As followers of Christ, we are part of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession. We were not a people and we had not received mercy but now through Christ, we are God’s people who have received mercy. We are also living stones built on the cornerstone of Christ to be the dwelling place of the Lord. In these verses, Peter continues to lay out our identity in Christ rooted in our salvation.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
What are Christians called to put away and what are Christians called to desire?
Read 2:1 in the NIV. How does this section of the text start? Why do you think Peter starts this way?
Why does Peter encourage the elect exiles to live differently from other Gentiles?
HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
How are believers described in verses 9 and 10? How does this list convict and encourage you?
In the Old Testament (and time before Jesus), God dwelled in the temple. In this passage, Peter describes that believers are part of God’s new spiritual house or temple. How does Christ complete the spiritual house and enable us to have any part in it?
HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
Peter brushes formalistic religion aside by focusing our hope on a person: “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious ” (v. 4). Are you ever tempted to do the opposite, sliding into formalistic religion instead of pursuing a Christ-centered faith?
How are you or can you and all of SMR Waltham “proclaim the excellencies” of God in your own mission field? What “dark-to-light” changes are occurring in your heart and life that you could share with your neighbors or coworkers?