October 2, 2022 – Pastor Mark Albrecht
Message Big Idea – The idea of family evokes many different images. Yet, Peter provides a very clear picture for what kind of family the Bride of Christ should be. As a chosen people, fellow ministers, and the dwelling of the Holy Spirit, Christ’s Church is a Kingdom family. This will inherently reframe how we view our relationships with and our dependence upon one another in accomplishing our holy and priestly mission.
Lean In:
- Take a moment to reflect (if you are going through this on your own) or share (if you are with others in a group setting): What are you grateful for today? What are you struggling with today?
- Weddings are momentous celebrations that bring together two completely different families. Given the emotions surrounding such an event, they can certainly create some memorable moments. Share some of these stories, positive or negative, about the nuptial interactions of two families.
Look Down:
- Read 1 Peter 2:1-12 (Read twice – ESV and either NLT or Message)
- Go around the group and briefly retell the passage in your own words.
- What word or phrase “jumped off the page” and intrigued you the most? Why?
- If you have time, take a moment to look up some of the OT references that Peter is using throughout this passage. (Utilize in-text footnotes and references if available.)
Look Out:
- 1 Peter 2:5 states we as the Church are “like living stones…being built up as a spiritual house.” Why do you think Peter uses the imagery of a house as opposed to any other building or structure? What are some of the ways in which the intimacy of the home is understood in different cultures?
- The New Testament authors (Gal. 6:9-10; Heb. 2:11) consistently use familial language to describe Christians and their relation to one another (i.e., brothers and sisters). How does this differ from secular understandings of family and loyalty? Do other organizations and institutions try to adopt this type of language too? Should they? What makes the Church different?
Look In:
- Take a moment to reflect 1 Peter 2:9. How does this shape your identity as a Christ-follower and a member of the Church? What does it mean to be royal (and all the responsibilities and privileges that entails)? How does this change how you view your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ?
- 1 Peter 2:11-12 discusses the conduct of God’s ‘chosen family.’ What are some of the “passions of the flesh” that need to be addressed in your own life? What are some ways you can improve “your conduct among the Gentiles” and among your church family for that matter? Discuss some practical steps you can take to address these areas (e.g., prayer, accountability, fasting, etc.).
Live It Out:
- What is one thing God seems to be asking you to do in response to this passage? (i.e., “I will ….”)
- Who can you tell about this “I will” statement in the next 48 hours?
- Journal about your time in God’s Word this week. Stop to listen to what He might be telling you. Celebrate His presence through His Word!
- Spend some time intentionally praying over your relationships with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Repent of past or present conflict. Lament for those who have been hurt, discouraged and marginalized within the Church family. Rejoice and celebrate fruitful and encouraging relationships. Reflect and hope for a future where every tear is wiped away and true familial bliss is achieved in Christ. Amen!