INTRODUCTION:

1. Christians are not in isolation
2. We are part of a community, the church
3. The relationships we have impose responsibilities on us.
4. Peter uses 3 figures to describe Christians.

 The Christian is a Living Stone in a Spiritual House (1 Peter 2:5)

1. Jesus is the builder – Matthew 16:18
2. This building has a sure foundation
3. Chief cornerstone – holds building together
4. OT temple was material
5. NT temple is spiritual

 The Christian is a Priest in a Holy Priesthood (1 Peter 2:5, 9)

1. Priests in OT officiated in worship
2. Today – priests – read, prayed, served communion, taught classes
3. We are all priests of God
   1. Revelation 1:6
   2. Revelation 20:6

 The Christian is a Citizen of a Holy Nation (1 Peter 2:9)

1.        “Holy” means separation and dedication
2.  Christian is called:

1. By the gospel – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

2. Out of darkness – 1 Peter 2:9

3. Into God’s marvelous light

3.        A Christian is dedicated to God

4.        Jesus is King

5.        We are citizens in the kingdom of God

6.        We are the people of God – Titus 2:14

 Conclusion:

1.        Do not take lightly our privilege of fellowship – brotherhood

2.        We have responsibilities to others

3.        Are you a part of:

a.       God’s house – the family?

b.       God’s priesthood – in worship?

c.       God’s nation – in citizenship?