Living Stones

When one thinks of stones, various images come to mind. For some of us, we automatically think of The Rolling Stones. As we think a bit more, we remember the phrase about being busy, as opposed to laziness; a rolling stone gathers no moss. For those of us with a little child inside of us, we recall The Flintstones, with Fred & Wilma Flintstone and their daughter, Pebbles. Believe it or not, there was actually a fad that took place where Pet Rocks were a big thing. They were even named and painted and could actually be bought in stores.

Our family watched the Muppets Family Christmas recently and in one scene, we saw that there was great excitement over the gifting of a small stone to another muppet. We probably wouldn’t think of a stone as anything special, but in these two Bible verses we’ll be looking at today, Christians are referred to as living stones. We are carrying the same label as what Christ is being labeled, a living stone. With this thought comes the amazing truth of the incredible spiritual privileges we have as a result.

With this comes the amazing truth of the incredible spiritual privileges we have as a result.

Because of Jesus, we have amazing spiritual privileges. Nobody, except followers of Jesus Christ have such amazing privileges.

We hear a lot about privilege and much of it, as of late, carries negative connotations. Often people speak about privilege when another person or group seems to have an unfair advantage. Sometimes, that is just the way life is and should not always be thought of negatively, especially for the believer who understands who they are in Christ. The dictionary describes privilege as a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor. Sometimes, it is a result of a position or rank or a host of other things. Quarterbacks, in football, have the privilege of extra protection from the referees. It just takes a little thought to recognize how this is just a part of life. I don’t have to look negatively at someone’s situation simply because I don’t have that same privilege.

For the follower of Christ, we certainly have privileges that unbelievers don’t have. I need to rejoice in that and enjoy it rather than feel guilty about it or try to ignore it and make my Christian walk dull and joyless. So, let’s take some time to look at various aspects of these privileges we have in Christ, as living stones.

How Did It Start? - 2:4

Before Jesus became Lord and Savior of our lives, all of us were basically experiencing only physical privileges. Spiritually, our lives were dead. We were stones without life. We experienced life on this earth, not realizing that this was a gift from God, just taking it for granted.

1 Peter 2:4 NASB95

And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God,

However, according to this, our spiritual privileges began when we came to Jesus Christ in complete surrender. The word, coming, has a preposition attached to the verb which shows more than just coming to Jesus in order to be saved. It adds a deeper dimension which describes a personal intimacy which continues. The idea is more than a mere visit, but rather coming into a permanent, ongoing relationship.

However,

To Whom is this Person which Peter’s readers and we have come? It is none other than Jesus Christ. He is referred to as a living stone. The word for stone usually means a building stone. In the Old Testament, the Jews would have understood that God was the rock to which they could turn and upon Whom they could rely. The New Testament often refers to Jesus as the rock and the cornerstone of the church.

However, there is a very important modifier that states this stone is living. Now we know that Jesus came as a baby, lived a perfectly sinless life, was crucified and buried. We also know that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and was seen by multitudes of people. Thus, Jesus is alive and will forevermore be alive. In addition, Jesus offers and provides eternal life to all who will place their faith and trust in Him.

This is all fantastic and amazing, yet there is a sadness in this sentence. Peter points out that Christ has been rejected by men. Even though the reference is most likely to the Jewish people and all who were around at the time of His crucifixion; the wording implies that there is a continual rejection by many. Then and now, humanity thinks it knows best as to what kind of savior they want.

Yet, even though humanity has rejected Jesus over the ages and continues to do so, Peter points out that He is choice and precious in the sight of God. Regardless of the standards which humanity uses, God’s standards are the only correct ones. Jesus was God’s choice. Even in the use of the word precious Peter is letting all know that Jesus is truly one-of-a-kind; absolute perfection in every way.

So, for anyone wishing to be known as a living stone who has been given phenomenal spiritual privileges, there has to be a surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. One must be born again.

What Are Some Privileges? - 2:5

There are certain organizations where membership truly does grant privileges that others do not have access. Yet, we would like to know just what some of those spiritual privileges are that we who are Christians have. Let’s take a look.

1 Peter 2:5 NASB95

you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Living Stones - 2:5a

you also, as living stones . . . When anyone comes to salvation through Jesus Christ, we actually share life with Christ. Just as He has been resurrected to live eternally, we will also have eternal life in Christ. We are joined together with Christ. How awesome that is! We have our life hidden with Christ in God, according to .

We know that as living stones, we also have every spiritual blessing that we could ever need. We know that in our weakness, we have all the power we could ever want in Christ. We are living stones that not only have eternal life, but we have the glorious privilege of all the spiritual blessings in Christ.

We are living stones because we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ, Who was resurrected.

Holy Priesthood - 2:5b

The followers of Christ, the living stones, are also referred to as a holy priesthood. The idea of a priest is that of someone who has been granted access to God. Obviously, those who are not believers can never be part of this priesthood. They simply cannot have entrance to God’s presence. Whereas, those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ are given the privilege of entering into the presence of God at any time.

