We’re continuing through the epistle of 1 Peter. In my last post, I talked about how together, we’re being built up into a building for God to inhabit.
…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
1 Peter 2:5-6 NIV
But just building the house is not enough. This house must have a purpose – it’s a temple to the living God. We’re to offer sacrifices in the temple of God.
We’re actually called to minister in God’s house. We’re a priesthood set apart to God. Our job is to offer spiritual sacrifices. What exactly are these sacrifices? Paul explained this to us.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.
Romans 12:1 NIV
It’s clear from this verse that we’re to offer up our lives – that is the sacrifice the Lord is looking for. This sacrifice is anything that reminds us that we’re not our own. We belong to the Lord Jesus Christ.
This can even include the offerings we bring to the Lord for His work.
I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
Philippians 4:18 NIV
When we praise the Lord in spite of our circumstances, that’s an acceptable sacrifice as well.
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrews 13:15-16 NIV
This verse also shows us the importance of blessing others. God sees that as a sacrifice before Him. That’s because all of these things are an expression of our faith in Him.
But there’s another side to this.
Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone,” and, “A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”
1 Peter 2:7-8 NIV
We show that we value the Lord as we walk in faith before Him. But what if I don’t want to? This is talking about willful disobedience.
If reject faith in Christ, that doesn’t change who He is – He’s still the Chief Cornerstone. But, instead of being that which keeps you straight and aligned with His will, He becomes a stone of stumbling to you. That literally means that you keep stubbing your toes on Him.
It also says that He’s a rock that makes you fall into a trap. When you know what God says, and live differently, you stumble into a trap with your eyes open.
Given the two choices, I would personally prefer the Cornerstone. We must allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in us. In that way we become lined up with the will of God.
Question: How well are you walking in God’s will for your life?
© 2025 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 