Do you recognize the plant in the picture above?
It is a lithop.
I was thrilled when I first learned about these little succulent plants that look like stones or pebbles many years ago.
They even produce a flower.
When I first learned about them, it took a while to find a local plant nursery that had some for sale.
I do not have any right now, but after studying our passage for today, I might get me one or two again.
Why, you ask?
Our passage today talks about the ultimate living stone, and tending to some lithops could be a fun visual reminder of this passage.
Called from Darkness to be Living Stones
A Study of 1 Peter 2:1-9
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.[1]
Using 1 Peter 1:22-25, explain Peter’s statement in verse one.
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.[2]
Where do we get pure spiritual milk?
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,[3]
How does 1 Peter 1:17-21 support Peter’s statement in verse four above?
…you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.[4]
Why are we called to be like living stones?
For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” [5]
The scripture Peter is quoting here comes from Isaiah 28:16.
How does quoting from Isiah 28 encourage both Peter’s readers and us today? (Review Isaiah 27-28 for deeper context.)
7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
8 and
“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.” [6]
Using Isaiah 8:11-22, describe the context that Peter refers to by quoting Isaiah 8:14 and how it applies to his goal of encouraging his readers and us today.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.[7]
What are the responsibilities of followers of Jesus based on the above verse?
Called from Darkness to be Living Stones
Personal Application
Go outside and pick up a small stone or two.
Describe how the stones you find feel.
- Are they hard or soft?
- Smooth or rough?
- Colorful or plain?
List ways this small stone serves a foundational purpose in your garden or walkway.
Now consider the lithop plant, the succulent pictured at the beginning of this post. It is a living plant that looks like a stone or pebble.
It comes in a variety of colors but is mostly plain.
It is not hard like the stone or pebbles you likely found in your garden or walkway. Rather, it gives a little when you press on it. Not quite spongy, but close.
Lithops need sunlight and small amounts of water to survive. Properly cared for, a lithop plant will flower once a year and has a lifespan between forty to fifty years according to a quick google search.
Most of its life it may appear dormant, but it is still working hard to produce that annual spectacular blossom.
Now think about you.
Would you describe yourself as hard, soft, or perhaps spongy? Why?
Are you smooth, rough, or in between? Why?
Are you colorful or plain? Why?
List ways you serve in foundational ways for the world around you.
How do you care for your needs?
Spiritually
Mentally
Physically
Emotionally
Based on 1 Peter 2:1-9, how can tending to your spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional needs equip you to withstand the trials you face?
What encourages you most about Peter’s words today?
If there were things that challenged you from this passage, take time to talk to God about them or reach out to a fellow Jesus follower to discuss.
Heavenly Father, enable us to put away all the things that stir up darkness and strife in our daily lives because of the love you have shown us through Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. Instill in us a deep craving to study your teachings and share the tasty morsels of light only you can provide. Keep us from stumbling over the things we don’t understand in your word, but hold our confidence in your strength and grace as the ultimate living stone, knowing You will eventually reveal all things to us. A sure foundation that guarantees a life with you for eternity. Open our hearts, minds, souls, and mouths to bring you glory. Amen.
Blessings,
Barbara Lynn
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 2:1.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 2:2–3.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 2:4.
[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 2:5.
[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 2:6.
[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 2:7–8.
[7] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 2:9.