River City Church
Discussion Guide

Holy | Wait...I'm a Royal Priest? | A Journey through 1st Peter | Part 4

Tyler Minton
|
July 14, 2024

Main Idea

The central theme of the sermon was the transformative power of holiness in our lives. Pastor explained that holiness brings us closer to God, allowing us to experience His abundant life and love. By craving spiritual nourishment and rejecting evil, we grow into our salvation. As living stones in God's spiritual temple, we embody Heaven on Earth and are called to live as a royal priesthood, intermediating between Heaven and Earth. This identity challenges us to live differently, embracing generosity, humility, and grace over worldly values. Moreover, we're encouraged to offer our lives as living sacrifices, pray for our leaders, and endure injustices with patience, following Christ's example.

Scripture References

1 Peter 2:1-3, Matthew 5:6, 1 Peter 2:4-8, John 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Hebrews 4:14-16, Romans 8:34, 1 Peter 2:11-12, James 3:9-11, 1 Peter 2:13-17, 1 Peter 2:18-25

1. How can we practically crave pure spiritual milk and grow into a full experience of salvation?

Holiness isn't a battle of willpower; it's an act of radical surrender to what God desires.

2. What does it mean to you to be a living stone and part of God's spiritual temple?

Discussion Questions:

3. In what ways can we live out our identity as a royal priesthood in our daily lives?

4. How can we use our freedom responsibly and honorably among non-believers?

5. What are some examples of offering our lives as a 'living sacrifice' to God?

As royal priests, we are not just residents of this world; we are the embodiment of Heaven on Earth.

Summary

In 'The Fruit of Holiness is Abundant Life & Ridiculous Love,' Pastor shared how embracing holiness leads to a life filled with God's love and abundance. We learned that holiness isn't about willpower but radical surrender to God's will, desiring what He calls good. We're reminded that as followers of Jesus, we are the new temple where Heaven meets Earth, and Jesus is our cornerstone. Emphasizing our identity as a royal priesthood, we're called to live honorably among others, showing God's goodness. The sermon also touched on the subversive nature of the Kingdom of Heaven, where generosity, humility, and grace are the true powers. Lastly, we were encouraged to submit to authority with respect, use our words wisely, and endure suffering just as Christ did for us.

Call to Action

Some next steps to take this week:

Let's ask God daily to help us desire what He calls good and to grow in holiness.

As living stones, let's live honorably and use our lives to show others the goodness of God.

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