Encouragement: The Living Stone

Encouragement for Foreigners: Message Four

1 Pt. 2:1-10

ETS: Peter informed the readers of the Living Stone and the effect it has in their life.

ESS: We should respond to the Living Stone, Jesus Christ.

OSS: Evangelistic, supportive

PQ: What contrasts can we observe in this text?

UW: Contrasts

The call to action (vv. 1-3)

> Rid self of fleshly attitude and desires.

> Long for the pure milk of Word

The stone (vv. 4-10)

> Focus is on vv. 6-10

> V. 5: Notice** The recipients are not being built on the foundation of the living stones, but as living stones themselves! (Michaels)

> The contrast is based on how people respond to the stone:

For those who believe: honor

For those not believing: stumbling and shame

> vv. 9-10: Shows the significance of God’s living hope for ALL people, no matter their geographical origin or their ethnicity. Also, the hint of Hosea 2 is important.

Conclusion: God has decisively placed Jesus as the Cornerstone, the one who brings to us salvation. It is up to us how we respond.