Outrageous Hope Extravagant Joy | Week 3

As Living Stones
Week 3 – 1 Peter 2:1-12

And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:4-5

I. Put Aside – I Peter 2:1

Malice – “active intent to harm others” - 1 Corinthians 14:20

Deceit – “wicked, full of deception” - 2 Timothy 3:13

Hypocrisy – “showy, empty display of religion, worldly, legalistic” - Matthew 23:5-7

Envy – “resentment against another’s success, jealousy” - Galatians 5:19-21

Slander – “evil speaking, that which is morally injurious” - Matthew 15:18

(Definitions from Logos Bible Software)

II. Long For – I Peter 2:2-3

Pure milk of the Word – God created a mother’s body to provide nutrition for her newborn baby. This is the only food an infant needs and provides everything the baby’s body requires to grow and stay healthy. Breast milk provides immunity boosting antibodies and healthy enzymes just as the Word of God provides immunity against the flesh and awakens us to spiritual life and maturity.

III. Build Up – I Peter 2:4-8

Cornerstone – “The cornerstone was always the first stone laid during construction, and every other stone in the building was measured by the standard of the cornerstone to ensure a proper fit. In calling Jesus the cornerstone, Paul explains that those who want to form the stones in the household of God must be conformed to the image of Christ. In other words, we must be disciples who are daily becoming more like the Savior. Of course, perfect conformity to Christ’s image is impossible before we are glorified (1 John 1:8–9); nevertheless, all of those who are in Jesus will have a basic desire to turn from sin and follow Him in a life of obedient discipleship.” (Ligonier Ministries, Inc.)

Isaiah 28:16; Luke 20:9-18; Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:20

"All that is needed from us to change things—whether in the church or in the world—is sustained apprenticeship of individuals to Jesus, the Savior of the world so loved by God. Our directions “as we go” are clear: to be disciples— apprentices—of Jesus in Kingdom living and by our life and words as his apprentices to witness, to bring others to know and long for the life that is in us through confidence in him. It’s all true. It works. It is accessible to anyone. And there is nothing in the world to compare. That’s all" (The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus' Essential Teachings on Discipleship by Dallas Willard).

IV. Chosen – I Peter 2:9-12

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” (1 Peter 2:9).

“Each of these pictures emphasizes the importance of unity and harmony. We belong to one family of God and share the same divine nature. We are living stones in one building and priests serving in one temple. We are citizens of the same heavenly homeland. It is Jesus Christ who is the source and center of this unity. If we center our attention and affection on Him, we will walk and work together; if we focus on ourselves, we will only cause division”4 (The Bible Exposition Commentary by Warren Wiersbe, p. 403).