Building Our Faith on Christ, the Living Stone

 

Summary

In the passage from 1 Peter 2:2-5, we are reminded of the profound truth that as believers, we are called to be in a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This relationship is the cornerstone of our faith, providing us with the assurance that we will never be confounded, regardless of the uncertainties and trials of this world. The world we live in is fraught with unpredictability, from personal challenges to global crises, yet the Bible offers us a steadfast hope. This hope is not found in human wisdom or strength but in the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, the living Stone, chosen by God and precious.

To be in this right relationship with God, we must come to Jesus, the living Stone, who was rejected by men but chosen by God. Through Him, we are built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. This relationship is not just about personal salvation but about being part of a larger spiritual community, the body of Christ, where each believer is a living stone contributing to the whole.

The essence of the Christian message is that we cannot approach God on our own terms. The Old Testament rituals and the role of the high priest illustrate the necessity of a mediator between God and humanity. Jesus Christ is our great high priest, who through His sacrifice, has opened the way for us to enter into God's presence. He is the only mediator, and through Him, our prayers and spiritual sacrifices are made acceptable to God.

In coming to Christ, we are assured of His graciousness. His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate demonstrations of His grace. He invites all who labor and are heavy-laden to come to Him for rest. This invitation is open to all, regardless of past sins or present circumstances. The promise is that those who come to Him will never be cast out.

As believers, we are called to live in the reality of this relationship, knowing that we are God's chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. This identity gives us the confidence to face life's challenges, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Our hope is secure, and our future is assured in Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The foundation of our faith is the right relationship with God through Jesus Christ, the living Stone. This relationship assures us that we will never be confounded, no matter the uncertainties of life. [03:23]

- Jesus Christ is our great high priest, the only mediator between God and humanity. Through His sacrifice, we have access to God, and our prayers and spiritual sacrifices are made acceptable. [38:39]

- The graciousness of Jesus is evident in His life, death, and resurrection. He invites all to come to Him for rest, promising that those who do will never be cast out. [22:07]

- As believers, we are part of a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. This identity empowers us to live confidently in the face of life's challenges. [25:25]

- Our hope is secure in Christ, and nothing can separate us from the love of God. As God's chosen people, we are assured of His constant presence and care, enabling us to live with peace and assurance. [50:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to 1 Peter 2:2-5
- [01:11] - The Urgency of the Message
- [02:05] - Facing Life's Uncertainties
- [03:23] - Assurance in Christ
- [04:53] - Becoming People of God
- [06:11] - Old Testament Examples
- [07:32] - New Testament Continuity
- [09:20] - The Importance of Right Relationship
- [11:04] - Jesus Christ: The Living Stone
- [13:57] - The Graciousness of Christ
- [17:26] - Christ's Compassion and Sacrifice
- [22:07] - Invitation to Come to Christ
- [25:25] - Spiritual House and Holy Priesthood
- [38:39] - Jesus as Our High Priest
- [50:09] - Assurance of God's Love

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1 Peter 2:2-5

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Observation Questions:

1. What metaphor does Peter use to describe Jesus in 1 Peter 2:4, and what significance does this metaphor hold in the context of the passage? [00:30]

2. According to the sermon, what is the role of believers as "living stones" in the spiritual house? [12:20]

3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between Old Testament rituals and the role of Jesus as our high priest? [33:02]

4. What assurance does the sermon provide about the graciousness of Jesus and His invitation to those who come to Him? [22:07]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of Jesus as the "living Stone" challenge or affirm your understanding of His role in your life? [11:25]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that being part of a "holy priesthood" impacts a believer's daily life and spiritual practices? [25:25]

3. The sermon emphasizes the necessity of a mediator between God and humanity. How does this understanding affect the way believers approach God in prayer? [38:39]

4. Reflect on the sermon’s portrayal of Jesus’ graciousness. How does this influence your perception of His invitation to come to Him for rest? [22:07]

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Application Questions:

1. The sermon highlights the importance of a right relationship with God through Jesus. What steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Him? [05:22]

2. As a "living stone" in the spiritual house, how can you contribute to your church community in a meaningful way this month? [12:20]

3. Consider a personal challenge or uncertainty you are currently facing. How can the assurance of Jesus as your mediator provide comfort and guidance in this situation? [38:39]

4. Reflect on a time when you felt burdened or weary. How can you respond to Jesus’ invitation to come to Him for rest in your current circumstances? [22:07]

5. The sermon describes believers as a "royal priesthood." What specific actions can you take to live out this identity in your interactions with others this week? [25:25]

6. How can you remind yourself of the security and hope found in Christ when faced with life's uncertainties? Consider creating a tangible reminder or practice to reinforce this assurance. [50:09]

7. Identify one area of your life where you feel separated from God’s love. What practical steps can you take to reconnect with His presence and care? [50:09]

Devotional

Day 1: Assurance in the Living Stone
As believers, our faith is anchored in a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ, the living Stone. This relationship assures us that we will never be confounded, no matter the uncertainties of life. In a world filled with unpredictability, from personal challenges to global crises, the Bible offers us a steadfast hope. This hope is not found in human wisdom or strength but in the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, chosen by God and precious. By coming to Jesus, the living Stone, who was rejected by men but chosen by God, we are built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. This relationship is not just about personal salvation but about being part of a larger spiritual community, the body of Christ, where each believer is a living stone contributing to the whole. [03:23]

1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV): "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively contribute to the spiritual community around you, recognizing your role as a living stone in God's spiritual house?


