In Benjamin Meade's sermon "Living Stones," he exhorts Christians, drawing from 1 Peter 2:1-5, to lay aside old sinful behaviors such as malice, deceit, and envy, while eagerly desiring the pure milk of God's word to grow spiritually as newborn babes. He emphasizes that believers, though rejected by the world, are chosen and precious to God, being built together as living stones into a spiritual house founded on Christ the chief cornerstone. As a holy priesthood, Christians are called to offer spiritual sacrifices through lives of love, service, and holiness, actively pursuing unity and outreach rather than stagnation.

The sermon "Living Stones," based on 1 Peter 2:1-5, is delivered to encourage persecuted new Christians (and by extension all believers) to embrace their identity as regenerated followers of Christ. Benjamin highlights the need to decisively lay aside the vices of the old life—malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking—while craving the pure milk of God's word for spiritual growth. Using vivid biblical imagery, he portrays Jesus as the living stone rejected by men but chosen and precious to God, with Christians as living stones being built into a spiritual house and holy priesthood on the unbreakable foundation of Christ. The message stresses that this identity demands active transformation: rejecting worldly conformity, pursuing holiness, offering spiritual sacrifices through brotherly love and service, and engaging in community outreach, all to honor God and draw others into His household.

I. Introduction
Greeting and appreciation for the opportunity to speak
Context: Continuation of recent studies on God's house (Ephesians) and transition to discipleship
Background on 1 Peter: Written by Peter to persecuted, dispersed Gentile Christians under Nero to encourage perseverance and holy living

II. Scripture Reading and Main Text
Reading of 1 Peter 2:1-5
Theme: Christians as new creations building a spiritual house

III. Main Points from the Text

A. Lay Aside Sinful Behaviors (v. 1)
Connection to regeneration/new birth (1 Peter 1:3-5)
Leave behind old life: malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, evil speaking
Cross-reference: Romans 6:4-11 (dying to sin, walking in newness of life)

B. Desire the Pure Milk of the Word (v. 2-3)
As newborn babes, crave God's word for growth
Personal illustration: Becoming a soccer fan/coach by pursuing basic knowledge
Application: Daily pursuit of Scripture over personal opinions for true guidance

C. Identity as Living Stones (v. 4-5)

1. Rejected by Men, Chosen and Precious by God (v. 4)
Cross-reference: John 15:18-21 (world's hatred)
World rejects confrontation of sin and call to holiness
God chooses those who choose Him; all are precious (Luke 15 parables: lost sheep, coin, son)

2. Built into a Spiritual House and Holy Priesthood (v. 5)
Foundation: Christ the chief cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6; Ephesians 2:19-22)
Living stones: Alive in Christ, active, united in one body (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 2:21)
Strength in unity: Stones fitted together endure far better than alone

3. Purpose: Offer Spiritual Sacrifices
Cross-reference: Romans 12:1-2, 9-13 (living sacrifice, transformed mind, practical love/service)
Examples: Congregation's nursing home worship, connections groups, community service


IV. Conclusion and Application
Summary: Christians are living stones in an eternal, active spiritual house built on Christ
Encouragement: Continue pursuing unity, love, outreach, and discipleship
Invitation: Response for prayers, confession, study or baptism into Christ