Living Stones (1 Peter 2:4-11)

Have you ever tried to put together a jigsaw puzzle without knowing what the final picture looks like? You might have all the pieces in front of you, but without that guiding image, it’s almost impossible to know where each piece fits. Life can feel a lot like that puzzle—full of pieces that don’t seem to fit together, leaving us searching for our place and purpose.

Today, we’re going to talk about something that can give us that guiding image, that sense of clarity and direction we all crave. The apostle Peter, in his letter, offers us a powerful vision of who we are and why we’re here. He speaks of our identity as living stones, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s own possession. These aren’t just titles; they are keys to understanding our place in God’s grand design.

As we dive into 1 Peter 2:4-12, we’ll uncover how embracing this identity can bring solidity and purpose to our lives. It’s about discovering how each of us fits into God’s picture, how our lives can reflect His glory, and how we can find true meaning and direction. Let’s open our hearts to what God wants to reveal to us about who we are and why we’re here.

Embrace Your New Identity (1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10)

It's easy to feel insignificant in a world that often measures worth by achievements, possessions, or status. But God sees us differently. Through the apostle Peter, He gives us a powerful reminder of our true identity.

1 Peter 2:4–5 (ESV) — 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.

Living Stones

In 1 Peter 2:4-5, we read, "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 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." These words paint a vivid picture of who we are in Christ.

Peter wants us to know our identity. Our identity forms the bedrock of our daily habits and long-term pursuits. When we understand who we are in Christ, it transforms how we approach every aspect of our lives. This identity is not just a label; it's a call to live in a way that reflects our belonging to God.

First, Peter calls Jesus a "living stone," chosen and precious in the sight of God, despite being rejected by men. This description highlights both Jesus’ resilience and His vital role in God’s plan. Then Peter extends this metaphor to us, the believers, calling us "living stones." Just as Jesus is alive and essential, so are we, animated by the Spirit and integral to God's spiritual house.

Think about that for a moment. We are not just passive followers; we are active participants in what God is building. God granting us the same strength and vitality as Christ. Together, we form a spiritual house, a place where God's presence dwells. This is not a physical building made of bricks and mortar, but a living, breathing community of faith. Each of us is a crucial part of this structure, each one of us chosen and placed with care.

Perhaps to you this imagery seems significant, but it’s difficult to grasp. Think for a second about being a part of something bigger than yourself. A movement where every other person is trying to strengthen you and you are trying to strengthen every other person. Like ants coming together in water so that they can survive. Have you ever seen that? It’s like a team working together for a championship. All the people are selfless and they are clicking with one another. The ball is being moved down the field and into the goal.

Here, we see an image of a building, a spiritual house, that is growing and strengthening and becoming more beautiful. You might say, buildings don’t just grow, or become stronger or more beautiful. But each stone is working to be transformed into the image of Jesus. Together we grow. Together we represent the goodness and glory of our God. This isn’t your average, everyday building. This is the greatest structure to ever exist. It is rejected by men, but beautiful in God’s sight. Do you see yourself as a living part of it?

In this spiritual house, we find our collective identity. We are not isolated individuals on our own spiritual journeys; we are a community, interconnected and interdependent. This interconnectedness means that our faith is not just personal but communal. We draw strength and support from one another, and together, we reflect the glory of God more fully than we could alone.

Priests

Furthermore, Peter tells us in verse 5 that we are a "holy priesthood." In the Old Testament, priests had the special role of mediating between God and the people, offering sacrifices and prayers. Now, in Christ, every believer is part of this holy priesthood. This means that we all have direct access to God and the privilege of offering spiritual sacrifices. These sacrifices are not burnt offerings, but the daily acts of worship, service, and love that we perform in Jesus’ name. It could be building or creating something that will cost you time and energy, but it encourages someone else.

In the Old Testament, the priesthood was a select group set apart for specific duties in the temple. After saying we are the spiritual house, he clarifies for us what this house is all about. It’s God’s temple, the link between heaven and earth. We are the temple and we are the priests in the temple.

1 Peter 2:9–10 (ESV) — 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.

Then, in verses 9-10, Peter expands on our identity: "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." Here, he layers on even more descriptors to help us grasp the richness of our identity in Christ.

We are a chosen race, handpicked by God to be His own. This is not about ethnic background, but about God choosing to adopt us and provide us with mercy.

We are a royal priesthood, serving the King of Kings and a part of the royal family.

We are a holy nation, set apart for God's purposes. And we are a people for His own possession, treasured by Him.

