Restoration and Unity: Building God's Kingdom Together

Devotional

Day 1: We Are Living Stones, Called as a Holy Priesthood

God calls every believer, not just a select few, to be part of a spiritual house, a royal priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Him through Jesus Christ. This means that each of us, regardless of our background or past, is chosen and precious in God’s sight, and together we represent Christ to the world. Our unity and growth as a church are essential to our witness, and we are invited to declare His praises, remembering that we have been called out of darkness into His wonderful light and have received His mercy. [05:52]

1 Peter 2:4-10 (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. 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.' So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,' and 'A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.' They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 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: In what ways can you intentionally declare God’s praises today, knowing you are part of His chosen people and a royal priesthood?

Day 2: God’s Faithfulness to His Promises and the Call to Rebuild

God is always faithful to His word, fulfilling His promises even when circumstances seem impossible. Just as He stirred the hearts of His people to return from exile and rebuild the temple, He continues to move in our lives, calling us to participate in His redemptive work. Even when we feel scattered or uncertain, God provides what is needed and invites us to trust Him, step out in faith, and be part of building up His kingdom—both in our church and in our own hearts. [43:12]

Ezra 1:1-4 (ESV):
"In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing: 'Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.'"

Reflection: Where do you sense God stirring your heart to rebuild or participate in His work, and what step of faith can you take today?

Day 3: Seek First the Kingdom—Worship and Obedience Above All

The people returning from exile prioritized worship and obedience to God above their own comfort, giving freely and building the altar before even establishing their own homes. They sought first the kingdom of God, trusting that He would provide for their needs, and their actions remind us to put God’s purposes and worship at the center of our lives. When we seek His kingdom and righteousness first, God promises to take care of all that we need, and our lives become a testimony of His faithfulness and provision. [56:24]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV):
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to put God’s kingdom first today, and how can you practically do that?

Day 4: Joyful Generosity and United Service in God’s Mission

The people gave freewill offerings and worked together as one to rebuild the temple, each contributing according to their ability and celebrating God’s faithfulness with praise and thanksgiving. Their unity and generosity were not out of obligation but as acts of worship, and their example challenges us to give joyfully—of our time, resources, and talents—for the sake of God’s mission. When we serve together with a shared purpose, God multiplies our efforts and uses us to bless others and expand His kingdom. [01:00:23]

2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV):
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Reflection: How can you give joyfully and serve alongside others this week to further God’s work in your church or community?

Day 5: Embracing Unity and Moving Forward Together

God desires His people to be united in spirit and purpose, working together for His glory rather than being divided by preferences or nostalgia for the past. While it is natural to remember what once was, we are called to let the past guide us, not hold us back, and to embrace the new things God is doing. True unity comes from the Spirit, and as we move forward together, we become a powerful witness of God’s love and faithfulness to the world around us. [01:11:18]

Philippians 2:2 (ESV):
"Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."

Reflection: Is there a place where you need to let go of past preferences or hurts in order to pursue unity and God’s future for your church or relationships?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus was on God’s faithfulness to restore, rebuild, and renew His people, both individually and as a community. Drawing from 1 Peter 2 and Ezra 3, we explored how God calls us not just to be recipients of His grace, but active participants in His ongoing work. The Israelites’ return from exile and their mission to rebuild the temple is more than a historical account—it’s a living picture of how God stirs hearts, provides for His purposes, and invites us to join Him in building something lasting for His kingdom.

We considered the significance of being called a “royal priesthood,” a people set apart to declare God’s praises and reflect His light. This identity isn’t reserved for a select few; it’s for all who share in Christ. Just as the Israelites were stirred to return and rebuild, we are called to examine where God is moving in our own hearts and how we might respond—whether that’s through giving, serving, or simply being present and united in worship.

The journey back from exile was long and uncertain, much like our own seasons of disruption or loss. Yet, the Israelites prioritized worship and obedience, building the altar before even establishing their own homes. Their first act was to seek God, offer sacrifices, and celebrate His faithfulness, even when the foundation was all that existed. This challenges us to consider: do we give God our first and best, or do we focus on building our own lives first?

Unity was a central theme. The people assembled “as one,” each contributing according to their gifts, working together for a common purpose. Their praise was loud and heartfelt, but not without complexity—some wept for what was lost, others rejoiced for what was new. This tension reminds us that honoring the past is important, but it must guide us forward, not hold us back. God’s desire is for us to be united in purpose, seeking His kingdom first, and trusting that He will provide all we need.

Ultimately, God’s work in us and through us is ongoing. He calls us to be generous, obedient, and open to change, always anchored in the unchanging truth of His Word and the unity of His Spirit. As we move forward, may we be a people who seek God’s kingdom above our own, who celebrate His faithfulness, and who work together to build a community where His love and truth are made known.

