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Peter opens with the process of transformation. The true progression of spiritual growth is measured by a craving to immerse yourself in God’s Word. The Psalms are filled with verses illustrating this. Peter, however, focuses on the practicality of the process. Notice what is required before a longing for the Word…
So rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander.
1 Peter 2:1 HCSB
We must put aside ourselves in order to truly see Him. I know this is true. The more I deny myself and the flesh, the more I desire to walk more closely with the Lord in His Word. Notice, also, that the process is not “put aside self” and have a “spiritual experience.” Those will happen, for sure, but Peter knows that the Holy Spirit is always found in the Word of God. It is the source of all truth, wisdom, and knowledge. It is a certain and absolute guide for our lives.
Coming to Him also means remaining with Him. You become part of what He is building. You are woven into the plans of God.
Coming to Him, a living stone—rejected by men but chosen and valuable to God— 5 you yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:4-5 HCSB
In the ancient world, Gentiles worshipped stone idols and Jews worshiped at the temple. Both the animal sacrifices at the temple as well as the pagan sacrifices of the Gentiles only led to dead, ritualistic religion. Peter is making a strong point. The cornerstone, Jesus Christ, is not dead – He is alive. By following Him, we too become living stones building a living, breathing community of believers called the church. By rejecting Him, we will be destroyed.
“As we touch the Living Stone we live, and we touch others who are touching Him, and so a temple begins to grow up. Then we become a holy priesthood in the temple, and finally the sacrifices which are offered within its precincts. If Christ is not that Living Stone for you, He will be your undoing.”
F.B. Meyer