1 Peter 2.4-10_Experience Belonging
Sections, Scripture Passages, Quotes
v4, 7 – The Church – Jesus the Foundation
Oh praise the greatness of our God!He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just – Deuteronomy 32:3-4
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his how on the rock – Matthew 7:24
The people of God are a Holy temple, united to Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone. Two main emphasis shape this section. As God’s dwelling-place, the church has both a status (who) and a ministry (what). – Edmund Clowney
The Church – Who we are
*v4 Chosen & Precious; v7not be put to shame
*A Chosen Race
The triune God offers a no-shame identity and a no-fear solidarity in the household of God. But Western believers struggle with this God-given reality. We are steeped in individualism and personal autonomy. We are little chiefs with multiple tribal identities: family, school, work, sports, hobbies, church, friends, and entertainment. We are overcommitted, overworked, and overbusy. Competitive individualism leaves us empty and easily overwhelmed. – Douglas Webster
*A Royal Priesthood
*Holy Nation
“Identity politics is front and center and it’s dominating our conversations…Every Christians primary identity is our as a citizen of Christ’s kingdom…Regardless of what nation or tribe we’re from, all of our secondary identifications must be subservient to our membership in God’s royal family. This means that we prioritize emulating Jesus and living by his commands, even at the cost of our secondary identities…If you identify as a Democrat or a Republican, you should consider yourself a Christian Democrat or Christian Republican. A Christian with a secondary political identity aligns all of their political practices with Scripture.” Chuck Ryor
*A People for his own possession…God’s people
The Church – What we do
Offer Spiritual Sacrifices acceptable to God
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do no neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. – Hebrews 13:15-16
Proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light