Sermon Tone Analysis

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. /*

© /Transition//:/ Look over at our text and listen to verses 4-6.

(*RD)*

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.

© */Transition/*/: /

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.

© /Transition:/ What do we do with the honor?

Peter, tell us why God did this.

So, he does…

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!