PEARLS FROM PETER (3)

We now turn to chapter two which again is so full of wonderful truth and teaching. Peter again highlights the importance of holy living, and encourages us to make an act of our will and lay aside those practices that were so often part of our lives before we came to Christ, like deceit (Jer.17:9) hypocrisy envy and evil speaking. Like a new born baby there should automatically come a desire from within to want to drink the “milk of the Word” (remember we now have God’s DNA in us) the writer of the Book of Hebrews challenges us to then graduate to the MEAT of the Word. Let us do a personal check up right now,

1.      Did I thirst for the Word of God when I was first born again?

2.      Did I graduate to eating the meat of God’s Word?

3.      What is the present state of my hunger and thirst ?

4.      Can you say you have “tasted that the Lord is gracious”?

If there are any negative responses to any of those questions we need to do something about it NOW.

Peter goes on and then describes both ourselves and Jesus as the once rejected  stone He became the chief Cornerstone (the very foundation of the House).  As we  must be built into a house, this suggests there are no “lone rangers” in the Body of Christ. This House is called a “holy and royal Priesthood) every believer under the New Covenant is a priest (verses 5&9) and what are  we to do as priests “offer acceptable spiritual sacrifices through Jesus Christ”. Please note it is a sacrifice, it costs us something. I am reminded of the words of King David, “I will not offer to God that which cost me nothing (2 Kings 24:24) The Bible speaks of numerous sacrifices that were costly.

1.      The Sacrifice of Praise, (Heb:13:15) when it seems that everything is going wrong that is the time to praise the Lord , why?He is always worthy of our praise.

2.      The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving (Psalm 116:17) when there seems to be nothing to be thankful for, we must sit down and count our blessings including our “so great Salvation” then we start to realise we have much to be thankful for.

3.      The Sacrifice of Righteousness (Psalm 4:4-5) Message. “Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for His verdict.  When people do unrighteous things to you, we must respond righteously.

4.      The Sacrifice of raising our hands. Remember the first time you did it, it was so hard, perhaps so contrary to your church culture, When you raise your hands you are saying, I obey your command to do this, I am hungry for you Lord ,I am thirsty for you, I surrender to you and to your Word. Sometimes when life seems to throw a curve ball at us, it may still be hard (a real sacrifice) for you .  Psalm 141:1-2  Psalm 134:1-3

5.      The Sacrifice of Tithes and Offerings. How can I give 10% of my income to God, costly ?? but so worthwhile. Mal 3:8-12

6.      The Sacrifice of our Bodies (Rom.12:1) Jesus wants us all not just spirit and soul, he wants our bodies, so that our mind will and  emotions are all under His control. Ps. 118:27 KJV encourages us to pray and ask the Lord to “bind the sacrifice” with cords to the altar, let Jesus tie us down amen. We must pray this constantly And regularly.

7.      The Sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart  Psalm 51:16-19 When it is so hard to say “I am sorry”.

Peter concludes this section with an awesome description of us in verse 9.

Chosen

Royal (we are kings and priests)

Holy

Special

What must we do?

PROCLAIM THE PRAISES OF HIM WHO CALLED US OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS MARVELLOUS LIGHT.

My brother or sister priest do you have a song of praise in your heart and on your lips today ?