SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 2 

KEY POINTS TO PONDER: 1) Our obedience to God is a response to His love for us (vv. 1-3). 2) We are saved to serve (v. 9). 3) Proper, biblically-oriented submission is one way we demonstrate godly character amidst suffering. 4) Christians are to suffer for doing right, not what is wrong (vv. 19-20). 

CHALLENGING TERMS: Living stone and stone of stumbling is a reference to Christ as the cornerstone or foundation of God’s plan to restore us back to him. This was accomplished through Jesus’ rejection. To every human being, Christ is either the means of salvation if they believe (living stone), or the means of judgement if they reject the gospel (stone of stumbling). A royal priesthood consists of those who come to Jesus collectively and who make up the figurative house of believers offering their lives up to do God-honoring works on his behalf. The word “submission” can have negative connotations in our culture. Christians are to live the type of life that makes their lives attractive to others. Christians accomplish this by living lives of submission to God ordained authority providing it doesn’t compromise biblical convictions and values. “Slaves, in reverent fear to God submit yourselves to your masters…” Many Christians were household servants. They are being encouraged to set a godly example even if they have masters who weren’t the easiest to get along with. 

QUESTION: As a “living stone” (v. 4) how can you proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness and into light (v. 9)? 

PRAYER: Thank you, Father, that even though it feels at times like I am so small in a world that is so big, that you delight in using me as a living stone to point others towards you. 

Consider praying that God will lead you to a specific person and with God’s help will make you bold to share the ways