Victory in Christ: Embracing Our New Identity
Summary
In reflecting on the journey of the Chicago Cubs and their historic victory in 2016, we find a powerful metaphor for the Christian life. The Cubs' triumph after a long period of defeat mirrors the spiritual victory that Christians experience through Christ. Just as Cubs fans celebrated a victory they did not personally achieve, Christians rejoice in the victory won by Jesus. This victory is not about personal accomplishments but about being part of a winning team through faith in Christ.
1 Peter 2:4-10 serves as a reminder of the profound identity and purpose given to Christians. We are described as living stones, being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, and a chosen people. This identity is rooted in Jesus, the living stone, who was rejected by men but chosen and precious in God's sight. Our foundation is secure in Him, and our comfort lies in His acceptance by God, despite human rejection.
The passage emphasizes that Christians are not on a losing team. Instead, we are part of a victorious community with a divine purpose. Our role is to proclaim the excellencies of God, who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. This calling is not just individual but communal, as we function together as a holy priesthood, representing God to the world.
The metaphor of the Cubs' victory parade, where fans claimed a victory they did not earn, illustrates the Christian experience. We claim the victory of Christ, who accomplished it on our behalf. This victory gives us a new identity and purpose, enabling us to live confidently and boldly in a world that may view us as outsiders.
In summary, being a Christian means embracing a new identity and purpose, grounded in the victory of Christ. We are called to live as a community, proclaiming the good news and reflecting the love and grace of God to the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Victory in Christ: Just as Cubs fans celebrated a victory they did not earn, Christians rejoice in the victory won by Jesus. Our identity is not based on personal achievements but on being part of a winning team through faith in Christ. This victory gives us a new identity and purpose. [07:52]
2. Living Stones: Christians are described as living stones, being built into a spiritual house. This imagery emphasizes our communal identity and purpose. We are part of a holy priesthood, representing God to the world and proclaiming His excellencies. [28:04]
3. Rejection and Acceptance: Jesus, the living stone, was rejected by men but chosen and precious in God's sight. This serves as a comfort and foundation for Christians, reminding us that our acceptance by God is secure, even if we face rejection from the world. [23:46]
4. Communal Calling: Our calling as Christians is not just individual but communal. We are part of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. Together, we proclaim the excellencies of God and reflect His love and grace to the world. [32:49]
5. Identity and Purpose: Being a Christian means embracing a new identity and purpose, grounded in the victory of Christ. We are called to live confidently and boldly, knowing that our foundation is secure in Him and our purpose is to proclaim His excellencies. [39:39]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:17] - The Cubs' Historic Victory
[02:30] - The Curse of the Billy Goat
[03:36] - Overcoming Defeat
[04:59] - Feeling Like Losers
[06:29] - From Losing to Winning
[07:52] - Claiming Victory in Christ
[08:34] - Understanding 1 Peter
[13:09] - Jesus' Identity as Foundation
[14:23] - The Living Stone
[19:27] - Jesus' Parable and Rejection
[23:46] - Comfort in Rejection
[28:04] - Divine Occupation
[32:49] - The Church as a Spiritual House
[38:24] - Proclaiming God's Excellencies
[39:39] - Identity and Purpose in Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Peter 2:4-10
Observation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of "living stones" in 1 Peter 2:4-10 describe the identity and purpose of Christians? [08:34]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of Jesus being the "living stone" rejected by men but chosen by God? [23:46]
3. How does the sermon use the Chicago Cubs' victory as a metaphor for the Christian experience of victory in Christ? [07:52]
4. What communal roles are Christians called to fulfill according to 1 Peter 2:9? [32:49]
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the concept of being "living stones" challenge or affirm your understanding of Christian community and identity? [28:04]
2. How does the rejection and acceptance of Jesus as the cornerstone provide comfort and assurance to believers facing rejection? [23:46]
3. What does it mean for Christians to proclaim the excellencies of God, and how does this relate to their communal identity as a royal priesthood? [32:49]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the idea that Christians are part of a victorious community, despite feeling like outsiders in the world? [04:59]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like an outsider because of your faith. How can the metaphor of the Cubs' victory help you embrace your identity in Christ more confidently? [04:59]
