12-Aug-2024 – Are you associated with Christ centred builder for your life?
Unto you therefore which believe, he is precious – 1 Peter 2:7
In this chapter, the apostle Peter discusses our life in Christ, using the analogy of a temple being built. Today, we will learn from these verses about an important aspect of our prayer life.
To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, 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 2:4-5
First, the living stone is precious, as described by the Word of God. When we build a house, we always seek high-quality bricks to ensure the building’s strength. If we pay a premium price, we can obtain top-quality bricks. Likewise, the Lord Jesus Christ is the most precious living stone that God used to build His temple, which stands forever.
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: – Ephesians 1:10
From this verse, we understand that it is God’s will to gather everything in heaven and on earth in Christ. Thus, Jesus Christ is the most precious among all.
Secondly, the living stone is chosen by God. Even the verse from Ephesians testifies that God chose Jesus Christ. Jesus was chosen by God before the foundation of the earth to be the Lamb of God, to be slain, as mentioned in Revelation 13:8.
Thirdly, the living stone is the cornerstone or the headstone. In ancient construction, the cornerstone was the first stone set in the foundation, determining the position of the entire structure, ensuring stability and alignment. Jesus Christ is the first stone laid to build the temple of God, which is the church of God. Naturally, Jesus Christ is the reference for all of us to align ourselves in the will of God.
Once the cornerstone is laid, the builder’s role begins. From Peter’s letter, we can observe two types of builders.
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house – 1 Peter 2:5
The stone which the builders disallowed – 1 Peter 2:7
In these two verses, we see two kinds of builders. One builds using the reference and model of Jesus Christ, shaping the stones to resemble Him. Jesus is a living stone, and this builder is shaping believers into living stones as well. The other builder, however, attempts to construct the house or temple without referring to Jesus Christ.
From these two verses, we can derive a spiritual principle for our practical life. To understand more clearly, let us look at another verse:
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. – 1 Corinthians 3:10
From the verses we’ve referenced so far, we understand that the builders are the men of God who teach us, preach to us, and lead us to grow spiritually. Each one of us is being built on the foundation of Jesus Christ and using Him as our reference point.
However, in today’s world, many doctrines and teachings are readily available in the public domain. Unfortunately, some people distort the truth of God’s Word, promoting misleading and dangerous practices that contaminate the church. These individuals represent builders who stray from the reference point of Jesus Christ, disallowing Him.
Yet, there are still men of God who take on the responsibility of warning, shaping, and molding you based on Biblical truths revealed by the Holy Spirit, always referring to and pointing towards the Lord Jesus Christ. These are the builders who are shaping you into living stones, like Jesus Christ.
So today, let us pray to discern which men of God we are associating with. What channels and social groups are we connected to? Are they groups that deny the authority, divinity, and sovereignty of Jesus Christ? Or are they groups that accept, acknowledge, and follow the authority of Christ Jesus? Our association with the right group is crucial in our spiritual journey.
Prayer
Dear loving Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for teaching us today about the importance of associating with the right men of God and social groups. Help us to identify and correct our associations so that we remain on the right path, being built as living stones in Your temple. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen!
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