Life Inside and Outside the Holy City

Aim: To be consistent Christians everywhere and in every way.

Doctrine: Christ's redeemed sheep are to be faithful wherever they are. Whether in the church or in the world, we are to represent our Savior with honor.

Exegesis: Our covenant way of life inside and outside the holy city: some of us are called to more-specifically ecclesiastical roles (vv. 1-2); some of us are called to more-particularly ''secular'' positions (vv. 15-16); all of us are called to bless the world through Christ and His church (vv. 22-24).

Further application: Why life inside and outside the holy city is important to the Lord: because though God's worship starts in the church, it nonetheless flows from there to every other part of His creation.

Key verse: v. 1 ''Now the leaders of the people dwelt at Jerusalem; the rest of the people cast lots to bring out one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, the holy city, and nine-tenths were to dwell in other cities.''