Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
It Takes Some Stones
Scripture
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 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. 6 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.”
7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
“The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
8 and,
“A stone that causes people to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Main Idea
In today's scripture, we see Simon (Peter) declare that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah. Once he had that revelation, Simon was changed. His name was changed from Simon to Peter, which means 'rock'.
Once we recognize who Jesus is, we are changed. This change comes with new requirements.
In order to follow Jesus and build his kingdom,
1. It takes conviction: This means we surrender to his lordship. He is not just a piece of your life, he is the essence of your life. Sincerity of belief does not always mean it's right. Some of the most sincere of beliefs are rooted in our own preferances (gender, sexuality, identity, marriage, etc)
2. It takes connection: 1 Peter 2:1 asks us to set aside malice, anger, selfishnes, as these impair our connections to one another. We need one another to build his kingdom. We are better and stronger together. We are living stones, building God's kingdom stone by stone.
3. It takes courage: We do not bow down to fear. When we 'declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness and into his wonderful llght.' (1 Peter 2:9b), we confirm our identity in Christ. We build our life on The Rock and he is our chief cornerstone.
"Everyone wants to fit Jesus into a framework, but it's Jesus who designed the frame"
Discussion Questions
- Once Peter (Simon) realized who Jesus was, he was changed. How has knowing Jesus changed you?
- We cannot build God's kingdom alone. What does being a living stone, living in community, look like for you?
- What are some common cultural beliefs that are rooted in personal belief and not Biblical truth?
- Being rooted in the truth of scripture helps us distinguish between God's truth and our personal beliefs. What are some ways that help you to stay connected in scripture?
Summary
When we follow Jesus, it changes us. These changes take conviction, connection and courage. When we do this, we can build his church. We are his living stones, bringing his message to the world through our commitment together.
Take Action
- Get connected! Able to attend service in person? Come! Not in a group? join one! Not serving? Join a team!
- Go out of your way to say kind word to someone today
- Join us this Saturday for Serve Day this Saturday, 11/4. For info and sign ups, go to https://vel.city/serveday
Announcements
- Serve Day 11/4/25
- Visioneering Night
- Groups in person and online: groups@findvelocity.org
