OHBC Bible Study: 1 Peter 1:23-2:10
GROWING IN CHRIST AS LIVING STONES
1 Peter 1:23--2:10
1 Peter 1:23--2:10
Peter offers some vital thoughts on unity within the body of Christ—a unity that can be weakened and shattered amid suffering and loss of hope. As seen in the opening chapter, Peter’s readers underwent various trials. Some were tempted to conform, compromise, or give up altogether. Peter encourages these suffering saints to develop unity and community among others in the body of Christ, expressed by a love for one another. The Holy Spirit gave Peter words of instruction and encouragement to remind believers to embrace the hope that comes with knowing who we are in Christ Jesus.
Bible Study Outline:
I. The Care for Loving Unity (1 Peter 1:23--2:3)
A. Peter moves from the command to "love one another" in verse 22 to discussing four essential reminders of why we should care for those in the family of God
1. We are all children of the same heavenly Father (1:23)
2. We take our instructions from the same source (1:23-25)
3. We all have struggles in the earthly realm (2:1).
4. We should focus our attention on the same objective (2:2-3).
B. Since the goal of the Christian life is spiritual maturity, then the nourishment comes from God’s Word, and the perfect example to follow is Christ Jesus.
II. Becoming Living Stones (1 Peter 2:4-10)
A. Jesus Christ is the source of the believers’ spiritual sustenance and their Foundation (“living stone”). Peter transitions the metaphor from growing to building and individual to corporate (1 Pet 2:4-5).
B. “Living Stone” is an oxymoron, a figure of speech in which the writer joins Incongruous and contradictory terms to make a point. Here, Peter began to give the basis for the four preceding exhortations (1 Pet 1:22—2:3).
C. The point of 1 Peter 2:6-8 is to demonstrate the honored status believers have because of their relationship with Christ. Peter elaborates on the foundation of this building, the church.
III. Summary Affirmation of our Identity in Christ (1 Peter 2:9-10)
A. Peter clarified the nature of the church and, in doing so, explained the duty of Christians in the world, particularly suffering Christians.
B. Israel was a physical race of people, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The church is a spiritual race, in which people place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ (comprised of Jews and Gentiles).
Conclusion:
Christians must strive for both maturity in knowledge and unity in love. We should keep the vital objective of Christian growth at the forefront, treating one another with humility and respect and helping one another along the path as we seek to become like Christ.
Bible Study Outline:
I. The Care for Loving Unity (1 Peter 1:23--2:3)
A. Peter moves from the command to "love one another" in verse 22 to discussing four essential reminders of why we should care for those in the family of God
1. We are all children of the same heavenly Father (1:23)
2. We take our instructions from the same source (1:23-25)
3. We all have struggles in the earthly realm (2:1).
4. We should focus our attention on the same objective (2:2-3).
B. Since the goal of the Christian life is spiritual maturity, then the nourishment comes from God’s Word, and the perfect example to follow is Christ Jesus.
II. Becoming Living Stones (1 Peter 2:4-10)
A. Jesus Christ is the source of the believers’ spiritual sustenance and their Foundation (“living stone”). Peter transitions the metaphor from growing to building and individual to corporate (1 Pet 2:4-5).
B. “Living Stone” is an oxymoron, a figure of speech in which the writer joins Incongruous and contradictory terms to make a point. Here, Peter began to give the basis for the four preceding exhortations (1 Pet 1:22—2:3).
C. The point of 1 Peter 2:6-8 is to demonstrate the honored status believers have because of their relationship with Christ. Peter elaborates on the foundation of this building, the church.
III. Summary Affirmation of our Identity in Christ (1 Peter 2:9-10)
A. Peter clarified the nature of the church and, in doing so, explained the duty of Christians in the world, particularly suffering Christians.
B. Israel was a physical race of people, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The church is a spiritual race, in which people place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ (comprised of Jews and Gentiles).
Conclusion:
Christians must strive for both maturity in knowledge and unity in love. We should keep the vital objective of Christian growth at the forefront, treating one another with humility and respect and helping one another along the path as we seek to become like Christ.
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