In this sermon on 1 Peter 2:9, Dave Rich emphasizes the Christian's identity and calling to proclaim His excellencies. He explains that believers are a chosen family, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God's own possession. This new identity empowers and obligates believers to proclaim His excellence in word and deed. Rich reminds us that who we are in Christ determines what we do for Christ.

God is fully sovereign, ordaining all that comes to pass—including every human action and thought, even sinful ones. In this passage, Peter reassures his readers by showing that their persecutors' actions are not beyond God's sovereign will. This all-encompassing sovereignty offers profound comfort to the suffering believer's soul.

Dave Rich examines Peter's metaphor of the church as living stones in 1 Peter 2:5. This imagery portrays believers as components of a spiritual house, functioning as a holy priesthood. Rich explains how the church, as living stones, offers acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ. He outlines seven types of spiritual sacrifices: self-dedication, love, giving, praise, service, gospel proclamation, and prayer. The metaphor represents God's presence on earth and the church's role in fulfilling His purpose. By depicting the church as living stones, Peter emphasizes the active participation of believers in God's plan through sanctification and service.