Day 1

Understand their story

Read 1 Peter 2:1-10. In this passage Peter focuses on the corporate identity of believers. Today we’ll focus on the first eight verses. 

  • 1 Peter 2:1-3 – What are the behaviours Peter warns his recipients to put away? 
    • What should they do instead? 
    • What is the reason believers would long for spiritual nourishment? 
    • How does this image help you to understand spiritual maturity? 
  • 1 Peter 2:4-5 – What does Peter say about the corporate identity of believers in verse 5?
    • What is the new role that comes with this identity?
    • What is the purpose of this role? 

Pray today in confession and thanksgiving and supplication. Confess the things you struggle to “put away” and thank God for the goodness you have tasted. Ask God to transform your heart to desire to live your life as a spiritual sacrifice.

Day 2

Understand their story

Read 1 Peter 2:1-10 again today. Today we will focus on the foundation of the believers identity. 

  • 1 Peter 4-8 – What does Peter tell his readers about the cornerstone? 
    • How do people think of Him and how does God?
    • The cornerstone has two different effects for people. What are they and why? 
  • 1 Peter 2:9 -10 What additional information does Peter tell us about the identity and role of those who believe in Christ? 
    • How is it that believers are given that identity?

Today, pray in adoration and thanksgiving. Praise God that through Christ, the cornerstone,  you are given a place among His people. Thank Him for such rich mercy.

Day 3

Connect to His story

Read 1 Peter 2:1-10 again today. A true cornerstone was necessary for the structural integrity of a building. Today we’ll focus on the significance of this cornerstone and what it means to be built into a spiritual house. 

  • In verse 6, Peter is quoting the prophet Isaiah. Read Isaiah 28:16. What is the importance of this cornerstone God promised to establish? 
  • Peter also quotes a Psalm 118 in verse 7. Read Psalm 118:19-24. What is so significant about the cornerstone? 
  • Read Acts 4:8-12. Who does Peter claim is the cornerstone? Why is it so important to be built on the true cornerstone? 
  • Eph 2:19-22. What does Paul tell his readers is the significance of believers being built together as the Church? 

Pray today in adoration and thanksgiving. God has provided us a sure foundation in Jesus and is building His Church–the place where He dwells!

Day 4

Connect to His story

Read 1 Peter 2:1-10 again today. 

  • Read Exodus 19:1-6 and Deuteronomy 7:6-8. What does this passage tell us about the new identity God gave to the people of Israel? What is so important about Peter using this same identity for the gentile and Jewish believers in Christ?  
  • Read Isaiah 43:18-21. What is the purpose that God made a people for himself? 
  • Reflect on what Peter tells us is the purpose of the Church (1 Peter 2:5 & 9). 

Again pray in thanksgiving and supplication. Thank God for the new identity given to the people of God, and ask Him to empower you to proclaim the excellencies of Christ.

Day 5

Apply to our story

Read through 1 Peter 2:1-10 one last time today. Knowing our identity purpose–and Who it is built upon– is key to living faithfully as exiles in a hostile world. Think about what this means for your life today: 

  • Consider what you long for.  Do your longings align with your identity? Do you long for the word that will grow you or do you long for the world? Do you need to “grow up”? 
  • Consider your identity and purpose as part of God’s people. How does this change the expectations you have for your life? Do you offer your life as a spiritual sacrifice, or do you want to define your own identity and purpose?  Do you see yourself as part of God’s people or are you individualistic?
  • Consider that Christ is the only true and sure foundation to build your life on. How does this rock solid foundation give you confidence to live for God? How does His mercy empower you to embrace your purpose as part of God’s people to “proclaim the excellencies of Christ”?

Pray today in confession and thanksgiving. Confess the ways you have not lived in line with your God-given identity and purpose, and thank Him for His mercy as you ask Him to grow you to maturity as a member of His Church.