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Key Takeaways

1. Our Identity as a Royal Priesthood God calls every believer—not just leaders—to be part of a “royal priesthood,” representing Christ and offering spiritual sacrifices. This identity is rooted in unity and shared purpose, not individual achievement. We are strongest when we edify and encourage one another, reflecting Christ together in our community and beyond. [05:52]
2. God’s Faithfulness in Restoration The story of the Israelites’ return from exile is a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when His people have strayed. He disciplines, but always with the intent to redeem and restore, inviting us into new beginnings. Our own seasons of loss or disruption can become opportunities for God to rebuild and renew us if we remain open to His leading. [44:25]
3. Prioritizing Worship and Obedience The Israelites built the altar and began worship before establishing their own homes, demonstrating that seeking God’s presence and obeying His Word must come first. True worship is not about appeasing God, but about pleasing Him with sincere hearts and generous, willing offerings. When we put God first—our time, resources, and energy—He provides what we need and fills us with purpose. [48:49]
4. Unity in Mission and Diversity of Gifts The rebuilding of the temple was accomplished because the people worked “as one,” each contributing according to their abilities and roles. Unity does not mean uniformity; it means being like-minded in purpose, even as we bring different strengths. When we focus on God’s mission together, our collective impact is far greater than what we could achieve alone. [57:20]
5. Honoring the Past Without Being Anchored by It The mixed response to the new temple foundation—some weeping for the past, others rejoicing for the future—shows the challenge of change. The past should serve as a rudder, guiding us with wisdom, but not as an anchor that keeps us from moving forward. God is always doing something new, and we are called to embrace it with gratitude, unity, and hope, trusting that His Spirit will lead us into what’s next. [71:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:52] - Our Identity: A Royal Priesthood
[12:00] - God’s Faithfulness Through Exile
[18:30] - Relating Exile to Our Own Lives
[25:10] - The Return and God’s Stirring
[32:45] - The Mission to Rebuild
[38:50] - God’s Provision and Generosity
[43:12] - United Purpose: Building Together
[44:25] - Facing Ruins and Starting Anew
[48:49] - Prioritizing Worship Over Comfort
[56:24] - Seeking God’s Kingdom First
[57:20] - Unity and the Altar of the Heart
[58:59] - God’s Provision in Our Pursuit
[60:23] - Obedience and Freewill Offerings
[71:18] - Navigating Change: Joy and Weeping
[93:23] - Announcements and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Peter 2:4-10 — - Ezra 3:1-13
- Matthew 6:33

Observation Questions

In 1 Peter 2, what does Peter call believers, and what is their purpose as described in verses 9-10?
According to Ezra 3, what was the very first thing the Israelites did when they returned to Jerusalem, even before building their own homes? [48:49]
In Ezra 3, how did the people respond emotionally when the foundation of the new temple was laid? What were the two different reactions? [01:11:18]
In Matthew 6:33, what does Jesus say should be our first priority, and what does He promise as a result?

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean for every believer to be part of a “royal priesthood” and not just a select few? How does this change the way we see our role in the church? [05:52]
Why do you think the Israelites prioritized building the altar and worshiping God before taking care of their own homes and needs? What does this reveal about their values and trust in God? [48:49]
The people worked “as one” in rebuilding the temple, each contributing according to their gifts. What does this teach us about unity and diversity in the church? [57:20]
When some people wept and others rejoiced at the new temple’s foundation, what does this tension between honoring the past and embracing the future teach us about change in our own lives and church? [01:11:18]

Application Questions

The Israelites gave their first and best to God, even when their own lives were unsettled. Is there an area in your life where you tend to put your own needs before God? What would it look like to give God your “first and best” this week? [48:49]
The sermon talked about being a “royal priesthood” and that every believer is called to represent Christ. In what ways can you actively participate in God’s work in your family, church, or community? Is there a specific step you feel God stirring you to take? [05:52]
Unity was a big theme in the rebuilding of the temple. Are there any areas in our church or small group where unity is being challenged? What practical steps can you take to build unity and encourage others? [57:20]
The Israelites responded to God’s faithfulness with generous, willing offerings. How do you decide what to give—whether time, resources, or service? Is there a way you sense God inviting you to be more generous or open-handed? [01:00:23]
Some people struggled to let go of the past and embrace what God was doing in the present. Is there something from your past—good or bad—that is holding you back from moving forward with God? How can you let the past guide you without letting it anchor you? [01:11:18]
The sermon challenged us to seek God’s kingdom first, trusting that He will provide what we need. What is one area of worry or anxiety where you need to trust God’s provision? How can you remind yourself to seek His kingdom first in that area? [58:59]
The Israelites’ journey back was long and uncertain, but they moved forward together. Is there a “rebuilding” or “restoring” work God is calling you to join in right now? What support or encouragement do you need from others to take that step? [44:25]

Sermon Clips

We've been forgiven not to just go sin some more but we've been forgiven to live this new life and when in this new life is he calling us to possibly to rebuild possibly to um reach out and share that love we know these things are things that he wants us to do but just remembering that how is god moving in you how does he want you to be a part of that. [00:39:39] (19 seconds)

They went, and they packed, and they had ready what was needed.And they were ready to give because it wasn't about what they were going to have and establish for themselves. It's what they were going to establish for God.And that was their first thought. We didn't learn about their homes. We didn't learn about where they were at, what they were trying to fix up, where they planted, where they put their tent. Because I'm sure they didn't have, like, a hotel, a five -star, a three -star, or a one -star. They probably would have preferred a one -star at this point. But they didn't have any of that. But they, instead of taking what they had and trying to build up their own life, they took what they had out of their freewill and gave it to the building of the temple. Because that's why they were there. [00:48:36] (39 seconds)

But here they never um lost their heritage and we know that because of what happens next and how they kept the things that were written and and they went and they continued them on and they were eager to practice them eager to to seek god in them and that just shows god's sovereignty in that the things that he started and he created he was going to keep and things he's he's never going to let die because they're his and they're about him and they're about us being drawn to him because of his grace and his goodness. [00:53:10] (29 seconds)

But the first thing they do it says here is they began to build the altar of of the god of israel to sacrifice burnt offerings to him they came to fulfill their mission they came to do what they could and and so they started where they they can an altar was something feasible to build quickly. [00:54:01] (18 seconds)

I love what waresby says he says past must be a rudder to guide not an anchor to hold us back the past must be a rudder to guide not an anchor to hold us back and i want you to think about that we learn about history we know about the things of the past because it reminds us of what god can do not what god did and isn't going to do anymore but what god can do and then we see how god did those things and we allow him in those things that so we can see that they can happen today if we anchor you're going where nowhere you're staying right there. [01:18:13] (37 seconds)

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