Building a Spiritual House: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound concept of living as "living stones," building a spiritual house that glorifies God, as outlined in 1 Peter 2:5. We delved into the importance of recognizing ourselves as part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
We began by understanding our identity in Christ, emphasizing that as believers, we are not lost or confused because we have the blueprint—the Word of God—which guides us in building our lives and our church. This blueprint helps us navigate through life, ensuring we are constructing something eternal and pleasing to God.
I shared a personal anecdote about purchasing a house during the pandemic, which, although initially seemed perfect due to the timing and low interest rates, later revealed numerous flaws due to hasty construction. This served as a metaphor for our spiritual lives, illustrating that good things—be they personal growth or church development—take time to build properly.
We discussed the diversity within our church community, likening it to various stones being assembled to construct a robust spiritual house. Each of us, with our unique backgrounds, cultures, and gifts, is essential to the integrity and beauty of this house. I emphasized that God uses all of our differences for His divine purpose, crafting a community that not only supports one another but also glorifies Him.
The sermon highlighted the role of hardships and disappointments in our lives. I reminded everyone that while salvation does not exempt us from life's challenges, it does equip us with grace and the Holy Spirit's presence to endure and overcome these difficulties. This resilience transforms us, enabling us to contribute more effectively to building God's kingdom.
Towards the end, I addressed the purpose of the church. It is not merely a place of comfort but a place of spiritual growth and challenge. The church's role is not to conform to societal expectations but to challenge us to live out our calling as priests, offering our lives as spiritual sacrifices.
In conclusion, I urged the congregation to view every challenge and every stone thrown at us not as weapons but as building materials for our spiritual house. This perspective not only changes how we face personal attacks and societal pressures but also how we contribute to the community and the broader kingdom of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Our Spiritual Blueprint: Just as a builder relies on a blueprint to guide construction, we must rely on the Scriptures to guide our lives and church growth. This divine blueprint prevents us from getting lost in cultural or societal expectations, focusing instead on God's plans for us. [32:26]
2. The Value of Time in Building: Both personal growth and church development require time and patience. Rushing these processes can lead to flaws and weaknesses. Just as a hastily built house can reveal structural issues later, a hastily built spiritual life or church community can fail to withstand trials. [33:21]
3. Diversity as a Strength: Our church is composed of individuals from various backgrounds, each bringing unique gifts and perspectives. This diversity is not a barrier but a foundation for a stronger spiritual house, where every 'stone' is vital to the overall structure. [34:17]
4. The Role of Hardships: Hardships are not merely obstacles but opportunities for growth. They teach us resilience and reliance on God's grace. By enduring and overcoming these challenges, we become stronger 'living stones,' capable of contributing more significantly to our community and God's kingdom. [24:13]
5. The Church's Purpose Beyond Comfort: The church is not meant to be a place of comfort but a place of transformation and challenge. It is where we are developed, not coddled, prepared to live out our calling as a royal priesthood, offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God. [46:11]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [17:54] - Introduction to Living Stones
- [21:45] - The Power of Our New Identity in Christ
- [32:26] - The Importance of the Spiritual Blueprint
- [33:21] - Lessons from Building a Physical and Spiritual House
- [34:17] - Diversity in the Church: Building Together
- [40:04] - The True Purpose of the Church
- [46:11] - Challenges and Growth in the Church
- [50:18] - Our Calling as a Royal Priesthood
- [57:47] - Using Stones to Build, Not to Throw
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Peter 2:5 (ESV) - "You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Peter mean when he refers to believers as "living stones" in 1 Peter 2:5?
2. How does the concept of a "spiritual house" relate to the church community according to the sermon? [27:17]
3. What personal anecdote did the pastor share to illustrate the importance of taking time to build something properly? [33:21]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of diversity within the church community? [34:17]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What is the significance of being called a "royal priesthood" in 1 Peter 2:5, and how does this identity impact our daily lives?
2. How can hardships and disappointments serve as opportunities for growth in our spiritual lives, according to the sermon? [24:13]
3. In what ways does the church serve as a place of both comfort and challenge, and why is this balance important? [46:11]
4. How does the metaphor of "living stones" help us understand our individual roles within the larger church community? [27:17]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: How do you see yourself as a "living stone" contributing to the spiritual house that God is building? What unique gifts or talents do you bring to your church community? [34:17]
2. Think about a recent hardship or disappointment you faced. How did you respond to it? How might viewing it as an opportunity for growth change your perspective? [24:13]
3. The pastor mentioned that the church is not just a place of comfort but also a place of challenge. Can you recall a time when you felt challenged in your faith at church? How did it help you grow? [46:11]
4. How can you actively participate in building a diverse and inclusive church community? What steps can you take to appreciate and integrate the different backgrounds and gifts of others? [34:17]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of relying on the Scriptures as our spiritual blueprint. How can you make Scripture a more integral part of your daily life and decision-making process? [32:26]
6. Consider the metaphor of using stones to build rather than to throw. How can you apply this principle in your interactions with others, especially when facing conflict or criticism? [57:47]
7. The pastor urged the congregation to view every challenge as a building material for their spiritual house. What practical steps can you take this week to turn a current challenge into an opportunity for spiritual growth? [59:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding Our Spiritual Blueprint
The Scriptures serve as our divine blueprint, guiding us in constructing our lives and our church community. Just as a builder relies on architectural plans to ensure the structure is sound and meets the intended purpose, we too must rely on the Bible to shape our spiritual journey and community life. This reliance prevents us from being swayed by cultural or societal expectations, keeping our focus on fulfilling God's unique plans for us. By adhering to this blueprint, we ensure that our spiritual growth and church activities align with divine intentions, fostering a robust and purpose-driven community of faith. [32:26]
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock." - Matthew 7:24
Reflection: How can you more consistently use Scripture as your guide in making daily decisions and in your involvement with church activities?
