Sermon Notes
- Series context: Peter moves from the living hope and new birth of chapter 1 to the question of how God's people grow together.
- Austin’s image: God is the builder, his people are living stones, and Jesus is the chosen and precious cornerstone.
01 · 1 Peter 2:1–3
Grow Up As His Children
- Lay aside: Peter names malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander as ways of life that hinder growth and harm the community.
- Long for: As infants need milk, believers need the nourishment of God's Word. Austin urged reading, study, and meditation.
- This week: Pray about one thing to lay aside and a concrete way to return to Scripture.
Supporting references used in the sermon: 1 Peter 2:1–3; Hebrews 12:1.
02 · 1 Peter 2:4–5
Build Up His Church
- Living stones: Believers differ from one another, yet God joins them together as a spiritual house through Christ.
- Belonging and service: Each person has a place in God's people and can strengthen others rather than live as a disconnected stone.
- Holy priesthood: Peter describes God's people offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable through Jesus Christ. Austin called for worship beyond Sunday.
Supporting references used in the sermon: 1 Peter 2:4–5.
03 · 1 Peter 2:6–8
Stand Upon His Cornerstone
- Chosen and precious: Jesus is the cornerstone by which the whole building is aligned, even though people reject him.
- Without shame: Austin urged believers to build their lives openly on Christ amid rejection.
- Honored in him: Peter says honor belongs to those who believe. The sermon closes with confidence that God will complete the work he began.
Supporting references used in the sermon: 1 Peter 2:6–8; Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 8:14; Matthew 7:24–25; Philippians 1:6.
Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Text Edition: 2025. Used by permission. Permissions. Prepared for this small group from the September 27, 2026 sermon; questions and applications are editorial study material.