2. How can you actively participate in your community of faith to fulfill the role of a "holy priesthood" as described in 1 Peter 2:5? [28:04]
3. What are some practical ways you can proclaim the excellencies of God in your daily life, both individually and as part of a community? [32:49]
4. Consider the areas in your life where you might feel rejected. How can the acceptance of Jesus by God provide you with comfort and strength in those situations? [23:46]
5. Identify one specific way you can live out your new identity and purpose in Christ this week. How can you ensure that your actions reflect the love and grace of God to those around you? [39:39]
6. How can you support others in your community who may feel like they are on a "losing team" in their faith journey? What role can you play in encouraging them? [06:29]
7. Think about a person in your life who might not understand your faith. How can you engage them in a conversation that reflects the communal calling of Christians to proclaim God's excellencies? [38:24]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Celebrating Victory Beyond Personal Achievement
Description: The journey of the Chicago Cubs to their historic victory in 2016 serves as a metaphor for the Christian life. Just as Cubs fans celebrated a victory they did not personally achieve, Christians rejoice in the victory won by Jesus. This victory is not about personal accomplishments but about being part of a winning team through faith in Christ. Our identity is not based on what we have done but on what Christ has accomplished on our behalf. This victory gives us a new identity and purpose, enabling us to live confidently and boldly in a world that may view us as outsiders. [07:52]
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (ESV): "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt inadequate or defeated. How can you shift your perspective to see it through the lens of Christ's victory on your behalf?
Day 2: Building a Spiritual House Together
Description: Christians are described as living stones, being built into a spiritual house. This imagery emphasizes our communal identity and purpose. We are part of a holy priesthood, representing God to the world and proclaiming His excellencies. Our role is not just individual but communal, as we function together to reflect God's love and grace. This communal calling reminds us that we are not alone in our journey; we are part of a larger body that supports and uplifts each other. [28:04]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."
Reflection: Consider your role in your church community. How can you contribute to building a spiritual house that reflects God's love and grace?
Day 3: Finding Comfort in Rejection
Description: Jesus, the living stone, was rejected by men but chosen and precious in God's sight. This serves as a comfort and foundation for Christians, reminding us that our acceptance by God is secure, even if we face rejection from the world. In a world that often values success and acceptance by human standards, it is reassuring to know that our worth is determined by God's love and choice. This understanding allows us to stand firm in our faith, even when we face opposition or rejection. [23:46]
Isaiah 53:3-4 (ESV): "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt rejected or misunderstood. How can you find comfort in knowing that Jesus also faced rejection and yet was chosen and precious in God's sight?
Day 4: Embracing Our Communal Calling
Description: Our calling as Christians is not just individual but communal. We are part of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. Together, we proclaim the excellencies of God and reflect His love and grace to the world. This communal calling emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration in fulfilling God's purpose. As a community, we are stronger and more effective in representing God to the world and sharing His message of hope and redemption. [32:49]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church community to fulfill your communal calling? What steps can you take to strengthen the unity and collaboration within your church?
Day 5: Living with a New Identity and Purpose
Description: Being a Christian means embracing a new identity and purpose, grounded in the victory of Christ. We are called to live confidently and boldly, knowing that our foundation is secure in Him and our purpose is to proclaim His excellencies. This new identity transforms how we see ourselves and how we interact with the world. It empowers us to live with purpose and intentionality, reflecting the love and grace of God in all that we do. [39:39]
Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to embrace your new identity in Christ more fully? How can you live out your purpose with greater confidence and boldness today?
