Is He precious to you?
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Set Apart: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
Set Apart: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 2:1-12
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 2:1-12
Summary: This passage emphasizes our transformation in Christ, calling us to abandon sin and embrace our identity as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, highlighting the preciousness of Christ as the cornerstone of our faith.
Application: This message will encourage Christians to live out their identity in Christ by rejecting sinful behaviors and embracing the holiness that has been bestowed upon them. It provides practical steps for daily living in a way that reflects their status as God’s chosen people.
Teaching: Believers are encouraged to understand their identity in Christ as both precious and set apart for His purposes. They are reminded that holiness is not just a call to moral perfection, but a call to be distinct in a world that often opposes God’s values.
How this passage could point to Christ: This theme points to Christ as the living stone, the cornerstone of faith, upon which believers’ identities are built. Throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament prophecies to the fulfillment in the New Testament, Jesus is shown to be central to God’s plan for His holy people.
Big Idea: As followers of Christ, we are called to live in holiness, reflecting our precious relationship with Him and our identity as a people set apart for God’s glory.
Recommended Study: Consider examining the Greek terms for 'living stone' and 'holy nation' in Logos, exploring their implications and how they relate to ancient Israel's identity. Look at commentaries that cover the cultural context of Peter's audience to better understand the call to holiness amidst persecution. Finally, analyze cross-references to the Old Testament Scriptures that inform Peter's teaching to enrich your sermon.
1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
1. Craving the Word
1. Craving the Word
1 Peter 2:1-3
You could start by exploring how these verses set the stage for living a holy life by encouraging believers to put away all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. This cleansing is essential as they long for spiritual nourishment like newborn infants crave milk. Emphasizing this could help believers understand the foundational step in setting apart their lives for Christ is to hunger for spiritual growth. Perhaps this point could stress the importance of longing for pure spiritual milk to grow up in salvation. This desire for growth reflects our relationship with Christ, who nurtures us.
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
A baby’s growth and development hinge on the nutrients that milk offers the body as it grows, so God’s Word contains the spiritual nutrients in which we as God’s children need for our spiritual growth and development.
In ancient cultures, the significance of milk for newborns was paramount. Many societies viewed milk not just as food, but as a divine sustenance. For instance, in the Hebrew culture, it was often referred to as 'the land flowing with milk and honey', symbolizing abundance and nourishment. This imagery transcended mere physical nourishment; it represented God's provision and care. Just as milk is essential for the growth of a newborn, God’s Word is essential for the spiritual growth of believers.
In medieval Europe, midwives were celebrated for their role in nurturing infants, often emphasizing the importance of mother's milk over alternatives. The phrase 'milk of human kindness' emerged from this era, highlighting the nurturing qualities associated with breast milk. As the lifeblood for newborns, it was believed that the mother's wellness directly affected her milk's value. This historical perspective reminds us that faith, like milk, is the sustenance needed for spiritual maturity.
In ancient Egypt, milk was considered sacred and a symbol of the goddess Hathor, who represented motherhood and fertility. Pharaohs often connected their authority and divine right to rule with their ability to nourish their subjects, much like a mother nurturing her child with milk. This speaks to the role of leaders in churches today, who must provide for and nurture their congregations just as mothers do for their children, guiding them with care and wisdom.
2. Constructed on the Cornerstone
2. Constructed on the Cornerstone
1 Peter 2:4-5
Maybe delve into the imagery of coming to Christ as the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious to God. Here, believers are built up as a spiritual house and are called to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices. This section highlights the communal aspect of holiness as believers are part of a larger, interconnected spiritual house. Focusing on these verses could demonstrate how Christ strengthens our individual and collective identity as a holy nation. You might stress that each believer is integral in building God’s spiritual home through holiness and service.
In ancient construction, the chief cornerstone was essential for a building's stability and alignment. Without it, walls would crumble, and structures would fail. It is the very stone in which every other stone fabricated would be modeled and checked to determine it’s accuracy and integrity.
The significance of the chief cornerstone determined whether a structure would survive the stresses of the building, elements, and other forces applied to it. It is called the chief cornerstone because it links two wall structures and is the first stone laid in construction.
22 The stone which the builders refused Is become the head stone of the corner.
How many stones does it require to construct a building?
A lot. The church is a building constructed by each person representing one of these stones fashioned after the chief cornerstone.
3. Cornerstone of Faith
3. Cornerstone of Faith
1 Peter 2:6-8
Explore how you could interpret the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Jesus, the cornerstone. These verses articulate how those who trust in Him will never be put to shame, while those who reject Him stumble. Perhaps pointing out the dual response to Christ’s identity might resonate with your audience, emphasizing the importance of setting Christ as the foundation of their lives. Highlighting Christ's role reinforces the call to live distinctively. This point reinforces the necessity of unwavering faith in Him, and how rejection ultimately leads to spiritual ruin.