Why has God bestowed this identity upon us? So that we might proclaim His excellencies. This is at the heart of a priests work. We are called to share the story of how God has brought us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. Our lives are meant to reflect His glory and goodness to a world that desperately needs to see it. Each one of us have been given that role and responsibility.

But it’s not a role we can fulfill individually. This communal identity calls us to engage with one another actively. We are called to support, encourage, and build each other up. In a world that often values independence and self-sufficiency, the church stands as a countercultural community where interdependence and mutual support are celebrated.

Have you embraced this identity as a chosen, holy, and royal priest? Embracing this identity transforms how we see ourselves and how we live each day. It means recognizing that we are more than our jobs, our achievements, or our struggles. We are again a part of something much greater than ourselves. We are priests, with the sacred duty of worship and service. We are chosen, royal, holy, and treasured.

So, take a moment to reflect on who you are in Christ. Write it down, remind yourself daily, and let this truth shape your thoughts, actions, and interactions. You are chosen and precious to God. Embrace this identity and let it transform every aspect of your life.

Live Out Your Identity with Holy Conduct and Service (1 Peter 2:11-12)

As we embrace our identity and engage in our united community, the next step is to live out this identity with holy conduct and service.

1 Peter 2:11–12 (ESV) — 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 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.

Peter begins by addressing us as "beloved," reminding us of our precious status before God. However, he is not ignoring the reality. He calls us "sojourners and exiles," highlighting that this world is not our final home. Our true citizenship is in heaven, and this perspective should shape how we live every day. As temporary residents on this earth, we are called to live differently from the world around us.

Peter urges us to "abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul." This is a call to holiness, a reminder that our spiritual journey involves a battle against sinful desires. These passions are not just minor distractions; they actively wage war against our souls. Therefore, we must be vigilant and intentional about living in a way that pleases God.

But holiness is not just about avoiding sin. Remember, it’s about embodying the love and service of our Cornerstone. True holiness sets us apart from the world by compelling us to serve and care for others genuinely, even our enemies.

He says, “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable.” In other words, our actions should be commendable and above reproach, especially in the eyes of those who do not share our faith. Our lives should be a testament to the transforming power of Christ, so much so that even if people speak against us, they will see our good deeds and ultimately glorify God. God’s righteousness is greater than the false righteousness of people around us. That should be what they see. We are people of integrity and love, no matter the consequences brought about to ourselves.

The Vision

Think about the early church as described in Acts 2:42-47. The believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. They shared their possessions, met together regularly, and supported one another in every way. This vibrant community life was not just a testament to their faith but also a powerful witness to the world around them. When the leaders were met with opposition, they stood firm in their beliefs. At the same time, they were entirely respectful of their persecutors and had an earnest desire that all would be saved, even those who were corrupted.

Now, imagine what our church could look like if we fully embrace this vision. Picture a community where everyone feels valued and connected, where no one stands alone. Imagine a church where our differences are not barriers but beautiful variations that enrich our unity. Think of a place where each person’s gifts and abilities are recognized and utilized, creating a dynamic and thriving community of faith.

In this future, our church becomes a beacon of hope and light in our community. People are drawn not just by what we say, but by the genuine love and unity they see among us. Our collective worship, service, and fellowship become powerful testimonies of God’s transformative power. We become known as a place where healing, support, and growth are available to all who seek them.

Our ministries would flourish as we work together, combining our resources and strengths. Everyone sacrificially giving of their time, money, and energy to make things happen like never before. We could reach more people, meet more spiritual needs, and make a greater impact. Our community outreach programs would expand, our worship services would be vibrant and Spirit-filled, and our discipleship efforts would bear much fruit.

What Can You Do?

Let’s commit to being actively involved in our church community. Join a small group, participate in service projects, attend fellowship events, and be intentional about building relationships with your fellow believers. Remember, each of us is a living stone, essential to the spiritual house God is building. When we come together, we create a strong, vibrant community that reflects God's love and serves as a beacon of hope to the world.

I know that most churches aren’t like that. Perhaps every church you have been to has a few people doing all the work and the rest just living out their individual lives. But that’s not the way the church was designed. It wasn’t designed to be separate. TOGETHER, we can create a future where our church embodies the love of Christ in every way. TOGETHER we can make a lasting difference in our lives and in the lives of those around us. This has to be our vision because this is our calling. Let’s embrace it wholeheartedly and watch as God transforms us and uses us to transform the world.

Our actions speak louder than our words. Don’t just think you will. Don’t just say you will. Don’t just make plans to do something. Get up and do it because that’s who you are.

