1 Peter 2:1-10 Not Going It Alone

So much of our Bible study time is done alone - personally.  Yet in these verses Peter tells us of the importance of Christians being together and united.  There are four pictures were are shown, according to my commentary:

1)  Children in the same family -- Our new nature and living hope comes from our new birth into God's family when we accept Christ.  Each child in a family is different -- even twins!  And those differences need not cause divisiveness.  A family stays together.

2)  Stones in the same building -- A bricked building looks nice, but a building made of stones has real character.  The different sizes and shapes and variations of color are used to create something of beauty.  It should be the same with members of a church.

3)  Priests in the same temple -- "In the Old Testament, God's people had a priesthood, but today, God's people are a priesthood ... This means that our own lives should be lived as though we were priests in a temple," my commentary said.  Our sacrifices are not slain animals, but our bodies, good works, praise, money, and other things.  "We are priests together ... while we must maintain our personal walk with God, we must not do it at the expense of other Christians by ignoring or neglecting them.

4)  Citizens of the same nation -- "God's people today are His chosen and holy nation ... We are living in enemy territory, and the enemy is constantly watching us, looking for opportunities to move in and take over.  As citizens of heaven, we must be united.  We must present to the world a united demonstration of what the grace and mercy of God can do."  

Father, help me to value fellowship and not neglect it.  Show me how to bond better with my fellow Christians so that others will see Christ in us.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford