As a person who has accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you now carry a different identity through His finished work on the cross at Calvary. You are no longer a stranger or foreigner but a citizen of the kingdom of heaven (Ephesians 2:19).

The word “different” in the dictionary is defined as 1. “not alike in character or quality …; 2. not identical; separate or distinct …; … 4. not ordinary; unusual.”

Now, when we read 1 Peter 2:9 with the understanding of the word “different,” we get a sense that the Bible is saying we are not like others who live in disobedience by rejecting the Savior as the foundation of hope (vs. 8). This is why the verse starts with the word “but.”

1 Peter 2:9 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:”

How did I become different?
By receiving God’s mercy (vs. 10) – buying me back with the blood of Jesus (vs. 24). See Acts 20:28 & Titus 2:14

Once He bought me back, God now sees me as His chosen, holy priest with special distinctions.

Since I am different, I do not play on the same field as the people in verse 1 who walk in malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking. Apostle Peter says in verse 3 that if I have tasted the grace of God, which makes vs. 9 quoted above to be true, then I cannot participate in verse 1 (malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking.) He also says if indeed I am different, I would desire the pure word of God, not the dilute ones (vs. 2).

Because I am different, Jesus says I have to:
Ensure that my righteousness exceeds that of general bible readers or philosophers – Mat. 5:20.
Maintain inward purity – Mat. 5: 27-28
Hold my marriage sacred – Mat. 5:31—32
Stay away from swearing – Mat. 5:33-37
Stay away from seeking revenge but go a second mile – Mat. 5:38-42
Extend my love beyond only those who love me – Mat. 5:43-48

How can I live the life of a peculiar/different person?
By receiving and increasing in the power of the Holy Spirit (Ezek. 47:1-12)
This will help me with 1 Pet. 2:11-12 which prescribes that I abstain from lust and ensure that my good works bring glory to the name of God in my life.

Why did God make me different?
To show forth the honor/virtue/ that leads to the praise of God in all that I do (Vs.9).

May you begin to see yourself as a different person to bring praise to the name of the Lord.