Lesson 7 – I Peter Chapter 2:6-10

To start out, last week we talked about as Christians we’re to put off or get rid of the things that used to characterize us, things like malice, which means doing harm to others, violence or in Hebrew “hamas.” Then we are to crave God’s Word, like babies crave mother’s milk, of which there is no substitute. Our souls shouldn’t be satisfied unless we can feed on the Word of God.

As believers, we have tasted the kindness of God. He has saved us and our names are written in His book of life.

With that, Jesus is our precious Living Stone, we are alive in Christ. Because Jesus is the Living Stone, we are also living stones, stones with which God builds His church. Lastly, Peter declares each believer as part of God’s holy priesthood, which should be seen by us as a honorable position before God.

I Peter 2:6
“For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.”

Peter is quoting Isaiah 28:16, as does Paul in Romans 9:33.

A choice stone… means Jesus is God’s chosen One, He is uniquely fitted into God’s plan. We can say that Jesus is the massive stone that comes out of humanity.

Eph. 2:20b-21
“Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,”

A precious corner stone… Jesus is precious to all of us who believe in Him.

During the building of the temple, blueprints were given so that stones would be precisely cut in advance. That way, once the stone was delivered to the site, only minor adjustments would be needed. According to tradition, during the construction of Solomon’s temple, work went smoothly until the builders were unable to locate the cornerstone.

Cornerstone: a stone placed at the corner, or the intersecting angle, where two walls of a building come together. In biblical times, buildings were often made of cut, squared stone. By uniting two intersecting walls, a cornerstone helped align the whole building and tie it together.

Regarding the cornerstone, word was sent out to send the missing stone up to the temple mount. The men in the quarry said that the stone had been sent up to the mount a long time ago. The builders were confused until one of them remembered that a perfectly cut stone had been tossed over into a gully in the Kidron Valley, because nobody knew what to do with it.

This is symbolic of how the Jewish leaders saw Jesus, they didn’t know what to do with Him. They were expecting a Messiah, but not Jesus… He wasn’t the conquering king they had hoped for.

And he who believes in him shall not be disappointed…

Disappointed… conveys the thought of being deceived in some belief, or placing hope in someone and having that hope dashed.

Rom. 10:11
For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.”

We’ve talked about tasting what God offers to everyone. The greatest thing God offers to us is His salvation. Once salvation is realized, Scripture says nobody will be disappointed.

I Cor. 2:9
“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Randy Alcorn in his book called “Heaven” writes, “What we otherwise could not have known about heaven, because we’re unable to see it, God says He has revealed to us through His Spirit. This means that God has explained to us what heaven is like. Not exhaustively, but accurately. God tells us about heaven in His Word, not so we can shrug our shoulders and remain ignorant, but because He wants us to understand and anticipate what awaits us.”

We will never be disappointed in Jesus, and we will never be disappointed in eternal life with Him. Instead of us in any way being disappointed, we find ourselves completely secure in Christ and His salvation.

John 10:27-28
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.”

I Peter 2:7
“This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, the stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone,”

This precious value… we touched on the word precious last week a little bit. What is precious to you? Something which is “precious” is something of value (high worth or cost). In this modern world of materialism and wickedness, fewer and fewer people recognize the things of God as precious. The world around us is so far removed from God today. In fact, many are doing their best to marginalize Christianity. Former Whitehouse press secretary Jen Psaki said this about Mike Johnson, the new speaker of the house, calling him a “religious fundamentalist” trying her best to label him in a negative light.

Because of the precious value we as believers place in Jesus, we possess a genuine affection for Him. This is a spiritual privilege that only Christians enjoy.

John 8:42
“Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but He sent me.”

God is our Father, and we do have a love for Jesus. Therefore, let’s live like it, live in such a way that it becomes obvious to those around us that Jesus is of a precious value to us.

But for those who disbelieve, “the stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone,”

The rejected cornerstone is a biblical quotation that shows up again and again throughout Scripture. Those who reject Christ are polar opposites to all who trust in Jesus to be the Messiah.

Again, the Jewish leaders rejected Jesus because He didn’t measure up to their preconceived ideas as to who their Messiah should be.

Matt. 13:54-57
“He came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.”

They took offense at Jesus, meaning they completely rejected Him.

I Peter 2:8
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.

Matt. 21:44
“And he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust.”

