West Shore Community Church Message Outline
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Prepared by Charles B. Lutz
Review of last week’s teaching:
I. If God is all-powerful and all-good, how can evil exist? The answer lies in the definition of “good”.
II. Prepare for action – self-controlled, hope on future grace when Christ is revealed
III. Always remember whose you are
A. The Father has redeemed us through Christ’s blood – communion! Water into wine!
B. The evidence is deep love for one another, which is a witness to outsiders
IV. We are born again to imperishable life through Jesus, God’s Word become man
V. Heed these behavioral warnings and wisdom
A. Rid yourselves of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander.
B. Be like newborn babies seeking spiritual milk, healthy growth in salvation – the Lord is good!
The Living Stones of God Dwelling Place (1 Peter 2:4-8)
I. The Living Stone
A. Jesus is the Rock – of the sanctuary/temple, of refuge, and of stumbling (Isaiah 8:13-17)
1. Same chapter that promises Immanuel, God with us!
2. The “scandalon, makes fall” – stumbling vs. falling
a. The parable of the Tenants (Luke 20:13-19)
b. Beware taking offense at Jesus (John 6:61,67-68)
3. Psalm 62:1-2, “my Rock and salvation”
4. The Cornerstone (vs. 2:6 from Isaiah); Ephesians 2:19-22, We the “Temple!”
B. We are like living stones (vs. 5)
1. Built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, making spiritual sacrifices in Christ
II. What about Peter, isn’t he a rock too?
1. Jesus nicknamed him “Petros”, Peter, but why? (Matthew 16:18)
2. Rock is “petra”, and Jesus said upon this “petra” He will build His church
3. What “petra” is Jesus talking about? Four interpretations:
a. Peter himself, and only himself
b. Peter as the first pope
c. Peter’s statement of faith concerning Jesus (Matthew 16:16)
d. The pagan shrine at Caesarea Philippi
1. Natural rock face with idol niches
2. “Gates of Hades/Hell” subterranean spring/cave
1. They stumbled and disobeyed, for which they were destined
a. That the scriptures would be fulfilled
b. Perhaps some later repented…?
2. This is a warning NOT to persist in unbelief!
3. Let us be among the repentant!
a. “The Gift of Tears” (Romans 2:4, 2 Corinthians 7:10)
IV. Let’s sing a simple scriptural/spiritual song together in closing:
It’s your kindness that leads us to repentance, O, Lord!
Knowing that You love us no matter what we do
Makes us want to love You too
