1 Peter 2:5
“You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”
Peter describes Christians as Living Stones. This simple phrase reveals the miraculous nature of our salvation. Individuals can no more have their sins forgiven than a stone can come to life. However, what is impossible with men, is possible for God. We, who are dead in sin, are made alive through faith in Christ. Peter adds to the miracle of salvation by explaining, once we have been made alive, we now have a divine purpose, “we are being built up a spiritual house.” God is shaping us into the people He created us to be, that we might experience abundant life and have an impact upon others, for the kingdom of heaven. We, who were once without God and without hope in this world, have been made alive and given a life of purpose. How should we respond ?
“. . . to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
Peter explains that one of the primary purposes of our life, is to offer up spiritual sacrifices that have been approved by God. In other words, there are things God desires in return for the salvation He has freely given. First, we are told to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. This is done when we willingly surrender ourselves to Christ, and seek to live in accordance with His Word. A living sacrifice is one who reads the Bible and does what it says. Peter goes on to speak of abstaining from fleshly lusts, obeying authority, and following after the example of Christ. The living sacrifice looks to the Word, and seeks to put these things into practice in his life. Are there any fleshly lusts you have been toying with, instead of abstaining from? Perhaps your eyes have been looking, your lips speaking, or you ears hearing, things that they shouldn’t be. The right thing to do, as a living stone, is offer yourself back to God.
Another acceptable spiritual sacrifice is worship. Worship falls into at least three categories, and we should be consistently involved in all three. First, we worship God for who He is. No matter what our circumstances might be, God has not changed, and He is worthy of praise for being God. The Bible describes Him as dwelling in unapproachable light, being surrounded by companies of angels that declare His holiness and majesty. We should join Heaven’s chorus and offer praise. Second, we worship God for what He has done. When life hits us hard, we are able to look back to the cross where the Son of God died for us. We look at His bleeding hands and feet, and we are reminded of His love for us; a love that understands our weakness and knows our pain. Looking to the cross will fill us with faith, enabling us to press forward, despite the trials. Finally, we worship because of what He promises to do. The Bible is filled with promises for the child of God. Each of them stronger than any obstacle in our way. We must learn to look to the promises and to cling to them. Paul, referring to the promises of God, said they were all “yes and amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20), meaning that every promise of God is certain to come true.
Christian, it is time to offer up spiritual sacrifices, no matter what you are facing, give God your highest praise.
Pastor Jim
Questions for 1 Peter 2
1. What things are listed that we need to “lay aside” in our lives?
2. We are compared to “living stones” in verse 5. Who is our Chief Cornerstone?
3. Peter says to you who believe and to you who are disobedient. What benefits are listed for each?
4. You are chosen of God, yes He chose YOU! Dwell on verses 9-10, what do these verses mean to you?
5. Sojourners and pilgrims are people on a journey; they have not yet reached their home. If you have confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior, this is you! This world is not your home. On this journey, we are told to abstain from something the world is constantly tempting us with (verse 11). What do you need to lay at the Lords feet right now?
6. Verse 12, what brings glory to God?
7. Ever wondered what the will of God is for your life? Here is one of many verses that speak clearly, verses 13-17. Now that you know, do you need to make changes in your life?
8. The remaining of this chapter is also beneficial in our employee/employer relationships. How can this attitude reflect Jesus at your workplace? If you struggle in this area, today is the day to allow God to speak to you and fill you with His Spirit. Will you allow Him to make the changes needed?
Old Testament:
Jeremiah 39- Competition
Jeremiah 40- Seek Counsel
Jim Gallagher 