I said it before and I’ll say it again. Our identity forms the bedrock of our daily habits and long-term pursuits. When we understand who we are in Christ, it transforms how we approach every aspect of our lives. This identity is not just a label; it's a call to live in a way that reflects our belonging to God. I’ve overcome quite a few sins in my life, and I give God all the credit and glory for my transformation. But He helped me do this one thing before I even knew it was a thing. He helped me believe that I’m not the person I used to be. I’m His and I’m here to serve him.

Goals

Think about the impact this would have on those around us and the generations to come. Change your identity and let that affect who you are. Then, watch as it affects everyone around you. They might not understand our faith at first, but they will see the difference it makes in our lives. Our honesty, kindness, patience, and generosity can break down barriers and open hearts to the message of the gospel.

Live As God’s Temple

Make it your goal to live out your identity in the coming week. Living out our identity with holy conduct means actively doing good and serving others. It’s about being a light in the darkness and showing the love of Christ in tangible ways. Peter emphasizes that our good deeds can lead others to glorify God. This is a powerful reminder that our actions have eternal significance. When we live out our faith authentically, we become ambassadors for Christ, reflecting His love and grace to a watching world. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, is a reflection of God's love.

When we see ourselves as God's chosen people, our habits begin to align with His values. Daily prayer, reading Scripture, and acts of kindness become natural responses to our understanding of who we are. Instead of seeing these practices as obligations, we view them as expressions of our identity. Our pursuits shift from seeking personal success and validation to seeking God's will and glorifying Him in all we do.

Live as God’s priests

We must also proclaim God's excellencies, as Peter mentions earlier in verse 9. Sharing our faith verbally and through our actions goes hand in hand. When people see the difference Christ has made in our lives, they are more open to hearing about the source of that transformation. What am I talking about? Am I talking about going out in the world and telling people how great your church is? No. I’m talking about telling people how great your Savior is. People don’t want to talk about church, but they will talk about Jesus. Share Jesus with everyone. Tell them how Jesus wants to bless them and forgive them for all they have done. He wants to provide them with an eternal living hope.

Reflect on your daily life. Are there areas where you can demonstrate holy conduct more clearly? Are there opportunities to serve others that you might be overlooking? Take a step of faith and let your light shine. Remember, your actions speak volumes and can lead others to glorify God.

What Does This Look Like?

Our feelings are deeply influenced by our sense of identity. When we know we are loved and valued by God, it changes how we perceive ourselves and our circumstances. Feelings of inadequacy, fear, and doubt are replaced by confidence, peace, and assurance. If we lose sight of that reality, those feelings creep in and paralyze us. We start to value the opinions of others more than our God. Our rejection becomes more than we can bear.

Consider how knowing we are God's treasured possession impacts our self-worth. In a world that often measures worth by external achievements and approval, our identity in Christ grounds us in a deeper, unchanging truth. We are loved not because of what we do, but because of who we are in Him. This truth guards our hearts and minds, enabling us to approach life's challenges with a sense of security and hope.

Our thoughts, too, are transformed by our identity in Christ. When we embrace our role as a holy priesthood, we begin to see ourselves and others through God's eyes. We cultivate a mindset that seeks to honor God in all things, fostering thoughts that are pure, loving, and true. As Paul writes in Romans 12:2, we are transformed by the renewing of our minds, and this renewal starts with understanding who we are in Christ.

Philippians 4:8–9 (ESV) — 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Reaching The Goal

Taking on the right identity in Christ is essential for living a fulfilled and purposeful life. Without this foundation, we can easily be swayed by the shifting standards and values of the world. But when we root our identity in Christ, we build our lives on a solid and eternal foundation.

Our identity has to be a strong influence over our goals and pursuits. It’s who we are. As we strive to live out our identity with holy conduct and service, let's support and encourage one another. We are in this together, and our collective witness is powerful. By holding each other accountable and lifting each other up, we can make a greater impact.

Let’s commit to living out our identity with holy conduct and fulfilling our role in the world through service. Let’s be known not just by our words but by our deeds, showing the world the love and grace of our Savior. This is our calling, and this is how we make a lasting difference.

In summary, our identity in Christ is foundational to every aspect of our lives. It shapes our habits, guides our pursuits, influences our thoughts and feelings, and provides us with a sense of purpose and stability. Embracing this identity is not just about understanding who we are; it's about living out that truth in a way that reflects the love and grace of our Savior. This is why it is so important for us to take on the right identity in Christ and let it transform every part of our lives.