A Royal Priesthood

1 Peter 2:1-12

Key Verse 2:9

Read verse 1. What is a believer called to rid himself of? Why? (1:3-5)

Read verses 2-3. What does “pure spiritual milk” represent?  What does it mean “to grow up” [in your salvation]? How does one grow up?

Read verses 4-5. What does it mean to “come to him”? What does a “spiritual house” stand for? What does it mean: 1)  to be “built into” a spiritual house; 2) to be a holy “priesthood”; 3) to offer “spiritual sacrifices” acceptable to God through Jesus Christ?

Read verses 6-8. What is the significance of a “cornerstone”? In what respect is Jesus a cornerstone? When one puts trust in Jesus Christ, he will “never” be put to “shame”. What does it mean to be (or not to be) put to shame? What does “stumble” or “fall” mean?

 Read verses 9-12. In what respect is a believer a “royal” priesthood? In what respect is his light “wonderful”? What does it mean to say, “You [came to be] the people of God” because of God’s “mercy”? What are the practical ways in which one can “declare the praises of him who called you”?