We are living stones and a holy people!
Background to the Books of 1 & 2 Peter
The historical indications are that these two books of the Bible were written when the Apostle Peter was in Rome. Peter was writing to the Church, both Jew and Gentile converts that had been scattered through Asia through persecution. Paul was writing to those that were exiled in what today is known as Northwest Turkey.
Both letters are written in a very warm, loving and caring way.
Believing the Bible and putting it into practice – allowing it to change us.
1 Peter chapter 2 - ESV (the verses from 1 Peter 2 are in light italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in light, straight text with additional scriptures from other Bible books in bold italics)
Christian behaviour
1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
In verses 1 - 3 above Peter goes straight into telling us all the bad things we need to stop doing and saying in order to lead a loving, biblically correct life! These are things that we ll do or have done!
He tells us to put away all:
Malice: The Greek word for malice is ‘kakia’ (kak-ee-ah, Strong’s 2549) and its expanded meaning besides malice is, wickedness, spite, evil, viciousness and spite. This requires positive action to change on our part. It’s not what happens to you but how you respond to it that tests your mettle as a Christian!
Deceit: Greek word is ‘dolos’ (dol-os, Strong’s 1388) and it’s full meaning besides deceit is, treachery, to bait (somebody), trickery, guile and exploitation.
Hypocrisy: The Greek word is ‘hupokrisis’ (hoop-ok-ree-sis, Strong’s 5272) and the full meaning is, not practicing what you preach, expecting others to do what you will not, pretending to be something you are not, wearing a mask to cover up how you really feel, living a life of pretense.
Envy: The Greek word is ‘phthonos’ (fthon-os, Strong’s 5355) and its expanded meaning is, strong jealousy, spite, begrudging, displeasure when things go well for others, ill will towards others and bitter minded towards others.
Slander: The Greek word is ‘katalalia’ (kat-al-al-ee-ah, Strong’s 2636) and its expanded meaning is, evil-speaking, backbiting and defaming talk about others.
We need to watch how we talk to others and not to talk about each in a way that breaks down and doesn’t build up. Guard the tongue at all times or it will set you on fire!
James 3:6 (NIV)
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
We need to respond to all life's troubles events as Jesus would - in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Paul gives us a great reminder of this and tells us how it is done!
Romans 8:18 (NIV)
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Galatians 5:19-26 (NIV)
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Jesus, a living stone
4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
In verses 4 and 5 five Peter tells us that as Jesus is a living stone and God’s chosen one so we, His Church, are living stones too, that when built upon by Jesus becomes a spiritual ‘house’. We become a holy priesthood and that as we offer ourselves to Jesus and He becomes our Lord and Saviour, we become acceptable to God. It is through Jesus and Him alone that we are able to enter God’s presence to present ourselves to Him as a living sacrifice of worship!
Romans 12:1 (NLT)
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
6 For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
8 and
“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
In verses 6, 7 and 8 Peter quotes from three Old Testament scriptures. Verse 6 is from Isaiah 28:16, verse 7 is from Psalm 118:22 and verse 8 is from Isaiah 8:14.
In each of these verses the word ‘stone’ is used, and this word ‘stone’ is talking about Jesus the living stone upon which the New Testament Church is going to be built!
Verse 6 tells us that this stone is the cornerstone (Isaiah 28:16) that will hold the Church together. In modern building techniques the cornerstone is the stone upon which all the other bricks are alligned in order to make a solid and lasting building. Isaiah also describes this stone (Jesus) as chosen and precious just as Peter does in verse 4 of our text!
And to this very day this stone, Jesus, is still a stumbling block to mankind because of their unbelief. In today’s world, just as when Jesus walked the earth, people do not believe in Him or the Bible.
When we have Jesus we will never be shaken - He is a sure foundation, the cornerstone of the Church!
Today, even many who call themselves Christians are very selective in their belief, they do not believe all the Bible or consider it just allegorical or only believe what suits them. These people are not truly born again they are not true Christians!
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
In verse 9 and 10 we, the true Church of Jesus Christ, are assured of these things:
In verse 11 Peter urges us as foreigners in this world, we are in the world but not of the world, to stop indulging in the things of the flesh, the sinful passions of the flesh that lead our souls astray!
12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
In verse 12 Peter commands us, as we live in a fallen world, to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of Jesus so that unbelievers will see His goodness in us which will bring glory to God!
Submission to Authority
13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
In verses 13 – 17 Peter tells us to submit ourselves to all ruling authorities for it is the will of God, and to continue to do good in Christ Jesus so that the ignorance of the unbeliever, those that watch us and point fingers at us, will be silenced!
We are told to live as people who have freedom in Christ Jesus but to ensure that we do not use our freedom to cover up evil – no sin can be hidden from God! We are to live as true servants of God, obeying His Word and being led by the Holy Spirit so that we bring glory to Jesus! We are to honour everyone, love our brothers and sisters in Christ and fear God.
Be respectful to everyone
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
In verses 18 and 19 Peter again urges us to be submissive to those in authority over us. Whether they be governing authorities, work-place bosses, law enforcement officers or our Church leadership. In fact, in our local congregations we are told quite clearly to submit ourselves to each other out of reverence for Christ!