The idea of being built up as a spiritual house seems to be an obvious contrast to the Old Testament idea. The Old Testament idea was such that there was an actual physical building or a temple in which the priest would be allowed to enter into the Holy of Holies once per year. Because of Christ, those who are believers are actually part of God’s spiritual temple in which we can have access to the Father 24/7. The church is actually that spiritual house.

So as a result, we are indeed a holy priesthood. We have unlimited access and don’t have the requirements of age, activity, ancestry that the Old Testament priests had. The blood of Christ has made us worthy to enter into God’s presence. Yet, there are some basic similarities. Just as in the Old Testament, God chose who would be able to serve as priests; Jesus reminded the disciples and us that we didn’t choose Him; He chose us. Every person who is born again is part of this.

In addition, the priests were not allowed to serve until they had gone through specific rituals which symbolized that they had been cleansed from sin. No one who has sin as part of who they are was allowed to enter God’s presence. Even at the foot washing at the Last Supper, Jesus reminded His disciples that unless He washed them, they could not have any part with Him. We know from the Bible that Jesus has washed us clean by His blood and by His Spirit. Thus, we are enabled to serve as priests.

We also recall that the priests had to have special clothing which they were required to wear in order to serve. Most of you are quite aware that we have been clothed in God’s righteousness, through Jesus Christ.

Not only that, but God had anointed the priests of the Old Testament from the tribe of Levi to serve. This was done by simply pouring some oil and blood on the altar and also sprinkling it on the priests and their clothing. This showed that they were linked to the power and presence of God and that the Holy Spirit was able to give them power. We, as a holy priesthood, have been given an anointing by the power of the Holy Spirit who is constantly dwelling in us.

But this was not done just randomly, assuming that somehow the Old Testament priests were able to do what needed to be done without some sort of preparation. Even in the Old Testament, there was a requirement that required several days of preparation; basically, a reflection into their own hearts and lives during that 7-day period. I believe that before we are able to serve, there needs to be some preparation of our hearts to make sure that our will is in line with God’s will.

If this is as it should be, there is then the call to obedience. We recall that on more than one occasion, God had to remind the Old Testament priests of the necessity of doing things exactly the way God says to do. When they tried to do things their way, it always resulted in disaster. If a person is obedient, there will obviously be a complete acceptance to God’s Word, which will cause us to live accordingly.

Spiritual Sacrifices - 2:5c

I am quite thankful that our role is not the same as the Old Testament priests, in that there were regular animal sacrifices. This is no longer necessary since Christ was the ultimate sacrifice as the perfect Lamb of God. So what sacrifices are we involved in, as living stones, holy priests? Peter says that they are spiritual sacrifices. That may not mean a whole lot to us, unless we follow up with the rest of what Peter writes: acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

So obviously, what you and I offer as spiritual sacrifices need to line up with what is acceptable to God. Plus, it cannot be offered by just anybody, but only those who’ve been given the privilege of 24/7 access because of Jesus Christ; those who have been born again. If I wish to offer up what I think is appropriate or necessary or comfortable, it is not acceptable. My sacrifices have to line up with God’s Word, and must reflect only Jesus Christ and not myself and my efforts. It must not be done with ulterior motives, but must be pure and only for the purpose of honoring and worshiping God.

What are these spiritual sacrifices? I believe that the Bible shows that there are quite a variety. John MacArthur points out seven basic spiritual sacrifices that meet this criteria: our bodies, our praise, our good works, our possessions, converts, our love, and our prayers. It seems to me that when we offer God all of who we are because of Jesus Christ in thankfulness and honor, this is acceptable.

When we raise our voices in praise and worship, whether it is song, or prayer, we are offering a spiritual sacrifice. When I recognize Who God is in all His attributes and blessings, I am offering a spiritual sacrifice. When we do good and share with others, that is a spiritual sacrifice. In other words, when I take time to help someone in whatever form that may take, when I spend time getting to know God better through His Word, when I testify to others of the marvelous things of God, those are all spiritual sacrifices.

Even when we step out of our comfort zones in efforts to help restore a saint who has wandered, that is a spiritual sacrifice. When I am willing to be mocked or persecuted because I dare to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in an effort to turn a sinner to the Savior, that is a spiritual sacrifice.

When we unconditionally love one another, that is pleasing to God and is a spiritual sacrifice. When I am in prayer, trusting in God to answer according to His perfect will, that is a spiritual sacrifice.

Conclusion

Our spiritual privileges began when we were saved by Jesus Christ, as we were convicted by the Holy Spirit. As a result, we are so privileged to have complete access to God.

Because of Jesus, we have amazing spiritual privileges.

You don’t have to feel like Charlie Brown as Lucy continually called him a blockhead. My friend, if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I can promise you, based on God’s Word, you’re not a lifeless stone. Because of Jesus, you and I are living stones who have been granted so many undeserved spiritual privileges.

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