Under Construction

Introduction:

After relaying to his audience why they should be full of faith (chapter 1), Peter begins to turn his attention to the purpose of his letter. God does not expect His children to be satisfied with their current stage of faith. He wants us to get better and stronger in our faith. The question is, how do we do it? How can we make our building strong? We can start by…

I.     1 Peter 2:1-3 - Desiring the Pure Milk

A.    The encouragement to act like newborn babies speaks to the attitude one is to possess towards the inspired word of God.

1.      What are some things that can take root in our heart?

a.     2:1 - Malice – “badness in quality”

b.    2:1 - Deceit – “A bait, snare, guile”

c.     2:1 - Hypocrisy – “acting under a feigned part”

d.    2:1 - Envy – “Desire to deprive another of what he has”

e.     2:1 - Slander–malicious, false and defamatory statement or report

2.     Desiring the pure milk of the word simply shows one’s desire to accept the word and only the word.

B.    The idea is to put away those things that defile us and seek the pure word so we might grow.

1.      Growth is impossible without the proper conditions.

2.     God does not want us to remain in an infantile state. Hebrews 5:11-14

II.   1 Peter 2:4-8 - Building On the Proper Foundation

A.    Only through a constant longing and reaching for Christ can we accomplish our task of constructing the building.

1.      We must come to Him, as to a living stone.

a.     2:4 - Jesus is very much alive.

b.    2:7 - Sadly not all have believed, but have rejected Him.

2.     Christians have purpose in that we are to serve Him. See Rom. 12:1

a.     2:5 - Note we are a priesthood

b.    As such, we are to offer up spiritual sacrifices.

1)     Hebrews 13:15-16 - Worship, everyday living, etc.

B.    God has given us a strong and precious foundation upon which to build.

III.         1 Peter 2:9-10 - Remember You Belong to God

A.    Christians have been chosen by God for special purposes.

1.      2:9 - Peter said we are…

a.     A chosen race; A royal priesthood; A holy nation

b.    A people for God’s possession

c.     Our duty to proclaim His greatness.

Conclusion

A.    1 Peter 2:11-12 - The life we live is always a work in progress, but with the Lord’s help we can be all He desires.

B.    How is your building coming?