Do Not Monkey With the String

In one paragraph

Pastor Jonathan walked through 1 Peter 2:4-12, pressing on what it means to come to Jesus as a living stone and to be built up, together, into a spiritual house. The session continued a study already underway in 1 Peter, picking up mid-argument from the previous week. Peter opens this section still addressing Christians who are already saved, already scattered, already under pressure. Coming to...

Read together

1. John 1:35-42 Andrew and Peter meeting Jesus, Peter given the name Cephas
2. John 1:1-5 the Word was with God, light shines in darkness, darkness did not comprehend it
3. Hebrews 10:11-14 one sacrifice for sins for all time, Christ sat down at the right hand of God
4. 1 Peter 2:4-12 the main passage of the sermon, living stones, chosen race, royal priesthood
5. Isaiah 28:16 I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious cornerstone, he who believes will not be disappointed
6. Psalm 118:22 the stone the builders rejected became the very cornerstone
7. Isaiah 8:14 a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense
8. Hosea 2 I will say to those who were not my people, you are my people
9. Hosea 14:9 closing benediction, the ways of the Lord are right, the righteous will walk in them but transgressors will stumble

Talk about it

1. Peter says we come to Jesus as a living stone that was rejected by men but is choice and precious in God's sight. Where do you see that rejection of Jesus playing out around you, and how does knowing God sees Him as precious change how you respond to it?
2. The sermon pointed out that the Greek verb 'being built up' can read either as God building His church or as the community building itself up together, and that both are true at the same time. What does it look like practically to put feet to your prayers and participate in what God is doing rather than waiting passively?
3. The cornerstone illustration described how moving the string even half an inch throws everything else out of line. Where are you tempted to adjust the standard rather than align yourself with it, and what has that cost you or others around you?
4. Four labels are given in the passage: chosen race, royal priesthood, holy nation, people for God's own possession. Which of those four feels least real or natural to you personally, and why do you think that is?
5. The sermon closed with the call to keep your behavior excellent among those outside the faith so that they observe your good deeds and glorify God. Who in your life right now is watching more than listening, and what do they see?