from that sin that so easily entangles you.