Scripture: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” – 1 Peter 2:2
Examination: Peter compares our faith to a building in which Jesus is the foundational cornerstone, and we are the construction materials upon which the rest of the structure is built. He details the responsibilities that believers have as the “lively stones” that are to be laid upon the foundation of the Saviour.
Application: As with any structure, the base must be strong enough to support the rest of the construction materials. With Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith, the early church apostles and leaders become the first level of our spiritual edifice. Ephesians 2:20 states that those who place their faith in Christ “…are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;”. We must be like the wise man who built his house upon the rock (Matthew 7:24).
In construction, cement, sand, rock, and water are combined to create the concrete needed for a strong building. If one ingredient is missing or tainted, the concrete is not as effective as a building material. Likewise, “… as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5), we must be composed of the right materials without contamination or we risk the destruction of our “spiritual house”.
The purest material that provides all we need to grow in our faith, and build our house, is found in God’s divine manual, the Bible. Romans 10:17 states, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” To help us understand the Scriptures, God has given us faithful men to preach His Word and Sunday school teachers to help us learn the basics of the Bible. This is similar to superintendents or foremen who help the workers correctly interpret and follow the plans as they build.
The more we understand what God is telling us in His Word, the more we will be able to construct a strong spiritual house and “… walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;” (Colossians 1:10). Let us make time this year to build our own spiritual monument of our growing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Memory Verse: “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
Jesus is the cornerstone came for sinners to atone
Though rejected by His own, He became the cornerstone
Jesus is the cornerstone
'Til the breaking of the dawn, 'til all footsteps cease to roam
Ever let this truth be known, Jesus is the cornerstone
Jesus is the cornerstone!
(from “Cornerstone” by Lari Goss)