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that by your Holy Spirit, you would strengthen me to endure life’s sufferings and to keep my eyes on you for you are the author and perfecter of my faith. Help me Lord, to put the needs of others before my own! Help me Lord to work out my salvation with fear and trembling. Amen.
Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!
Today, even many who call themselves Christians are very selective in their belief, they do not believe all the Bible or consider it just allegorical or only believe what suits them. These people are not truly born again they are not true Christians!
Psalm 62:1-2 (NLT)
1 I wait quietly before God,
for my victory comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will never be shaken.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
In verse 9 and 10 we, the true Church of Jesus Christ, are assured of these things:
- We are a chosen race – new creations
- We are a royal priesthood
- We are a holy nation – the Kingdom of God
- We belong to God alone
- We are called out of darkness into His light so thay we can proclaim His excellence
- Once we were nothing, but now we are God’s people
- Once we received no mercy – now we receive mercy
In verse 11 Peter urges us as foreigners in this world, we are in the world but not of the world, to stop indulging in the things of the flesh, the sinful passions of the flesh that lead our souls astray!
John 17:14-16 (NIV)
14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
In verse 12 Peter commands us, as we live in a fallen world, to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of Jesus so that unbelievers will see His goodness in us which will bring glory to God!
Philippians 1:27-28 (NIV)
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.
Submission to Authority
13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
In verses 13 – 17 Peter tells us to submit ourselves to all ruling authorities for it is the will of God, and to continue to do good in Christ Jesus so that the ignorance of the unbeliever, those that watch us and point fingers at us, will be silenced!
We are told to live as people who have freedom in Christ Jesus but to ensure that we do not use our freedom to cover up evil – no sin can be hidden from God! We are to live as true servants of God, obeying His Word and being led by the Holy Spirit so that we bring glory to Jesus! We are to honour everyone, love our brothers and sisters in Christ and fear God.
Be respectful to everyone
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
In verses 18 and 19 Peter again urges us to be submissive to those in authority over us. Whether they be governing authorities, work-place bosses, law enforcement officers or our Church leadership. In fact, in our local congregations we are told quite clearly to submit ourselves to each other out of reverence for Christ!
Not one of us should consider ourselves greater than another as we are all equal in the eyes of God. We have different functions but we are all loved by God the same. We should be looking to serve others, putting their needs before our own, just as Jesus did when He hung on the cross for us!
We have been called to suffer!
20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
In verse 20 – 25 Peter paints a picture for us that at first seems a grim tale of Christian suffering. But let’s have a look at what a Christian’s suffering means to God.
Right, verse 20, when we sin, we deserve to be disciplined by God but when we suffer for doing good, as Jesus did, it is a gracious thing in the eyes of God. This means we aren’t being punished but rather it means that God will pour out His grace and mercy upon us – what a great position to be in!
Verses 21-25, we have been called to suffer because Christ suffered for us as an example for us to follow in His steps. He too was not deserving of suffering as he committed no sin, and no deceit was found in him.
Jesus did not retaliate in any way!
No matter what was happening Jesus did not retaliate in any way, He continued to trust in God the Father even to death on the cross. This is the example that we His Church are commanded to follow for it is the path of salvation and eternal life, the highway of God’s perfect love!
Because Jesus died for our sin, we become righteous in the sight of God. Because He died for us, we are healed!
Verse 25, we had gone astray but Jesus bought us back with His own life – He paid the price for our sin – He ransomed us from the grasp of the devil, we are now under His care as He is the shepherd of our souls! Amen!
Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
We have been called to suffer!
20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
In verse 20 – 25 Peter paints a picture for us that at first seems a grim tale of Christian suffering. But let’s have a look at what a Christian’s suffering means to God.
Right, verse 20, when we sin, we deserve to be disciplined by God but when we suffer for doing good, as Jesus did, it is a gracious thing in the eyes of God. This means we aren’t being punished but rather it means that God will pour out His grace and mercy upon us – what a great position to be in!
Verses 21-25, we have been called to suffer because Christ suffered for us as an example for us to follow in His steps. He too was not deserving of suffering as he committed no sin, and no deceit was found in him.
Jesus did not retaliate in any way!
No matter what was happening Jesus did not retaliate in any way, He continued to trust in God the Father even to death on the cross. This is the example that we His Church are commanded to follow for it is the path of salvation and eternal life, the highway of God’s perfect love!
Because Jesus died for our sin, we become righteous in the sight of God. Because He died for us, we are healed!
Verse 25, we had gone astray but Jesus bought us back with His own life – He paid the price for our sin – He ransomed us from the grasp of the devil, we are now under His care as He is the shepherd of our souls! Amen!
James 1:2-3 (NIV)
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
It is our responsibility to follow Jesus in every way!
The testing of our faith produces perseverance!
Dear Heavenly Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that by your Holy Spirit, you would strengthen me to endure life’s sufferings and to keep my eyes on you for you are the author and perfecter of my faith. Help me Lord, to put the needs of others before my own! Help me Lord to work out my salvation with fear and trembling. Amen.
To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!
Jesus the Name above all names!
Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!
Thank you, Ray - Jesus is indeed the chief cornerstone, the foundation of the Christian fathom the church and the lives of all true believers. How many of us start our day building it on breakfast, the latest news report and the frustrations a drive to work instead of the rock of Christ?!
ReplyDeleteThank you Brother Ray, it is insightful and clear to understand God´s will, God bless you always
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