This passage discusses how Jesus is the cornerstone of God's spiritual temple and how believers are living stones being built into that temple. It says Jesus was rejected by people but chosen by God for great honor. Believers are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and God's possession. They are called to show God's goodness and mercy to others. The passage encourages believers to reject worldly desires and stand firmly on the cornerstone of Jesus as they serve in God's household.

1. ROCK SOLID LIVING I Peter 2:4-11

2. I Peter 2:4-11 Living Translation 4 You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. 5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple . What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 6 As the Scriptures say, “ I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”

3. I Peter 2:4-11 Living Translation 7 Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, “ The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone .” 8 And, “ He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.

4. I Peter 2:4-11 Living Translation 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation , God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” 11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.

5. Commitment: Dear Lord, thank you for calling me to be a priest in your kingdom. Help me reject the idea that ministry is for a select few. I commit to standing squarely on your Cornerstone, Jesus, and standing with others who are servants in your household.

6. Announcements

7. Worship

8. Jesus Is The Rock… Spoken Of From Ages Past He was the Spiritual Rock that accompanied the Hebrews in the Wilderness --I Corinthians 10:1-4 He’s the Living Stone which became a mountain and fills the earth --Daniel 2:3,4 The Foundation Stone which is a sure foundation --Matthew 7:24-27

9. Jesus Became The Corner Stone Of The Church… Although Rejected By His Contemporaries Isaiah saw it coming: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.” --Isaiah 28:16 Jesus claimed to be the Cornerstone promised in Psalm 118:22, 23

10. Jesus Became The Corner Stone Of The Church… Although Rejected By His Contemporaries “ The Stone the builders rejected has become the capstone ; The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes.” --Matthew 21:42 Peter called Jesus the ‘ stone the builders rejected’… “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” --Acts 4:11,12

11. Jesus Promised To Build The Church On This Rock Solid Truth: “You Are The Christ, The Son Of The Living God!” --Matthew 16:16-18 Peter, Nicknamed ‘Rock’ By Jesus, Says That We Are Living Rocks --I Peter 2:4-5

12. “ As you come to him, the Living Stone…you also, like living stones are built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God…” We are united with other living stones More than a house, we are a holy household We have work to do…offer sacrifices to God

13. In the arena of your life… everywhere, anywhere. The Place To Render Such Service To God? Wherever you find yourself is holy ground, your place of ministry. No more focusing on a religious building. As aliens and strangers in the world Live such lives among the pagans… They may see your good works… V. 12

14. “… by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.” V. 15 Our ‘Sacrificing’ Should Be So Impressive That It Silents Our Critics What A Radical Concept… Especially In A Day Of Confusion And Disappointment In Religious Leaders Every believer a priest All of us standing at eye level Ministry taking place wherever your life takes you

15. Where Is My Priestly Work Taking Place? Where Is My Holy Ground? God’s call is on our lives… Trained in a college or not What would happen if a whole congregation became such priests offering such sacrifices? Let’s find out! Is my daily sacrifice causing folk to think better of God?

16. I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. I trust Him as my Lord and Savior.

17. Offering: An Opportunity To Express the Hope

18. Worship

19. Commitment: Dear Lord, thank you for calling me to be a priest in your kingdom. Help me reject the idea that ministry is for a select few. I commit to standing squarely on your Cornerstone, Jesus, and standing with others who are servants in your household.

20. Go Rock Solid!