Two Testaments, One Gospel, One People

The Inter-related Structure of the Passage

The exhortation is to do all things without complaining and disputing.
    The reason is so they can become blameless and harmless
        They are Children of God
        They are without fault
        They shine as lights in the world
        They hold fast the word of life
    Paul will have accomplished his purpose if they live in this reality.

I. Do All Things without Complaining and Disputing v. 14

The Israelites – murmuring in the wilderness – is the chief negative example of complaining and murmuring against the providence of God.

Exodus 15:24;  16:7-9;  Numbers 14:21-23;  1 Corinthians 10:10

II. The Result of Contentment v. 15

A.  The Perverse and Crooked Generation -- Deut. 32:5

    “They have corrupted themselves” – BUT YOU, be blameless
    “They are not His children” – BUT YOU are children of God
    “They are blemished” – BUT YOU be without fault
    “They are a perverse and crooked generation” – BUT YOU live in the midst
    of a perverse and crooked generation.

B.  The Unity of OT Saints and NT Saints

    1.  Blameless and harmless (innocent)
    2.  Children of God
    3.  Without fault (literally without blemish)
    4.  Lights in the world
    5.  Holding fast the word of life

C.  This Unity Shown in I Peter 2:9-10

    1.  A chosen race – Isa. 43:20-21
    2.  A royal priesthood – Exodus 19:5-6
    3.  A holy nation – Exodus 19:5-6
 	4.  God's special possession – Isaiah 43:20-21
    5.  They have been made to be the people of God by His great mercy – Hosea 2:23