Building Community Through Faith: Our Identity in Christ

In our journey of faith, the habits and practices we cultivate throughout the week are vital for staying close to Jesus. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—some find connection through reading or listening to Scripture, others through prayer, solitude, or journaling. The important thing is to keep experimenting and finding ways to draw near to Christ, both individually and together as a community. Our faith is not just a private matter; it’s something we live out collectively, embodying a faithful presence in a world that often doesn’t share our values.

Drawing from 1 Peter 2, we are reminded that our identity is not just personal but communal. We are being built together as living stones into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood. This means our lives, in all their ordinary moments, are spiritual sacrifices—offerings to God through Christ. The process is ongoing; we are continually being shaped and formed, much like a Lego kit being assembled piece by piece. Our value and purpose come from Christ, the living cornerstone, and our lives are meant to reflect His goodness to those around us.

Peter emphasizes the necessity of making a personal choice about Jesus. He is the cornerstone—precious to those who believe, but a stumbling block to those who reject Him. There is no neutral ground; each person must decide how they will respond to Christ. Yet, this choice is not about earning God’s favor through good deeds or religious activity. It’s about receiving mercy and stepping into a new identity as God’s people, called out of darkness into His wonderful light.

As those who have received mercy, we are urged to live differently—to abstain from desires that wage war against our souls and to let our good deeds shine before others. Our distinctiveness is not for self-congratulation but so that others might see the difference Christ makes and be drawn to Him. We are called to be a faithful presence, living out our identity and purpose together, so that the world might discover the real Jesus through us.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Direction of Your Life Matters Every day presents a fresh invitation to “come to Him”—to intentionally orient your life toward Jesus, the living stone. It’s not enough to rest on past experiences or labels; what matters is the present direction of your heart and actions. Drawing near to Christ is a continual, relational movement, not a one-time event. Consider what might be blocking you from moving toward Him today, and take a step closer. [38:56]
• 2. We Are Being Built Together, Not Alone Our faith is not just an individual pursuit; we are living stones being built into a spiritual house together. This process is ongoing and sometimes messy, but it’s in community that we discover our true identity and purpose. Each person’s presence and participation matter in the formation of God’s people. Embrace the reality that your spiritual growth is deeply connected to the lives of others around you. [48:25]
• 3. Jesus as the Cornerstone Demands a Response Jesus is described as the cornerstone—precious to those who believe, but a stumbling block to those who reject Him. There is no neutral response; each person must decide whether to build their life on Him or stumble over Him. This choice is central to our faith and shapes everything about our relationship with God and others. Reflect on where you stand with Jesus and the implications of that choice. [50:41]
• 4. Our New Identity Grants Us Access and Purpose In Christ, we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation—God’s special possession. This identity is not earned but received by mercy, giving us direct access to God and a calling to declare His praises. The privilege of this access should humble us and inspire us to live in a way that points others to God’s goodness. Let your life be a living sacrifice, marked by gratitude and purpose. [53:37]
• 5. Living Differently for the Sake of Others We are urged to abstain from desires that wage war against our souls, not to earn God’s love, but because of the transformation He is working in us. Our distinctiveness is meant to be visible, so that others might see our good deeds and be drawn to glorify God. The way we live—our virtues, our resistance to selfish desires, our humility—serves as a testimony to the world of the hope we have in Christ. [58:06]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Habits of Grace: Staying Close to Jesus
• [03:10] - Shelby Shares Her Devotional Practices
• [06:00] - Exploring New Spiritual Tools
• [08:30] - Faithful Presence: Daniel and 1 Peter
• [11:20] - Our Identity Together in Christ
• [14:00] - The Value of Community Worship
• [16:30] - Reading 1 Peter 2:4-12
• [20:00] - The Importance of Direction: Drawing Near
• [23:30] - Living Stones: Being Built Together
• [26:45] - Jesus the Cornerstone: Old Testament Connections
• [30:00] - The Necessity of Personal Faith
• [33:10] - Our New Identity and Access to God
• [36:00] - Living as a Distinct People
• [39:00] - Living Sacrifices: Letting Your Light Shine
• [42:00] - Final Encouragement and Prayer

1. According to 1 Peter 2:4-5, what does Peter say is happening to believers as they come to Jesus? What imagery does he use to describe this process?
2. In verses 6-8, what different responses do people have to Jesus, the cornerstone?
3. What titles and identity does Peter give to believers in verses 9-10?
4. In verse 12, what does Peter say is the purpose of living good lives among those who don’t share our faith?

1. The sermon compared our spiritual growth to a Lego kit being built piece by piece. What does this say about the process of spiritual formation and the role of community in it? [[38:56]]
2. Peter says Jesus is the cornerstone—precious to some, but a stumbling block to others. Why do you think there is “no neutral ground” when it comes to responding to Jesus? [[50:41]]
3. The passage calls believers a “royal priesthood” and a “holy nation.” What does it mean for ordinary people to have this kind of access and purpose? [[53:37]]
4. The sermon emphasized that our distinctiveness is not for self-congratulation, but so others might see the difference Christ makes. How does this challenge the way we think about living out our faith in public? [[58:06]]

1. The sermon talked about the “direction” of our lives and the daily invitation to “come to Him.” Is there anything currently blocking you from moving toward Jesus? What is one step you could take this week to draw nearer to Him? [[38:56]]
2. We are “being built together, not alone.” How have you experienced spiritual growth through community? Is there a way you could be more intentional about connecting with others in your faith journey? [[48:25]]
3. Jesus as the cornerstone “demands a response.” Where do you honestly stand with Jesus right now? If you’re unsure, what questions or doubts do you need to bring into the open? [[50:41]]
4. The passage says we are a “chosen people” and “God’s special possession.” How does this truth affect the way you see yourself? Are there areas where you struggle to believe this about your identity? [[53:37]]
5. The sermon encouraged us to “abstain from desires that wage war against our souls.” Is there a specific desire or habit that you sense God is asking you to resist or surrender? What support do you need from others to do this? [[58:06]]
6. Our good deeds are meant to point others to God. Can you think of a recent situation where your actions reflected Christ to someone else? Is there an opportunity coming up where you could intentionally let your light shine?
7. The sermon mentioned experimenting with different habits and practices to stay close to Jesus (like Bible reading, prayer, solitude, journaling). Is there a new practice you’d like to try this week? How can the group encourage you in this? [[34:52]]