This is a call to faith, an appeal to open one’s eyes and see that Jesus is indeed the Son of God sent into the world.

The verse also gives a strict warning against rejecting Jesus Christ. He is, “the sure Rock of salvation” for those who believe, but He is also an immovable stumbling stone for those who do not.

Bible commentary says, “A stone of stumbling was any stone that people could trip over as they moved down a road, and a rock of offense was the rock bed they could be crushed against after they fell over the stone. In Peter’s symbolism, the Jews threw away the true cornerstone, then wound up falling over it to be finally crushed in judgment by the same rock.”

Because they are disobedient to the word…

It can be said that unbelievers receive the exact judgment their sinful choice demands. To reject the gospel is to reject the Holy Spirit which is the ultimate unforgiveable sin.

Mark 3:28-29
“Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”

Refusing to listen, refusing to heed the Word of God, meaning the gospel message, is to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit.

And to this doom they were also appointed…

This doom is directed to those who do not believe the gospel, it’s reserved for them. God doesn’t actively destine people to unbelief, they do that on their own because of the choices they make. But He does appoint judgment or doom on every unbeliever.

Heb. 3:18-19
“And to whom was God speaking when he took an oath that they would never enter his rest? Wasn’t it the people who disobeyed him? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief.”

Heb. 9:27
“And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,”

Everyone who doesn’t receive Jesus as their Savior will one day face Him as their judge, this will be a frightful thing to encounter. Because of sin, all disobedient unbelievers are destined for a “stumbling’ which will lead to eternal condemnation.

I Peter 2:9
“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 marvelous light;”

Peter starts this verse with a big “but,” but you are a chosen race, pointing out the difference of what he said previously. Meaning that Jesus isn’t a “stumbling stone” for believers.

When talking about people and race and different colors, there is but one race, the human race. But in this case, Peter is only addressing believers, calling them a chosen race… we belong to God. This is in complete contrast to unbelievers.

Christians are a chosen people, similar to how God speaks of Israel in the Old Testament.

Deut. 7:6
“For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.” (NLT)

Isaiah 43:21
“I have made Israel for myself, and they will someday honor me before the whole world.” (NLT)

As we talked about in chapter 1, it is crucial for us to fully understand that our salvation is based solely on the sovereign, electing purpose of God. This truth from God demolishes our human pride, in that, there is nothing within our salvation that derives from anything we have done whatsoever.

If you are in Christ you are His chosen! Time to count your blessings.

Chosen people, a term once only used to describe Israel, now it is for both Jews and Gentiles (those who are in Christ).

A royal priesthood…

Exo. 19:6
“And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.”

In the Old Testament, only the high priest could go into the presence of God (the Holy of Holies). And now, as individual believers, we have the privilege of coming into God’s presence on our own every day.

Heb. 4:16
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

We do not come into the presence of God through any man on earth except the Son of Man Jesus Christ, He is our only Mediator.

I Tim. 2:5
“For there is one God, and one Mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,”

We are a royal priesthood, remember “we are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood” in verse 5, the spiritual house we’re in is a royal house. This comes from being grafted into the family of God.

Rev. 20:6
“Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.”

Boy, talk about having family privileges. Because salvation unites believers with Christ, they too become royal priests. Paul gives us some insight as to what we will be doing as priests…

I Cor. 6:2-3
“Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? Don’t you realize that we will judge angels?” (NLT)

Yes, as priests, we will have some incredible responsibilities. Having this knowledge should cause us to continually be seeking God’s face, along with praising and worshipping Him!

Warren Weirsbe, “This means that our lives should be lived as though we were priests in a temple. It is indeed a privilege to serve as a priest. No man in Israel could serve at the altar, or enter the tabernacle or temple holy places, except those born into the tribe of Levi and consecrated to God for service. Each priest and Levite had different ministries to preform, yet they were together under the high priest, serving to glorify God. As God’s priests today, we must work together at the direction of our Great High Priest. Each ministry that we perform for His glory is a service to God.”

A holy nation…

Christians are a special people because God has preserved them for Himself. While these descriptions of the church are similar to those used of Israel in the Old Testament, this in no way indicates that the church supersedes Israel and assumes the national blessings promised to Israel… these are to be fulfilled during the Millennium Kingdom.

A holy nation: means an ethnic group of people, “set apart” for God. Israel lost that privilege because of sin, and she will not be restored until the nation finally turns in faith to the Messiah Jesus Christ.