Day 2: Jesus, Our Great High Priest
Jesus Christ is our great high priest, the only mediator between God and humanity. Through His sacrifice, we have access to God, and our prayers and spiritual sacrifices are made acceptable. The essence of the Christian message is that we cannot approach God on our own terms. The Old Testament rituals and the role of the high priest illustrate the necessity of a mediator between God and humanity. Jesus Christ, through His sacrifice, has opened the way for us to enter into God's presence. He is the only mediator, and through Him, our prayers and spiritual sacrifices are made acceptable to God. [38:39]

Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV): "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of Jesus as your mediator and high priest in your daily prayer life?


Day 3: The Gracious Invitation of Christ
The graciousness of Jesus is evident in His life, death, and resurrection. He invites all to come to Him for rest, promising that those who do will never be cast out. In coming to Christ, we are assured of His graciousness. His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate demonstrations of His grace. He invites all who labor and are heavy-laden to come to Him for rest. This invitation is open to all, regardless of past sins or present circumstances. The promise is that those who come to Him will never be cast out. [22:07]

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Reflection: What burdens are you carrying today that you need to bring to Jesus, trusting in His promise of rest and acceptance?


Day 4: Living as a Holy Priesthood
As believers, we are part of a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. This identity empowers us to live confidently in the face of life's challenges. We are called to live in the reality of this relationship, knowing that we are God's chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. This identity gives us the confidence to face life's challenges, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Our hope is secure, and our future is assured in Him. [25:25]

1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Reflection: How can you embrace your identity as part of a holy priesthood in your daily interactions and decisions?


Day 5: Secure in the Love of God
Our hope is secure in Christ, and nothing can separate us from the love of God. As God's chosen people, we are assured of His constant presence and care, enabling us to live with peace and assurance. The foundation of our faith is the right relationship with God through Jesus Christ, the living Stone. This relationship assures us that we will never be confounded, no matter the uncertainties of life. As believers, we are called to live in the reality of this relationship, knowing that we are God's chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. [50:09]

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV): "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself daily of the unshakeable love of God, especially during times of doubt or fear?

Quotes

"To be in a position in which we shall never be confounded, behold says the sixth verse, I lay in Zion a chief corn elect, precious, and he that believeth on him shall not shall never be confounded. Now then it's because of that great statement that we're looking at the entire paragraph." [00:01:32]

"This question that is dealt with here is surely the most urgent question confronting everybody in this world at this moment. Our problem is how to face life, how to face it now, how to face it tomorrow, how to face the unknown moral and what is the unknown moral look at it as it is." [00:02:03]

"There's only one way of getting into this position. We've got to become one of these people of God. It's only true of them. He that believeth on him, he that believeth on the Lord Jesus Christ, he is the only one who gets into this position. He becomes one of the people of God." [00:04:30]

"The one thing that matters is how can we get into this right relationship with God. Now in saying what I've been saying, I've been giving you a summary of the whole of the Bible. There's only one big message in the Bible and that's it, how to be right with God." [00:05:36]

"God made this nation for himself, called Israel or the Jews, the children of Israel. He said, I'm going to make you a people for myself. I'm going to be your God and you shall be my people. You'll have to travel, you'll have to go on journeys, you'll have enemies." [00:30:51]

"Jesus Christ, the son of God, if there he is, he came on Earth in order to be our great high priest. Do you remember how that man puts it in the epistle to the Hebrews, seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the son of God." [00:37:36]

"There is no access into the presence of God except through him. I don't care who you are, no what experiences you claim to have had, if you do not go to God through Jesus Christ, you're not received, you're not accepted. You may have a psychological experience, but you don't know God." [00:38:39]

"Spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ and by him alone. He said that himself, he said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the father but by me. If there were any other way, he'd never have come into the world." [00:39:01]

"There's only one way into the presence of God. There's only one way I can be certain that my petitions and my prayers will be acceptable and that my offerings will be acceptable. It is by the blood of Jesus. It is that I trust to him who is now my great high priest." [00:41:19]

"Wouldn't you like to be able to go boldly, confidently, and with assurance into the presence of God knowing that he's going to receive you and to hear you and to show His blessings upon you? There's only one way to that, and that is to offer up your praises, your sacrifices, your petitions by Jesus Christ." [00:43:36]

"Come to him and believe in him and not only will you be able to pray and to know God and to know your prayers are going to be answered, you will also become a chosen generation. You'll become one of God's people, one of God's family, one of God's children." [00:48:02]

"Nothing will ever be able to separate you and as one of God's peculiar treasures and possessions, you can be assured that his loving eye will always be upon you and he will never leave you nor forsake you and he will never withhold from you anything that is for your ultimate good." [00:50:09]

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Transcript
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