1 Peter 2:1-12
Q.1. Is salvation complete at ‘conversion’? How are we to grow? What does it mean to be a living stone? – (1 Pet.2:1-5)
Peter encouraged us to allow the pure milk of the Word to purify us of sinful conduct – so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation (1 Pet.2:2). Though there is a past aspect of salvation, there is also a future consummation for those who grow. All who have come to value Christ as – choice and precious in the sight of God, will want to bring glory to God. Peter used an Old Testament idea, as he pictured believers as forming a spiritual house, made up of a spiritual priesthood who offer spiritual sacrifices to God (1 Pet.2:5).
Q.2. What difference does our response to the chief Cornerstone make? What accounts for this difference in response? – (1 Pet.2:6-8)
God had informed Israel of Who it was Whom He would send as a basis for achieving righteousness – … “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed (Is.28:16). Peter pointed out the difference between those who trust Him, and those who do not believe. For believers, Christ is precious. For Christ rejecters – 7 … but for those who disbelieve, “The stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone,” 8 and “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed (1 Pet.2:7-8). Peter declared that unbelievers were appointed to this doom.
Q.3. In what way does the Church share in the calling of Israel? What is the theme of the believer? How can we impact others? – (1 Pet.2:9-12 c.f. Dt.7:6; Rom.9:25-26)
God first chose Israel – For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth (Dt.7:6). In Romans, Paul explained God’s masterplan to unite Israel with outsiders who were once not His people (Rom.9:25-26). He detailed God’s strategy further, in Romans 11:11-32. Peter actually described the church in terms reserved previously for Israel – But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light (1 Pet.2:9). What we are to make of our calling, is to draw attention to the saving power and loveliness of the Saviour. However, Peter suggested this is not just a verbal testimony, but a practical one backed up by transformed lives – Keep your behaviour excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation (1 Pet.2:12).