Sermon Cloud

I Peter 2:4-8

In our text today Peter draws upon the familiar metaphor of the cornerstone and stones that were the primary building materials of the Middle Eastern region. Jesus’ great prophecy to Peter (Matthew 16:18) concerned Jesus’ building of His Church. Peter sees, in the coming of individuals to Jesus, the building of a spiritual edifice. Solomon was amazed at God’s gracious condescension in dwelling among His people in a temple built by men. So much more gracious, now, is the presence of God being resident in the believer, “living stones” that make up the “spiritual house” (v. 5) that Jesus is building. Peter goes further to identify believers as a “holy priesthood” that offer up “spiritual sacrifices” (v. 5) acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. The great truth Peter states here is that “through(by) Jesus Christ” every Christian is part of a new priestly order with full access to God, a ministry in which to function, and something to offer to God and His Church. Peter stresses the reassuring fact that through Jesus Christ the believer is able to worship and serve God in a manner pleasing to Him.