1 Peter 2:4–10
Anthony Fusco
Part of Small Groups—Questions
June 23, 2024

OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE

Prior to group, get a better understanding of the overall biblical text with these resources.

Main Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4–10


Biblical Summary Click here for a brief summary on the Book of 1 Peter.

KNOW

Allow these questions to help you better understand what Scripture says contextually.
1 Peter 2:4 says… 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,

  • Cross reference Verse 4 with Psalm 118:22 and Acts 4:11–12.
  • In 1 Peter 1:3, Peter talked about our “living hope.” In 1 Peter 1:23, Peter talked about our “living hope.” Here in Verse 4, he metaphorically talks about Jesus as a “living stone.” How do these verses speak to the resurrection of Jesus?
  • How does 1 Peter 1:3, 23 and 1 Peter 2:4 allow us to taste and see that the Lord is good?

1 Peter 2:5 says… 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

  • Peter moves from talking about Jesus as “living stone” in Verse 4 to talking about us as a “living stone” in Verse 5. How does Ephesians 2:1–3, specifically Verse 1, describe anyone before coming to Christ? How does Ephesians 2:4–6, specifically Verse 5, describe us after coming to Christ?
  • What exactly does it mean for us to become living stones once we belong to Christ? Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:19-22. How do we live this out on a daily basis? Reference John 15:4-11.
  • What are “spiritual sacrifices” (see Psalm 51:17; Romans 12:1–2; 15:15–16; Ephesians 5:1–2; Hebrews 13:15–16)?

1 Peter 2:9 says… 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

  • Peter uses language that has been used to describe God’s special relationship with Israel or the Jewish nation (Exodus 19:6). Although we do not take the place or assume the promises given to Israel, in Christ, we too are considered a “chosen race, “royal priesthood,” and a “holy nation.” What does Galatians 3:26–29 teach us about this?
  • Unlike Israel, though, we are not a race in the sense of our family, ethnicity, skin color, or country of origin. We are a spiritual race, in the sense that, in Christ, we share a single spiritual Father. What does 1 John 3:1 teach us about this?

1 Peter 2:10 says… 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

  • Notice that both statements are in the present tense. We are not seeking and hoping to become God’s people and receive mercy. In Christ, we are God’s people. We have received mercy. The transaction is complete. How does Hebrews 9:26–28, Hebrews 10:10, and 1 Peter 3:18 speak to this truth.
  • Considering what God has done for us, through Jesus (verses 9–10), what does the end of Verse 9 tell us our response should be? (Hint: Start with the word proclaim or declare)

GROW

These questions are geared towards application of Scripture and Sunday’s message.

Go back to 1 Peter 2:4. The word “coming” indicates more than drawing near… it denotes an intimate and abiding relationship with Jesus. The same word is utilized in Hebrews 4:16, 7:25, and 10:22.

  • How do these verses provide us with a better understanding of how Jesus wants us to draw near to Him?
  • When we come to Jesus, what does the Bible say happens to us and what are we given? Read Matthew 11:28-29, John 6:35, and Ephesians 1:3.

In Verse 9–10, Peter references the Old Testament by utilizing terminology directly from Deuteronomy 7:6-9. We have been called out of darkness into light, and thus are responsible to share our transformation with others.

  • Knowing that we are a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for His own possession,” what ultimately should our response be to the tremendous gift of salvation that we have been given?
  • How does Luke 9:23-26 and Luke 14:27-33 help us to daily surrender to how Jesus has called us to live and follow Him?

We all not only once walked in darkness, but we actually loved that darkness (John 3:19-20). We now have the immense privilege of being in the marvelous light of God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13)

  • Because of this, what responsibilities do we have toward our fellow man?
  • How can you use your testimony to be a witness to others?

The cornerstone in architecture is chosen and cut with enormous care, precision, and purpose. All of the other stones used in a structure take their alignment, direction, and foundation off of the cornerstone. All of us build our lives on something.

  • Think about today’s message, is Jesus the cornerstone of your life?
  • Are you aligning, setting, and building EVERYTHING (thoughts, actions, behavior, purity, dating, time management, parenting, finances…) off of and on Jesus?
  • Are there any areas you need to bring back into alignment with Jesus? Share with your group. Ask for prayer, accountability, and help.

GO

Take a next step and put your faith into action!

Peter tells us the response to what God has done through Jesus is to proclaim Him and praise Him.

  • How should this change how we interact with our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers that don’t have a relationship with the Lord?
  • Is there someone specific God has placed on your heart to share the good news of Jesus with?

In Christ, you are a living stone!

  • Is there anything specific in your life that you need to stop building on our own and begin to allow Jesus to build you?

PRAYER

Pray for one another and bring your requests to God.

Small Group Prayer Requests: Take some time to gather prayer requests from the group. Have someone write these down to see how God moves and answers prayer.

Northwest Prayer Highlight:
You have been praying for VBS… THANK YOU!

  • Spend some time praising God for the 50+ decisions, made by kids at VBS, to accept Jesus into their life as Lord and Savior!