Day 2: The Value of Time in Building
Both personal growth and the development of our church community require time and patience. Rushing these processes can lead to foundational flaws and weaknesses, much like a hastily built house that later reveals structural issues. It's essential to embrace the slow and steady construction of our spiritual lives and our church, understanding that durability in faith, like in architecture, comes from careful planning and patient execution. This approach ensures that when trials come, our spiritual structure stands firm and resilient. [33:21]
"For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried." - Psalm 66:10
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your spiritual life or church involvement where you might be rushing. What steps can you take to slow down and build more deliberately?
Day 3: Diversity as a Strength
Our church is akin to a mosaic, composed of diverse 'living stones'—each individual's unique backgrounds, cultures, and gifts contribute to the overall strength and beauty of our spiritual house. This diversity is not a barrier but a foundation for a stronger, more vibrant community. Recognizing and valuing each person's contribution helps us to see the bigger picture of God's kingdom, where every difference is used for His divine purpose, enhancing the integrity and effectiveness of our collective ministry. [34:17]
"As in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." - Romans 12:4-5
Reflection: How can you better appreciate and utilize the diverse gifts and backgrounds of your church community in your own ministry or service?
Day 4: The Role of Hardships
Hardships are not merely obstacles but are opportunities for growth and transformation. They teach us resilience and reliance on God's grace. By enduring and overcoming these challenges, we become stronger 'living stones,' capable of contributing more significantly to our community and God's kingdom. This perspective helps us to view trials not as deterrents but as integral parts of our spiritual development, shaping us into more effective instruments for God's work. [24:13]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." - James 1:2-3
Reflection: What recent hardship can you reframe as an opportunity to grow in faith and resilience?
Day 5: The Church's Purpose Beyond Comfort
The church is not merely a place of comfort but a place of transformation and challenge. It is designed to develop us, not coddle us, preparing us to live out our calling as a royal priesthood, offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God. This understanding shifts our perspective from seeking personal comfort to embracing spiritual growth and challenges, which are essential for fulfilling our divine purpose and contributing effectively to the kingdom of God. [46:11]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from seeking comfort in church to embracing challenges that foster your spiritual growth?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We're seeing it all over college campuses. We're seeing it in the news. We're in a place. Where people are mad. And they get mad at the church. Why? Because we speak the truth. We speak the truth and we do it in love. But even then. People get mad. And as the world is throwing stones at the church. And as the enemy is. And the world is throwing stones at believers. We have two options. We can pick up the stones the world is throwing at us. And throw it back at them. And act like them. Or we can use those stones. To build what God has called us to build." [01:00:27]
2. "You know you can either use stones to throw. Or you can use stones. To build. And what are we? You know offended people use stones. To throw. But spiritual people. Use stones to build. Religious people use stones to throw. But spiritual people use stones to grow. And to build. When someone throws stones at you. I don't know about you but I've gotten. My first stones thrown at me. But I want to tell you as. Your accusers throw stones at you. You can grab those stones. And use them to build." [57:47]
3. "It's not coincidence. You are a chosen generation. For this generation. You could have ended up in any other part of the world. In any other time in history. But God has you here today. In El Paso, Texas. In a dusty dry weather. But he has a purpose. And he has a plan for you. And there is a lot. That God wants you to do. And he wants to equip you. He wants to build you up. He wants to put you in a community where you are needed." [48:41]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Scripture is our blueprint, and it paints us a picture of who we are and who God called us to be and what we should be doing with our lives. Believers don't need to live this life confused. Lost. Letting culture dictate where we go, what we do, what we say, what we eat. We have a blueprint that we should be leaning on constantly and looking to constantly to change, to make sure that we're going the right direction, that we're building the right thing." [32:26]
2. "Disappointment is inevitable, but perpetual victimhood is optional. Salvation does not exempt us from hardships. Some people believe that, okay, I give my life to Christ. Now my life is going to be butterflies and rainbows. But I want to tell you, disappointment is inevitable. There was this man in New York. He was frustrated, had a bad day, and he gets picked up by the taxi driver. And the taxi driver asked him, where do you want to go? And he says, take me anywhere where people will not disappoint me or hurt me." [24:13]
3. "It will always be about him. Too many people are looking. For a church that will just. Give them all the comfort that they need. That it exists to please me. To entertain me. It exists to comfort me. It even exists to massage me. But let me tell you. None of that develops me. And it doesn't develop you. The church should be a place. Where we are being developed. It is a place. Where our children are not being babysit. They are being developed." [46:11]
4. "The purpose of the house. Is to make room for the priest. To offer spiritual sacrifices. Unto God. The purpose of a spiritual house. Is not for us to be comfortable. But It's not for our comfort. It's not a cruise ship. It is a house. It is a spiritual house. That God is making and building. To make room for priests. To offer spiritual sacrifices. Unto God." [40:04]
5. "Their obsession was pleasing God. I wonder if we are a church. That is obsessed with pleasing God. Or pleasing man. I wonder if we live every day. Pleasing ourselves. Or pleasing man. Or pleasing God. I believe God has called us. To build a place. Where he is honored. And where he is worshiped. Where he is pleased." [50:46]
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