Thriving as Living Stones in Christ's Temple
Summary
In our journey through the book of First Peter, we have been reminded that this world is not our home. We are sojourners, passing through a land that is often hostile to our faith and values. Yet, in this environment, we are called to thrive, not just survive. To do so, we must remember who we are in Christ: chosen by God, changed by the Holy Spirit, and cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus. We are born again, joint heirs with Christ, and we have a priceless inheritance awaiting us in heaven. Our focus must not be on past hurts or present pains, but on the future hope we have as part of God's family.
We are living stones, being built into a spiritual temple with Jesus as the Cornerstone. As such, we have a duty to proclaim the transformative power of God to the world. We are to share the gospel with our words and our deeds, living as salt and light. We are also called to be priests in this temple, offering sacrifices that are pleasing to God—our very selves, our praise, and our good works, especially to those in need.
We must also remember the importance of community. God did not create us to live in isolation. We are made in His image, a relational God, and we are to find our relationships within the church, the body of Christ. As we draw nearer to Christ's return, the world will become increasingly hostile, and the temptation to turn away from Christ will intensify. It is in the church that we find the strength to stand firm.
We are a royal priesthood, with royal blood flowing through our veins. Our first duty as priests is to intercede for others before God. We must have a prayer list and bring those who are far from God before Him regularly. We are also to offer sacrifices to God, not of animals as in the Old Testament, but of ourselves, our praise, and our good works.
Jesus is the Cornerstone of the temple that God is building. He is the one we build our lives on, the one we turn to discover truth, and the one we serve. He is our only hope and our only source of strength. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He has all power over His creation. He is the image of the invisible God, God in the flesh, who lived, died, and was resurrected for us. He is coming again, and when He does, He will rule and reign forever.
Key Takeaways:
1. We are living stones in a spiritual temple, with Jesus as the Cornerstone. Our lives must be built on Him, and we must align ourselves with His truth. As we do so, we become part of a structure that is strong, enduring, and holy, a testament to the power and grace of God. [49:17]
2. Our identity as a royal priesthood calls us to intercede for others and to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. This means daily dedicating our lives to God's service, seeking His will, and using our gifts for His glory. We are vital parts of God's temple, each with unique contributions that are essential to the body of Christ. [57:55]
3. Community is not optional; it is God's design for us. As relational beings, we thrive in the context of the church, where we can support, encourage, and challenge one another. Committing to regular fellowship is an act of obedience and a source of strength in a hostile world. [43:24]
4. Proclaiming the gospel is not just a command; it is our privilege and responsibility. We must be bold in sharing the message of Jesus, both in words and actions, knowing that it has the power to transform lives and societies, just as it did through the faithful witness of Telemachus. [01:10:39]
5. Worship is an active, participatory sacrifice of praise. When we gather, we are to engage fully, lifting our voices in song, regardless of our musical ability. Our worship is a reflection of our hearts, and it should be offered with joy and exuberance as a pleasing sacrifice to God. [01:00:27]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
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."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 2:4-5, what are believers compared to, and what is their purpose in this spiritual house?
2. What does Peter mean when he refers to Jesus as the "Cornerstone" in 1 Peter 2:6? How does this imagery help us understand Jesus' role in our lives?
3. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned that we are called to be a "royal priesthood." What are some of the duties of this priesthood as described in the sermon? ([55:45])
4. How does the concept of being "living stones" and a "spiritual temple" emphasize the importance of community among believers? ([47:50])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "chosen by God" and how should this identity impact the way we live our daily lives? ([38:28])
2. How can the idea of offering "spiritual sacrifices" be applied in practical terms today? What might these sacrifices look like in our modern context? ([58:33])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of community and gathering together as believers. Why is this so crucial, especially in a world that is increasingly hostile to Christian values? ([44:10])
4. How does understanding Jesus as the "Cornerstone" influence our approach to truth and morality in a society that often rejects absolute truths? ([49:57])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you have been trying to "go it alone" rather than seeking support and community within the church? How can you take steps to become more connected? ([41:54])
2. The sermon mentioned the importance of interceding for others. Do you have a prayer list? If not, who are three people you can start praying for regularly? ([57:55])
3. How can you offer yourself as a "living sacrifice" in your daily routine? What specific actions can you take this week to dedicate your life more fully to God's service? ([59:06])
4. Worship was described as an active, participatory sacrifice of praise. How can you engage more fully in worship, both personally and corporately? ([01:00:27])
5. The sermon highlighted the need to proclaim the gospel boldly. When was the last time you shared your faith with someone? What steps can you take to be more intentional about sharing the gospel in your daily interactions? ([01:05:59])
6. Think about the concept of being "living stones" in a spiritual temple. How can you use your unique gifts and abilities to contribute to the strength and growth of your church community? ([48:32])
7. The pastor shared a story about Telemachus, who gave his life to stop the gladiator games. What are some modern-day issues that you feel passionate about? How can you take a stand for these issues in a way that reflects Christ's love and truth? ([01:10:39])
Devotional
Day 1: Living Stones in God's Temple
As believers, we are not mere spectators in the kingdom of God; we are active participants, likened to living stones being meticulously placed within a spiritual temple. Jesus, as the Cornerstone, sets the standard and direction for the entire structure. Each individual's life, when aligned with Christ, contributes to a greater edifice that stands as a testament to God's power and grace. This imagery is not just symbolic; it calls for a personal commitment to live in a way that reflects the holiness and endurance of this divine construction. As living stones, believers are interconnected, supporting one another and collectively showcasing the transformative power of the gospel. This spiritual temple is not built with human hands but through the lives of those who follow Christ, each stone placed with purpose and intent by the divine Builder. [49:17]
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: How does seeing yourself as a living stone within God's temple change the way you view your role in the church and community?
