Word@Work 1Pet19 - 1 Peter 2:5
Published: Thu, 05/21/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
INCORPORATED
1 Peter 2:5 ... 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.
When a business is called 'Incorporated' or 'Inc.' for short, it means that the organisation is bigger than any individual; it has an identity and legal structure of its own; as if it has its own body and all the people become part of that body. Employees and even directors may come and go, but the 'corporation/body' will continue as long as it is solvent. When people believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord, it is as if they are incorporated into the body of Christ. In business terms, they gladly accept a 'take over' by Jesus. They choose to invest their life in the Company/Kingdom of Heaven.
This verse comes in the middle of a passage where Jesus is described as the corner (or key/foundation) stone of a building (cf 1 Peter 2:4-10). Here, Christians are likened to all the other stones which form the building - a temple where God is worshipped. God is in the midst of His people. And not only are we the temple, but also the priests! Yes, every believer has the right to come to God directly through Jesus Christ (cf Heb 10:19-20). Of course, He alone is the great High Priest (cf Heb 4:14-16) and the perfect sacrifice for all sins; but we can offer the sacrifice of praise (cf Heb 13:15), the willingness of our bodies to serve Him (cf Rom 12:2), and the sacrifice of money and gifts (cf Phil 4:18).
Please note that we are 'built together'. We are not intended to be isolated worshippers, but those who delight in the corporate identity of Christ rather than ourselves. That is why Hebrews 10:25 urges us not to be solo-Christians; "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." That is why worship, prayer and Bible study in workplace Christian groups is so important. We are not designed to operate alone, but in company with others who love the Lord. And His Temple building will not be completed until Jesus comes again. So, perhaps some of your friends and colleagues will also respond to the call to be 'incorporated into Christ' - and you can issue an invitation.
Prayer: Holy Father. I do not feel worthy of being a part of Your great company; but I accept that I am welcomed and included through trusting in the Lord Jesus as my Saviour. Help me to honour You by being an active part of Your body where I live and work. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
When a business is called 'Incorporated' or 'Inc.' for short, it means that the organisation is bigger than any individual; it has an identity and legal structure of its own; as if it has its own body and all the people become part of that body. Employees and even directors may come and go, but the 'corporation/body' will continue as long as it is solvent. When people believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord, it is as if they are incorporated into the body of Christ. In business terms, they gladly accept a 'take over' by Jesus. They choose to invest their life in the Company/Kingdom of Heaven.
This verse comes in the middle of a passage where Jesus is described as the corner (or key/foundation) stone of a building (cf 1 Peter 2:4-10). Here, Christians are likened to all the other stones which form the building - a temple where God is worshipped. God is in the midst of His people. And not only are we the temple, but also the priests! Yes, every believer has the right to come to God directly through Jesus Christ (cf Heb 10:19-20). Of course, He alone is the great High Priest (cf Heb 4:14-16) and the perfect sacrifice for all sins; but we can offer the sacrifice of praise (cf Heb 13:15), the willingness of our bodies to serve Him (cf Rom 12:2), and the sacrifice of money and gifts (cf Phil 4:18).
Please note that we are 'built together'. We are not intended to be isolated worshippers, but those who delight in the corporate identity of Christ rather than ourselves. That is why Hebrews 10:25 urges us not to be solo-Christians; "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." That is why worship, prayer and Bible study in workplace Christian groups is so important. We are not designed to operate alone, but in company with others who love the Lord. And His Temple building will not be completed until Jesus comes again. So, perhaps some of your friends and colleagues will also respond to the call to be 'incorporated into Christ' - and you can issue an invitation.
Prayer: Holy Father. I do not feel worthy of being a part of Your great company; but I accept that I am welcomed and included through trusting in the Lord Jesus as my Saviour. Help me to honour You by being an active part of Your body where I live and work. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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