Built for This: Embracing Our Identity in Christ

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that we are "built for this." Drawing from 1 Peter 2:4-10, we are reminded that as believers, we are like living stones, chosen and precious in the sight of God, being built into a spiritual house. This passage emphasizes our identity as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, called to proclaim the excellencies of God who brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light. This identity is not just a title but a testament to our resilience and strength, especially in the face of rejection and adversity.

Reflecting on the legacy of Black history, we acknowledged the struggles and triumphs of those who paved the way for us. Figures like John Lewis, Sojourner Truth, and Martin Luther King Jr. remind us of the resilience and determination required to overcome systemic challenges. Their stories inspire us to continue the fight for justice and equality, knowing that the same God who sustained them is with us today.

We also delved into the concept of being "living stones," emphasizing that our connection to Jesus, the original Living Stone, empowers us to endure and thrive amidst life's challenges. This connection assures us that we are not alone; God is with us, carrying the weight of our burdens and equipping us for every trial. The rejection we face from others is a reminder of our alignment with God's purpose, and it is through these experiences that we grow stronger.

As we navigate the complexities of life, we are encouraged to remember that God has prepared us for every moment. Our past experiences have equipped us for the present challenges, and with God, nothing is impossible. We are reminded that our identity in Christ transcends our past, and we are called to live out our purpose with confidence and faith.

Key Takeaways:

1. Identity in Christ: As believers, we are living stones, chosen and precious in God's sight. This identity empowers us to face rejection and adversity with resilience, knowing that we are part of a spiritual house built on the cornerstone of Christ. Our connection to Jesus assures us that we are never alone in our struggles. [01:13:57]

2. Legacy of Resilience: Reflecting on Black history, we are reminded of the resilience and determination of those who fought for justice and equality. Their legacy inspires us to continue the fight, knowing that the same God who sustained them is with us today, equipping us for every challenge. [01:21:49]

3. Strength in Rejection: Rejection by others is a testament to our alignment with God's purpose. It is through these experiences that we grow stronger, learning to rely on God's love and acceptance rather than seeking validation from the world. [01:28:09]

4. Prepared for the Present: God has prepared us for every moment we face. Our past experiences have equipped us for the present challenges, and with God, nothing is impossible. We are called to live out our purpose with confidence and faith, knowing that we are built for this. [01:32:13]

5. Embracing Our Past: Our identity in Christ transcends our past. We are called to embrace who we are now, as people chosen and loved by God. Our past does not define us; rather, it is a testament to God's transformative power in our lives. [01:39:45]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:13:57] - Built for This: Our Identity in Christ
- [01:21:49] - Legacy of Resilience
- [01:28:09] - Strength in Rejection
- [01:32:13] - Prepared for the Present
- [01:39:45] - Embracing Our Past
- [01:47:44] - Prayer for Marriages
- [02:02:09] - New Members Welcome
- [02:10:00] - Offering and Closing Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1 Peter 2:4-10

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 1 Peter 2:4-10, what does it mean to be a "living stone"? How does this relate to our identity as believers? [01:13:57]

2. The sermon mentioned several historical figures like John Lewis and Sojourner Truth. How do their stories connect to the concept of resilience discussed in the sermon? [01:21:49]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of rejection in a believer's life? How is this connected to our alignment with God's purpose? [01:28:09]

4. How does the sermon describe the way God prepares us for present challenges? What examples were given to illustrate this point? [01:32:13]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the metaphor of "living stones" help us understand our relationship with Jesus and our role in the spiritual community? [01:13:57]

2. Reflecting on the legacy of Black history, how does the sermon suggest we draw strength from past struggles to face current challenges? [01:21:49]

3. How can the experience of rejection be seen as a positive force in our spiritual growth, according to the sermon? [01:28:09]

4. The sermon emphasizes that God has prepared us for every moment. How does this perspective change the way we view our past experiences and current challenges? [01:32:13]

