What does it look like to be the church? That’s a question I hope we are going to answer today as we continue into the deep dive of our sermon series, ‘Living Hope’ by Pastor Joel. He started out this sermon by asking the question then he reminded us of who Jesus is, the cornerstone. Take a gander.
Jesus is the:
- living water
- living sacrifice
- living hope
- living Word of God
- living stone – the cornerstone
Thanks for the reminder, Pastor Joel. I need this reminder as I face tough days. Jesus can handle anything I face.
The Living Stone and a Chosen People
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”[b]
7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
“The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”[c]
8 and,
“A stone that causes people to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.”[d]
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:4-10
The apostle Peter quotes the prophet Isaiah throughout his letters. Following is an example:
Isaiah 43:10, “10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.”
God, Creator of heaven and earth is the only God that ever was, is, and will be!
Let’s break down what Peter is saying about the stone.
We are to build our foundation on the rock. We get to be a part of the building, the church. Remember the church is not an actual building, but the people. Jesus wasn’t a piece of rock on the ground as we know rock.
Jesus confirms to his disciples who he is. Look at Matthew 16:15-18.
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[a] and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[b] will not overcome it.”
Peter – Petros, little rock
In the pastor’s opinion, “what Jesus is referring to when he says on this rock he will build his church, Jesus isn’t referring to Peter, but to himself. On himself, he will build his church. Jesus is the rock, the cornerstone.”
Are we a building block or a stumbling block?
From rocks to priests
For believers in Christ, we have been given a new name. We have been chosen. We are royal, holy, and set apart for a purpose.
What should we do with what we have been called to do? What does 1 Peter 2:9 declare?
“declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
So, what would people say of you?
Who are we and whose are we?
Are you declaring the Lord’s praises today or have you completely forgotten whose you are?
We can learn a lot from Peter. Until next time, draw closer to the Lord. Days are growing darker. Keep looking for the light, the cornerstone, that is Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Sermon Snippets – Living Hope – Be Holy 1 Peter 1:13-25
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