Day 2: Royal Priesthood's Holy Service
The identity of a believer encompasses the profound role of a royal priesthood. This is not a mere title but a calling to intercede for others and to present oneself as a living sacrifice. Daily life becomes an act of worship, where every decision, action, and thought is an offering to God. This sacrificial living is not about loss but about gaining a deeper connection with the divine and fulfilling one's purpose in God's grand design. As priests, believers are tasked with using their unique gifts for the glory of God, serving within the body of Christ, and contributing to the spiritual well-being of others. This service is a privilege that comes with the responsibility to uphold the values of the kingdom and to act as mediators between God and those in need of His grace. [57:55]
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
Reflection: What are the specific gifts you have been given, and how can you use them this week to serve as part of the royal priesthood?
Day 3: Embracing Community in Christ
Community is not an afterthought in the Christian journey; it is a divine imperative. Created in the image of a relational God, believers are called to find their deepest connections within the church. In a world that may be indifferent or even hostile to faith, the church stands as a bastion of support, encouragement, and accountability. As the day of Christ's return draws nearer, the strength to stand firm against the tide of opposition is found in the unity and fellowship of believers. The church is a place where relationships are nurtured, where one can grow in faith, and where the collective strength of the body can accomplish far more than any individual could alone. [43:24]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"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."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the life of your church community this week to help build and strengthen these divine connections?
Day 4: Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel
Proclaiming the gospel is both a privilege and a responsibility for every believer. It is not limited to the spoken word but is also demonstrated through actions that reflect the love and truth of Jesus Christ. The transformative power of the gospel has the capacity to change lives and societies, as evidenced by the faithful witness of those who have gone before us. Believers are called to be bold, not shying away from opportunities to share the message of salvation, and to live in such a way that their lives bear witness to the grace they have received. This boldness is not born of human confidence but is a result of the Holy Spirit's empowerment. [01:10:39]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel, and how can you intentionally prepare to share it with them this week?
Day 5: Worship as a Sacrifice of Praise
Worship is an active, participatory experience that goes beyond mere attendance at a service. It is a sacrifice of praise, an offering from the heart that is pleasing to God. When believers gather, they are called to engage fully, lifting their voices in song and their hearts in adoration, regardless of their musical ability. Worship reflects the condition of the heart, and it should be offered with joy and exuberance. This act of worship is not just for the moments of singing but is a lifestyle of acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness in every aspect of life. [01:00:27]
Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name."
Reflection: How can you make worship a more integral part of your daily routine, and what specific steps will you take to offer a sacrifice of praise throughout your week?
Quotes
1) "God is in the middle of a building project. He is building his Temple, He is building his church, and you are a vital part of that church, that Temple. Without you connected and joined to the Cornerstone, a vital piece of the wall is missing." [48:32] (Download)
2) "Jesus is the one that we build our lives on, he is the one that we turn to discover truth, to know what is straight and what is crooked... Jesus isn't a formality, Jesus is the Cornerstone." [51:20] (Download)
3) "Every single Christ follower is a priest and we are to do the duties of a priest... Do you have a list of people that you are bringing them before the Throne of God on a regular basis? That's what God says we are to do as priests." [57:55] (Download)
4) "God says that each and every one of us who are followers of Jesus are priests in His Temple, and there is royal blood flowing through our veins... we are to offer sacrifices that are pleasing to God." [56:28] (Download)
5) "The Bible teaches that as we get closer and closer to the return of Christ, this world is going to become increasingly more hostile toward those who love Jesus, and the temptation to turn away from Christ is going to become more and more intense." [44:10] (Download)
6) "God didn't create us to live in isolation. God created us to live in community... for those of us who are followers of Jesus, that relationship is to be found in the church, the body of Christ, the family of God." [43:24] (Download)
7) "We are to share the gospel with our words, but we're also to share the gospel with our deeds. How we live. Jesus said that we are Salt and Light in the world, so it's not just our words, it's our words and our deeds." [01:07:06] (Download)
8) "Paul says we are living sacrifices to God... we need to say, 'God, I'm yours. I'm giving myself to you today. Do whatever you want to do in me, through me, to me.' When you become a sacrifice, you don't have rights." [59:51] (Download)
9) "Through Jesus, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruits of our lips... when we come together and we're singing songs, we sing out. God says that we're to offer up a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips." [01:00:27] (Download)
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