Psalm 4:3
“But know that the Lord has “set apart” the godly man for Himself; The Lord hears when I call to Him.”

I Cor. 6:11b
“But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.”

Christians are seen as God’s holy nation, they are sanctified (set apart) for service to God, to a pattern of holy living. Remember in chapter 1 Peter called us to be holy because God is holy.

John MacArthur, “Positional sanctification makes Christians a holy nation before God because of His own righteousness is imputed to them. And practically, they are progressing in holiness by the work of the Spirit.”

A people for God’s own possession…

Exodus 19:5
“Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;”

Possession: means “to purchase” or “to acquire for a price.”

Believers have been purchased at the highest price possible, the blood of Jesus Christ.

I Cor. 6:20
“For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”

Rev. 5:9
“And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”

As believers, we live in a country where we are considered to be a “free nation,” and that remains to be seen. But also as believers, we have been “freed” from the power of sin through Christ, and we are no longer slaves to sin.

Rom. 6:6
“Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;”

This being true, and it is, we are no longer slaves to sin, but now we are slaves to righteousness… slaves to God. Just like in days of old, you could buy a slave, God stepped in and purchased our freedom. This makes every believer His possession.

To be a slave owned by another human is a terrible thing, but to be purchased by God and becoming His possession is a wonderful thing.

Who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…

Once upon a time, there was a young man named Jack. One day, he went on a hike in the mountains and stumbled upon a dark pit. He was curious and decided to take a closer look. As he leaned over the edge of the pit, he lost his balance and fell in. He tumbled down the pit and landed on the ground with a thud. He was hurt and disoriented. Jack tried to stand up but realized that he couldn’t see anything. It was a darkness you could almost feel. He felt around with his hands and found that the walls were smooth and cold. He started to panic and called out for help, but no one answered.

Psalm 103:2-4
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;”

Before we gave our life to Christ, spiritually speaking, we were in a pit just like Jack. But God called us by name and pulled us out of that pit of darkness.

Isaiah 43:1
“But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!”

Praise the Lord, we have been called out darkness…

Eph. 2:1-2
“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.”

Paul is speaking in the past-tense about our spiritual condition.

Col. 1:13
“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,”

Then Jesus quotes Isaiah…

Matt. 4:16-17
“The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great light, and those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a light dawned. From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

When God’s light comes into our hearts things immediately change, He illuminates our minds so we can begin to see the truth of His Word. And as God gives us discernment and understanding, we work out our salvation with obedience.

II Cor. 4:6
“For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

I Peter 2:10
“For you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

As Peter is writing this, he’s thinking of what Hosea prophesized about Israel:

Hosea 1:10
“Yet the time will come when Israel’s people will be like the sands of the seashore – too many to count! Then, at the place where they were told, ‘You are not my people,’ it will be said, ‘You are children of the living God.” (NLT)

The time had come when God had withdrawn His compassion from Israel, and it would be re-directed toward the Gentiles. But at the end of what Hosea said…”it will be said.” Israel will be called “You are children of the living God” this will take place at the time of the Millennium Kingdom.

Peter has used similar terms to point to similar truths. Just as Israel was a “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,” so too believers today are chosen, are priests, are holy, and belong to God.

You had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy…

Just as on the Jerry Seinfeld show, The Soup Nazi would say, “No soup for you!” Those who dwell in darkness… no mercy for you.

As Gentiles living in darkness separated from God… You had not received mercy. But for us, everything changed once we became born-again believers. Repentant believers receive divine mercy from God. It is God’s saving mercy displayed toward those He has called, His elect.

Bible commentary, “The elect, although no more inherently deserving than anyone else, receive God’s forgiveness for their sins and His deliverance from eternal condemnation… all according to His sovereign and loving purposes.”

Eph. 1:4-5
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,”

While the world around us flounders in darkness and ignorance, let us pray continually for their salvation, especially for those we love.

We’ll close with this…

God’s amazing grace, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness is all motivated by His great love for us… it’s simply mindboggling. From eternity past God knew that mankind would fall into sin and that we needed a Savior.

God sent to us a precious Living Stone, His only begotten Son Jesus. God’s “chosen ones” accepted and received the Cornerstone and found forgiveness… others rejected Him. To them, Jesus became a stumbling stone, leaving them in darkness.

Now through Christ we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession. Let’s live in the light of that truth.