Our status as Christians depends upon our relationship with Christ, because we are joined with Him. 1 Peter 2:4-10 contains marvelous truths concerning the inclusion and identity of all believers in God’s family.
A BEAUTIFUL PICTURE
What is the picture of the church and individual believers in verses 4 and 5?
According to verse 4, what is necessary for us to become part of the spiritual household? How does the world react to the Chief Cornerstone? How does God view Him? Compare 1 Peter 2:5 with Ephesians 2:19-20. How would this have reminded Peter’s audience of the Old Testament Tabernacle?
In the Old Testament, Israel was the Household of Faith. Under the New Covenant, the Church, and individual believers are the Household of Faith.
YOUR MINISTRY AS A PRIEST
As living stones, we’re not only part of the spiritual house, but part of an army of priests. According to 1 Peter 2:5 and Romans 12:1, what are we to offer? Hebrews 13:15-16 and Philippians 4:18 speak further about what we can offer. Think about how you can fulfill your priestly duty. Several Old Testament passages speak of what God desires more than burnt offerings and sacrifices.
See Hosea 6:6, Micah 6:8; Psalm 61:17, Proverbs 21:3.
Think about this: Compare the daily animal sacrifices of the Old Testament to the daily sacrifices that we offer.
THE LIVING STONE
1 Peter 2:6-8 quotes three Old Testament passages to explain the role of Jesus, The Living Stone. What do these verses say about The Living Stone? What is the promise in verse 6 to Peter’s readers, and to us, about our belief in The Living Stone? Consider the two types of people contrasted in 1 Peter 2:6-8. What does The Living Stone represent for believers? Unbelievers?
Think about those you know who fail to accept Jesus, The Living Stone. The verse says, “They stumble, because of disobedience.” Think about why it is so difficult for many in our world to accept The Living Stone.
Refer to Daniel 2:44-45. Look at that Stone and see that the final kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is the Kingdom of God.
YOUR NEW NAME
Look at our new names in 1 Peter 2:9. What do these truths say about your relationship with God? How does that make you feel? Do you feel this way about yourself? If no, why not?
A FINAL CALLING
What does 1 Peter 2:9 tell us all believers are called to do? How can each of us do this in our daily life? Peter says in verse 10, “We are the people of God, and we have received mercy.” In light of those facts, how do you view your task to proclaim the excellencies of God to others?
FINAL THOUGHT
What have you learned about yourself and your mission from these verses?
Thank you for joining in this study...
Rev. John D. Guess, Pastor