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Quotes
"Friends, that's exactly what it's like to be in Christ, to be a Christian. We claim a victory that someone else accomplished for us. And in 1 Peter 2, that's exactly what we see by the reality of what it means to be in Christ." [00:08:14]
"Christians have been given an important identity to accomplish a divine purpose. Christians have been given an important identity to accomplish a divine purpose. Let's look at this by learning two lessons. Back to verse four, first lesson. Jesus' identity is your foundation and comfort." [00:12:53]
"Jesus' identity is your foundation and comfort. Look back to verse four. As you come to him, a living stone. Now, what's remarkable here, look at the antecedent. What's antecedent? The previous now being talked about. It's actually verse three. He says, and if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good." [00:13:20]
"Friends, as we saw last week, verse three is clearly a reference. It literally is a copy and paste citation of Psalm 34, verse eight, which says, taste and see that the Lord is good. The Lord, Hebrew understanding Yahweh, God. What's remarkable here is that's the context of Hebrews 34, verse eight." [00:13:47]
"Yahweh in the Old Testament to be seen as Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The use of the Old Testament imagery here is significant because it demonstrates what is the true Yahweh is also true of Jesus Christ. He is God. Look how it identifies him as a living stone." [00:14:29]
"Friends, don't let it be lost on you that someone so divine, so perfect, so sinless was rejected by men. This is important for a number of reasons. Number one, there could be no greater sense of accomplishment as to a person or practice than Jesus. He is the perfect, sinless Son of God." [00:23:46]
"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. The connection to our text is to realize, friends, you have a sympathetic Savior who doesn't just understand temptation, but unlike us, who says yes to it at times, He has never said yes to temptation, therefore He is the sinless, qualified one, but like us, He also knows like to be rejected." [00:24:52]
"Jesus is the the stone as it says here the the living stone think about even psalm 118 a reference that would come even specifically later in a few verses but psalm 118 verse 22 says the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone peter the same person is writing this earlier in acts chapter 2 i said earlier meaning in history and earlier in the bible he's having a message if you will kind of like i'm doing with you but a crowd much larger than this and he speaking to primarily a jewish crowd and he cites this exact verse from psalm 118 then in that context you can see it for yourself in acts chapter 14 four describing the significance of what it meant the religious leaders rejecting jesus by crucifying him god made him the cornerstone and what's significant in psalm 118 is what jesus says himself in matthew 22 in fact would you do me a favor turn to matthew it's specifically 21 i said matthew 20 to go to matthew 20 and i'm going 21 you're like where is matthew what's not the person seated to your left or right it's a book in the bible named after a guy who's another follower of jesus matthew 21" [00:17:18]
"the first book and what's known as the new testament jesus is teaching different parables different stories to teach lessons specific about the kingdom of god see that in verse 31 the kingdom of god comes up again but follow along oh this is so awesome follow along as i read to you matthew 21 verse 33" [00:18:49]
"peter says all that's changed now you the church are that royal priesthood that holy priesthood reality realistically many of us particularly in the western context tend to individualize the notion of priesthood rather than seeing it on a community a group emphasis in the old testament of the 12 tribes only one of them the levites was qualified to represent the priest but even all all the other tribes were not qualified to represent the priest but even all the other all the other tribes were not qualified to represent the priest but even all the other of the levites were themselves not personally priests what's different though is instead of just picking some as he did with the people of israel so" [00:35:29]
"the 12 tribes god picks all of his people who are in christ to say that you are a holy priesthood all of god's people significance here is to recognize what it means to represent god of what he would say later in verse 9 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 of darkness and there's marvelous light let's say it differently when you have a conversation with one person as one person about jesus you are engaging in a conversation known as evangelism evangelism is essentially gospelizing a person telling them the good news that's what the word gospel means about jesus like i got bad news i got god i got good news bad news is i can relate to good news is i hope you can relate to if you believe in jesus that is proclaiming in fact the word proclaim here in verse 9 which we'll talk about in the coming weeks is the same word that means preach but the context here speaks about not the individual conversation but the communal conversation that the people are to proclaim so part of how we are functioning as a holy priesthood is how we are together in fact just to be a little bit more specific and less abstract consider this when we have break time or at the end of the service do you understand that that little minute of time those times gathered together we open up our homes later apartments later and we bring people and do you understand that our community has the potential to tell others about jesus and we bring people in do you understand that our community has the potential to tell others about jesus they will initially think the following this is a super extroverted group of people or man this is a really friendly group" [00:36:09]
"Christianity is fundamentally about knowing God who created you and who offers forgiveness and restoration to you by knowing who His Son is. The living stone by which all those who have believed in Him are being built on." [00:40:00]
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