Mathematicians have calculated the probability of one person fulfilling just eight of the many prophecies concerning the Messiah. The odds are staggering: 1 in 10 to the 17th power, or 100 trillion. To visualize this, imagine covering the entire state of Texas with silver dollars two feet deep, marking one of them, and blindfolding someone to try to find it on the first try. This illustrates the incredible reality of Jesus fulfilling over 300 prophecies.
Imagine a group of 10 people, each predicting 10 different future events about a person. Statistically, it's improbable that even one would come true, let alone the dozens fulfilled by Jesus—covering everything from His birthplace to His betrayal. Each fulfilled prophecy serves as a testament to Jesus's identity as the promised Messiah, instilling faith based on historical reliability rather than mere chance.
4. Chosen for a Purpose
4. Chosen for a Purpose
1 Peter 2:9-10
These verses describe the identity change for believers as a chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation, and God’s special possession. Considering this, you could encourage your audience to embrace and live out this identity. Underscore that being set apart means living differently to declare God’s praise for being called out of darkness. Stressing how identity informs actions could foster a deeper commitment to holy living that showcases God’s transformative work. This point might highlight the privilege and responsibility that comes with being part of God’s people through Christ.
What does the word ‘peculiar’ mean here in this context?
It means a purchased possession.
We have been purchased by Jesus Christ and are the now the ‘purchased people’. Bought out of slavery to sin and purchased into freedom in Christ.
Why then were we purchased? What is our purpose?
To point others to Jesus Christ that they may find freedom in Christ.
What is the result of someone who is bought out of slavery?
Their life changes dramatically. It is transformed.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
When a person is bought out of slavery, they are essentially redeemed or liberated from their previous condition of bondage. This concept is rooted in biblical narratives, where God is described as redeeming the Israelites from slavery in Egypt[1]. In Christian theology, Christ is seen as having "bought" or "redeemed" people through his sacrifice, which is likened to paying a price to free someone from slavery[2]. However, this redemption is not simply a release into complete freedom, but rather a transfer of allegiance to a new master - in this case, to God or Christ[2][3]. This new relationship is described as both liberating and carrying responsibilities[2]. It's important to note that this redemption is viewed as an act of benevolence, lifting people into better circumstances[1][3]. The redeemed are expected to serve their new master willingly, not out of compulsion but out of gratitude for their liberation[3][4].
[1] Anton Wessels, The Torah, The Gospel, and The Qur’an: Three Books, Two Cities, One Tale, trans. Henry Jansen (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2013), 84.
[2] Bruce B. Barton, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Jude, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 1995), 184–185.
[3] John Goodwin and John D. Wagner, Redemption Redeemed: A Puritan Defense of Unlimited Atonement (Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stock, 2004).
[4] Roy E. Ciampa and Brian S. Rosner, The First Letter to the Corinthians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2010), 325.
5. Conversation of Holiness
5. Conversation of Holiness
1 Peter 2:11-12
These concluding verses exhort believers to abstain from sinful desires and live honorably among non-believers, so they may see their good deeds and glorify God. You could use this as a launchpad for discussing practical holiness lived out in a secular society. Possibly emphasize the testimony of good works, which reflects on Christ who first demonstrated the ultimate good. This point may encourage believers to continually align their conduct with their divine calling, impacting the world positively and leading others to glorify God through their lives.
What does the word ‘strangers’ mean?
Foreigner.
We are foreigners in this world, on a pilgrimage to be with the Lord.
How do foreigners act when we meet them?
Strange and often very different from us.
What does the word ‘honest’ mean here in this context?
It means honorable, noble, or worthy of recognition.
The word conversation refers to our manner of life.
We are therefore to have a manner of life which is worthy of recognition for the Lord.
We are to live as strangers, not as weirdos but as one who has a life that is upstanding and different from the normal world we are currently living in as God’s people.
Look here is the real message of this lesson:
Look in 1 Peter 2:3
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
Have you tasted that the Lord is gracious?
Then look at 1 Peter 2:7
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
Is He precious to you?
You should draw a line between the word ‘gracious’ in verse 3 and the word ‘precious’ in verse 7, because if you have tasted that the Lord is gracious, then He ought to be precious to you.
In fact until Jesus becomes precious to you, there will be craving for God’s Word, there will be desire to be constructed like the chief cornerstone, there will be no purpose in your life, there will be no conversation of holiness.
See the root of the issue of holiness is not simply a life of strict discipline in which we strive to better ourselves to gain an advantage in this world. The plant of holiness that will blossom into a life that is flourishing and radiant is rooted in Jesus Christ and unless He is precious, there will never be a desire for growth.
Our son needs milk to grow and develop, but until he desires it, he will not benefit from the nutrients it provides. Until we desire Jesus, we won’t benefit from the spiritual nutrients we are lacking. But first, He must be precious to us.
On Sunday, February 14, 1904, Florrie Evans, a young Welsh girl from New Quay, Cardigan, publicly declared at a church meeting that she loved Jesus with all her heart. That testimony had an unusually powerful effect that led others immediately to dedicate their lives to Christ, and news of that event spread throughout western Wales. This event helped spark what we now know as the Welsh Revival.
