Life as a Rock

Life as a Rock: 1 Peter 2:4-12

A. Parents ever say, “Behave self. People know you’re a Davison. (Probably not) Never know who might see!? Hated that! Cuz found out too often – she was right! Now, as Xians - people are going to watch- living it?

B. Culture tells us Mr. XYZ – great Xian – just don’t catch him Sat night at the bar; Mr. ABC, great man – godly man – oughta hear how yells at his wife; Mrs. Soso – volunteers at home, fine woman – just don’t get on her bad side or she’ll destroy you w/ gossip.

a. Bumper sticker, think it was derogatory, but said, going to church = Christian, sitting in garage = car? Makes a point we can learn from.

b. Going to church, not cheating on wife, just being a good guy is not enough…for followers of Christ!

C. You and I - Xians, God’s people, need to remember exactly who we are as WE face life’s difficulties - & thru those difficulties & everyday living, live separate distinct lives so that we might draw people to God.

D. In Peter’s 1st epistle, written to Xians in modern-day Turkey, suffering earliest Roman pers. under Nero. Peter writes to remind them of just this fact. Keep going – eyes on prize…because of WHO you are in Christ; and, in doing so, bring some to God.

I. Peter reminds them who and whose they are.

A. He immediately compares them to Jesus. He says Christ was rejected but chosen. Vs 5 - “Also” associates us to what Christ went through. Rejected, Chosen – us, too. Makes this association because Christians get our very life from Him.

B. He says, “You now, as Christians are the very House of God. Living pieces of the spiritual house of God. More than that you are the priests now.”

1. This is language they could understand as Jews. They are no longer obligated to bring sacrifices – they are the priests of the spiritual temple – the church.

2. Under the Old Law, priests did all the sacrificing. Now you are all priests who may ALL worship.

3. For what purpose? To offer up spiritual sacrifices TO God via Jesus. Based on Jesus! Supports this idea of Christ’s centrality to this new life by quoting Is 28:16 – not be put to shame – not to be disappointed! Stay strong!

C. I am proud at Linder Road church of Christ. Peter reminds us of what better title we all have. Living participants in God’s spiritual house.

II. Peter contrasts the believers to, what he calls, the disobedient – (RD vs 7-9a)

A. Uses interesting language in this section. We have “…to you who believe, He is precious.”

1. Better - “In view of preciousness of Christ, that preciousness, (honor) transferred to you who believe.”

2. Isn’t that amazing!? Honor FROM God is available to believers.

3. Notice Peter equates belief with obedience. “To you who believe (and act upon it)…honor from God.”

B. But, we will also see plainly that there are consequences for unbeliever. To the disobedient… Peter again, in vs 7, quotes from OT - Psalm 118:22. This continues imagery of stone from 4/6 - rejected by builders.

1. Reject? What’s our definition? I think more of a quick basketball-type rejection. But, word really means “after close inspection, to cast aside.” What Jews did- Peter warns to not be like them.

2. Vs 8 – Peter quotes Is 8:14. Peter is emphasizing the ruin to those who don’t believe. Interesting that Peter says they “stumble” – they’re induced to sin in other words. How? Because they are disobedient to God’s word! Not that they’re predestined by God to be condemned – but Peter’s talking about the inevitable result of disobedience!

C. OK – enough Greek. But, got to share this w/ you: In Gk, 2 words for English contrasting coordinator “but” – I looked it up. Alla and de. I assumed this Alla – very strong change of pace in sentence. But no…this de. Word “you” rec’s emphasis! The people are now emphasis. [RD 8b-9a] Hear pride in Peter’s writing, the reassurance of who they are now in God’s eyes! This is vivid contrast to disobedient.

1. Calls them “chosen nation” (ASV) – “an elect race.” Obedient believers in Christ are God’s new chosen race of people.

2. We are a “royal priesthood.” Royal cuz you’re in family of king. Priests because you are worshippers.

3. “A holy nation” – An entire population set aside to serve God.

4. This may be best one – “His own special people”…God’s very own possession!

a. You know, KJV uses word “peculiar” – seems to us means we’re weirdos! But in many ways that’s an excellent word.

b. Because when we consider all these terms God uses to describe us, we see that we must possess a character that separates us from the world around us.

III. Peter makes a plea to the Pilgrims (RD 9b-12)

A. Peter says that, because of this incredible relationship we’re a part of, we should now proclaim…“Show forth” or even better – “to celebrate” the praises of God!

1. Remember, once weren’t anything – Eph 2:1 says you’re dead in sin – now you’re God’s own special people.

2. Once you had not obtained mercy – now you have mercy!” Celebrate the greatness of the God that gave you HOPE!

B. Peter says – and can’t you almost picture this, to those he cares so much about dealing with such difficulties – “I’m begging you – remember you’re just passing through. Please, live godly in spite of what’s happening to you. Live lives that make others notice. Stay away from the things that make you just like those around you.

1. Peter never uses soft language. WAR against your soul. Be godly! Why? When they see they will glorify God when given the opportunity.

2. You think we have it tough? People give you a hard time for attending assemblies? Consider this: 3rd cent. writer He HTertullian, in 210 said Xians blamed for natural disasters & thrown to lions. Pliny, another ancient writer records Xians accused of all sorts of superstitious, cannibalistic behavior (ate body and blood of this Jesus…).

3. Peter says, “No matter what – live godly lives! And the result? People will be drawn to God when the opportunity visits them.

C. Friend of mine preached in Greenbrier, AR. Daughter, Brianna, 8, into competitive ice skating, not go to meet on Wed night. Coach warned, “Hurt her chances of keeping spot on team.” Fine. Time went on, worked way back onto team, another meet out of town. Found congregation, stayed with family, worshipped with them, came to watch Brianna. True story – coach asked Bob afterward to know more about “his” church. Why tell you that? Why matter?

A. Because we’re priesthood, chosen race; people chosen by God… lives that draw people to God.

B. Are you? Is your life one that make someone say, “There must be something to this God you serve”?

Å If you feel like you need to make an adjustment to your life and bring your life back to God, we’ll sing a song of invitation for you to come up here and make your request known to God and this congregation.

Å If tonight may be the night that you would like to enter into God’s family by being immersed in baptism, the invitation is yours as well. If you have any need, come while we stand and sing.