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Application Questions:

1. The sermon highlights our identity as "living stones." How can you actively live out this identity in your daily life, especially when facing adversity? [01:13:57]

2. Reflect on a time when you felt rejected. How did you respond, and how might you handle similar situations differently in light of the sermon’s message? [01:28:09]

3. The sermon draws inspiration from figures in Black history. Who in your life inspires you to be resilient, and how can you honor their legacy in your actions? [01:21:49]

4. Consider a current challenge you are facing. How can you remind yourself that you are "built for this" and that God has equipped you for this moment? [01:32:13]

5. The sermon encourages us to embrace our past as a testament to God's transformative power. What part of your past have you struggled to embrace, and how can you begin to see it as part of God's plan for your growth? [01:39:45]

6. How can you support others in your community who may be feeling the weight of rejection or adversity, using the principles discussed in the sermon? [01:28:09]

7. The sermon mentions that God prepares us for every moment. What practical steps can you take to trust in God's preparation and face your current challenges with confidence? [01:32:13]

Devotional

Day 1: Living Stones, Chosen and Precious
As believers, we are likened to living stones, chosen and precious in God's sight, being built into a spiritual house. This identity is not just a title but a testament to our resilience and strength, especially in the face of rejection and adversity. Our connection to Jesus, the original Living Stone, empowers us to endure and thrive amidst life's challenges. This connection assures us that we are not alone; God is with us, carrying the weight of our burdens and equipping us for every trial. The rejection we face from others is a reminder of our alignment with God's purpose, and it is through these experiences that we grow stronger. [01:13:57]

"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." (1 Peter 2:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel rejected or undervalued? How can you remind yourself today that you are chosen and precious in God's sight?


Day 2: Legacy of Resilience
Reflecting on Black history, we are reminded of the resilience and determination of those who fought for justice and equality. Figures like John Lewis, Sojourner Truth, and Martin Luther King Jr. remind us of the resilience and determination required to overcome systemic challenges. Their stories inspire us to continue the fight for justice and equality, knowing that the same God who sustained them is with us today. This legacy of resilience is a powerful testament to the enduring strength and faith that can be found in the face of adversity. [01:21:49]

"Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." (Hebrews 12:3, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life has demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity? How can their example inspire you to persevere in your own challenges today?


Day 3: Strength in Rejection
Rejection by others is a testament to our alignment with God's purpose. It is through these experiences that we grow stronger, learning to rely on God's love and acceptance rather than seeking validation from the world. When we face rejection, it is an opportunity to deepen our trust in God and to remember that our worth is not determined by the opinions of others but by our identity in Christ. This strength in rejection is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God's love in our lives. [01:28:09]

"For it stands in Scripture: 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.'" (1 Peter 2:6, ESV)

Reflection: How have you experienced rejection recently? What steps can you take to seek God's acceptance and love instead of the world's validation?


Day 4: Prepared for the Present
God has prepared us for every moment we face. Our past experiences have equipped us for the present challenges, and with God, nothing is impossible. We are called to live out our purpose with confidence and faith, knowing that we are built for this. As we navigate the complexities of life, we are encouraged to remember that God has prepared us for every moment. Our identity in Christ transcends our past, and we are called to live out our purpose with confidence and faith. [01:32:13]

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)

Reflection: What past experiences have prepared you for the challenges you face today? How can you trust in God's preparation and purpose for your life right now?


Day 5: Embracing Our Past
Our identity in Christ transcends our past. We are called to embrace who we are now, as people chosen and loved by God. Our past does not define us; rather, it is a testament to God's transformative power in our lives. As we embrace our past, we are reminded of the ways God has worked in our lives and the ways He continues to shape us into the people He has called us to be. This embrace of our past is a powerful reminder of the hope and redemption found in Christ. [01:39:45]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: How has God transformed your past into a testament of His power? What steps can you take today to embrace your identity in Christ and live out your purpose with confidence?

