Of Priests and Believers

 

ASK GOD TO SHOW YOU HOW YOU CAN BETTER LOVE OTHER PEOPLE.

 

 Read 1 Peter 1:1-2:11 once more.  Reflect on 1 Peter 2:1-6.

 

What do we need to get rid of in our lives (2:1)?  Based on the context of the book, what does Peter mean by “unadulterated spiritual milk” (2:2)?

 

 

I remember the first time I had coffee and it tasted odd.  It wasn’t that I disliked it; I just didn’t know what to think of it.  When we experience Jesus’ work in our lives, it’s often a lot like that:  At first, it’s unexpected and feels abnormal.  But over time, we experience Jesus’ kindness; we learn who he is and what he is all about (2:3; compare Psalms 34:8).

 

 

Read Matthew 21:33-46.  What do you think Peter means when he calls Jesus a “living stone” (1 Peter 2:4)?  Now read Matthew 7:24-27 and 1 Corinthians 3:16.  In what way are we a living house for God (1 Peter 2:5)?

 

 

Peter says that we are being formed into a spiritual house for “a holy priesthood”-meaning a priesthood that is “set apart for God.”  In Israel, the priesthood was charges with upholding the truths of how God desired to be worshipped.  These keepers of the temple were stewards of God’s work before his people.  By applying language used for the temple (see also 2:9), Peter shows that God’s ministry in ancient Israel continues for Christ-followers.  But rather than offering physical sacrifices, we now offer spiritual sacrifices with our actions through truly loving other people (even those we don’t agree with)-showing them the kind of sacrificial love that Christ has shown us.

 

 

Jesus is the stone that all people can rely and build their lives upon.  He is the center of our faith, our high priest (Hebrews 2:17; 3:1).  In what ways can you serve others on God’s behalf, more fully living your part in the priesthood of all believers in Jesus?

 

Reflect and pray through these questions throughout your week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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