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. 1 Peter 2:5

The Purpose of the Church (pt. 3)

The greatest training montage for building up a warrior is not Kung Fu Panda (that honor goes to Rocky V). But Kung Fu Panda is a praiseworthy example of someone living up to their title. Po is an overweight panda who excels in noodle eating, but Master Shifu claims him as the Legendary Warrior, and the trajectory of Po’s life changes. He transforms from a carb-eating dreamer to a martial arts champion who protects the city from invading armies.

The role of a priest is not coveted in modern times. Many people associate it with the Catholic church. You rarely find a young priest with charisma and energy in Hollywood. Scripture makes the role of priest much more exciting. Priests fill in the gap between the sacred and the secular. They transform the everyday happenings of life into moments filled with God.

Jesus is called the sympathetic priest. He hears the concerns of the church, brings the case before his father, and makes sure the community is taken care of. It’s the ultimate promise we have in prayer.

We are part of that priesthood, constantly being trained to be like Jesus. Sometimes Jesus gives us internships (serving a ministry, taking care of the family). Sometimes Jesus gives us lessons (scripture and wisdom). Sometimes Jesus gives us pop quizzes (seasons of difficulty and faith). The end result is to become the graduating class of certified priests, fulfilling the command to love the world and love God.

Figure it Out:

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

The Living Stone and a Chosen People

17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:17-21

4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:1-5

  1. Circle all the words and phrases that you find significant. Why are they significant to you?
  2. What characteristics in the passage point to a different kind of life?
  3. How do we know that the priest’s role is for us?
  4. What are you doing to train for the role?

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