Quotes

"I'm going to get home someday oh you didn't hear me I know I'm going to make it as my keeper I'm going to get home someday oh I can understand why you're not excited let me tell you this ain't my home I'm just a sojourner down here on earth but I got another home somewhere somewhere over in glory land somewhere where the streets are paved with gold somewhere where I can" [00:56:41] (45 seconds)


"We should never forget the likes of John Lewis who fought to ensure that there would be rights for all of us and especially voting rights so that we would have access to those things that we should never had to fight for in the beginning. John Lewis said, never give up, never give in, never become too hostile because hate is too big of a burden to bear. We should never forget. We should never forget about Sojourner Truth and Nat Turner and Martin Luther King Jr. And Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass and Emmett Till and Trayvon Martin and Breonna Taylor and Rosa Parks and Shirley Chisholm and so many more who paved the way for us that we might have some of the rights we have now." [01:10:44] (46 seconds)


"While we as a people should be further along the way we still have much climbing and fighting to do. It seems that when we take two steps there's someone some organization some law some politician some something that always tries to knock us back 10 steps. But the same God that has kept us in the past. Is the same God that will keep us now the same God that can't grandma and big mom and them is the same God that will keep us now the same God that kept us on the plantations of North Carolina and South Carolina and Georgia is the same God that will keep us even right now." [01:13:15] (43 seconds)


"We all will go through our challenges in life collectively and individually. The challenges that we face are at times heavy. And hard to bear and but we can handle the weight because we are strong we are resilient we are determined and most of all we can handle the weight because we don't carry the weight by ourselves God is with us and not only will God help us carry the weight but how many of you know that God will carry the weight for you." [01:14:58] (33 seconds)


"I want somebody to know this morning that no matter what you're going through no matter. What you're facing no matter how difficult it may be you're built for this no matter what the federal government does or does not do your bill for this no matter what anybody says to you or about you. You are built for this no matter how difficult things become in your life individually you are built for this no matter what comes and no matter what goes you are built for this no matter what. Family says. no matter what friend says." [01:15:11] (38 seconds)


"God knows what you can handle. He knows what you're going through, and you are built for this. Yes, it's hard. Yes, it's difficult. Yes, it seems impossible, but remember that with God, nothing is impossible. That with God, all things are" [01:16:04] (24 seconds)


"Listen to what Peter says. Peter says, Come to him, because you've got to come to him. The first thing you've got to do is understand that if you're built for this, you've got to come to him. You can't take everything on your own and act like you can handle it by yourself. You've got to come to him, because when you come to him, you get everything you need to make it through all you go through." [01:16:58] (29 seconds)


"And because of our connection with him, we too are living stones, because we're connected to the power source that is the original living stone. And because we're connected to him, we can make it through stuff that others can't make it. Because we're a living stone. Wait a minute. I hear you looking at me like I'm crazy. I see you. You're talking about, wait a minute. How can a stone be alive?" [01:17:43] (28 seconds)


"Your rejection doesn't bother me anymore, because while you're trying to get people to like you, you're missing the fact that God loves you. See, I'm built for this. Matter of fact, you need to thank some people for rejecting you. You need to thank some people. Matter of fact, you need to text them thank you. Thank you. Then when they say, what for? Just say thank you. Don't even tell them, because if you didn't reject me, I wouldn't be as strong as I am today. If you didn't reject me, I wouldn't be able to go through what I'm going through today. So it's not that I'm snooty or bougie or looking down on anybody. I've been rejected enough to know that your opinion of me doesn't matter. The only thing that I need to know is that I'm chosen and precious" [01:23:36] (57 seconds)


"Because at one time, the text says you were not a people. But now you are the people of God. I love that. But now. See, it's not about, I'm finished with this, I promise. The Lord is messing with me. It's not about what I was. Bad English, great theology. It's not about what I was. It's about what I is." [01:29:35] (30 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?