Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Text -

Title - The Pilgrim’s Journey: Becoming a Temple of Praise

Series - Part 3C, 1 Peter: A Message of Hope of Pilgrims

Introduction

Textual Analyses

2 action words

offer up spiritual sacrifices -

proclaim the praises -

Peter introduced Christ as the “stone” of prophecy:

chief cornerstone - - with which God laid the foundation of the spiritual house for Himself

rejected stone that became the chief cornerstone -

stone of stumbling and rock of offense -

Peter also introduced God’s purpose in the body of believers to build a spiritual house and a holy priesthood, with Christ as the Foundation and and Chief Cornerstone ()

his flow of thought looks back to 3 important discourses made by the Lord Jesus Christ:

- where Christ revealed His plan to build His church

- Jesus quoted and announced that the kingdom will be taken from Israel and given to “a nation” that will produce the fruits.

- where Jesus said that “the rocks would cry out” if the disciples were to be silenced from praising God

Peter’s Main Idea

Despite the troubles that Christians receive from the unbelieving world, God is intent on building a spiritual house of praise, as prophesied in Scripture, through the lives of His people, through whom God will be greatly magnified.

God’s Intent in the Text

Main Points

How can we become the spiritual house that God wants us to be?

We must recognize Christ as the Living Stone

He was “rejected by men”

according to prophecy - ;

fulfilled -

He was “chosen by God”

He is “precious”

precious - to be highly respected or revered

1

Living Stone - because He was the person who fulfilled the “stone” of prophecy

Isaiah 28.16

He was a “tried” stone - tested and overcame!

He was precious - being the Only Begotten Son of God

He was a sure foundation - being found faithful and obedient to the Father’s will

.6

Jesus was also “chosen” - foreordained to this purpose before the foundation of the world

1 Peter 2.7

To the believer, Jesus is “precious” - highly respected or revered

To the disobedient, Jesus is the “rejected stone”

1 Corinthians 1.23-25

We must come to Christ as Living Stones

Living stones - just like Christ is a Living Stone

because the building blocks of God’s house today are humans

Living Stones - because God can only use materials of the same quality as the Foundation Stone

Living stones - because we are becoming “like Him” in this new birth

As He is, so are we in this world -

only living stones can become a spiritual house for God

Living Stones - because you have believed!

1 Peter 2.7-9

As living stones we share the following characteristics

Living Stones - because you are birthed

chosen generation - the elect who were birthed into this world

royal priesthood - kings and priests to God

holy nation - a holy human race

- a nation bringing forth the fruits

God’s own special people - belonging to, and owned by, God

once not a people - before Christ came we did not exist as a people

before God called Abraham, no Israel people existed

now the people of God!

THE POINT IS -

Living stones - because we are becoming “like Him” in this new birth

THE PEOPLE OF GOD ARE ALIVE

We must assume the responsibilities of the Holy Priesthood

The royal priesthood has 2 primary responsibilities:

To offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God -

spiritual sacrifices

instead of animal blood - the precious blood of the Lamb of God

instead of

acceptable sacrifices

Philippians 4.18

To proclaim the excellencies of God who called them from darkness to light -

praises - excellencies

Hebrews 13.15-16

declare the excellent works of God in your life!

Mark 5.

THE POINT IS -

THE CHURCH MUST BE A PLACE WHERE THE WORKS OF GOD IS DECLARED SO THAT THOSE WHO HEAR MAY GLORIFY GOD!

THE CHURCH MUST EMPHASIZE ON THE PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORKS, NOT ON THE SATISFACTION OF PEOPLE’S DESIRES.

Conclusion

God demands praise from the works of His hands.

THE GREATEST WORK OF GOD IS THE CREATION OF THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, THE HOLY NATION!

THEREFORE, TRUE EXALTATION OF GOD

BEGINS WITH THE WORKS OF CHRIST,

GOES THROUGH THE BELIEVER’S LIFE, AND

ENDS WITH THE PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORK IN AND BY THE CHURCH.

God wants to be worshipped in every facet of our lives, in this pilgrim journey.

when you’re sick, tired, depressed, lonely, worried… praise Him! Worship Him!

when you’re in the battle field, facing demons… praise Him! Worship Him!

when you’re celebrating, having a good time, enjoying success… praise Him! Worship Him!

READ -

SONGS

You Deserve the Glory (chorus)

“For You are great, You do miracles so great...”

In Christ Alone (chorus)

“In Christ alone I place my trust...”

Praise the Lord

Great Is Thy Faithfulness (chorus)