In 1 Peter 2, the apostle Peter calls believers to embrace their identity as God’s chosen people, emphasizing that faith is not meant to be lived in isolation. Instead, Christians are living stones, being built together into a spiritual house, forming a new holy community set apart for God’s purposes. At the heart of this passage is the reminder that we are not alone. Through Christ, we have been brought together as a people—a family of faith—called to support, encourage, and uphold one another as we navigate the challenges of living for God. This lesson challenges us to embrace our role in God’s greater plan, to stand firm in faith, and to recognize that our strength is found in community.
I. A Holy Community (1 Peter 2:1-10)
A. Characteristics of the New Community
B. Failure and Success in Faith
C. The Identity of God’s People
II. Demonstrating Holiness (1 Peter 2:11-25)
A. Living Honorably Before the World
B. Submitting to Authority
C. Suffering for Doing Good
III. Identifying with Christ Through Suffering
A. Christ suffered as an example for us to follow
IV. The Role of Suffering
A. The Cause of Suffering
B. The Context of Suffering
C. The Role of Community in Suffering
V. Reflection Questions
1. What is the purpose of our community? Why is it important to operate as a community?
2. Why is it important to submit to authorities? Is the command to submit qualified?
3. What is the benefit of unjust suffering?