I Never Realized How Much God Thinks of Us We are a part of a living house!
Scripture of Focus for Builders Men’s Ministry March 29, 2022: I Peter 2: 4-10
4 Come to Him [the risen Lord] as to a living Stone which men rejected and threw away, but which is choice and precious in the sight of God. 5 You [believers], like living stones, are [b]being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For this is contained in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a chosen stone, a precious (honored) Cornerstone, And he who believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] will never be disappointed [in his expectations].”
7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe [in Him as God’s only Son—the Source of salvation]; but for those who disbelieve, “The [very] stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief Cornerstone,”
8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they disobey the word [of God], and to this they [who reject Him as Savior] were also appointed.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
10 Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy
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Would you spend an appropriate amount of time that you can spare on the following questions preparing for the discussion at Builders Men’s Ministry at Mt. Bethel Church this Tuesday, March 29, 2022? See you at 7pm!
Lean In: How do people respond when their boss, teacher, friend, spouse, parent, or coach brags about them in front of others in the class, company, the family, or on the team? Does the response differ if the positive feedback is given privately – just between the two of them? How do workplaces and families or teams respond when no appreciation or compliments or rewards are given for hard work, good character, or commendable effort? Do these two environments really differ all that much?
Look Down: In what way did Peter describe Jesus in a positive way? What did the people who rejected Jesus see Him as? Look at verse 6 and see the promise made to all who “believe on Him”. What does that do for your peace of mind? Now, would you please jot down several ways Peter describes you and me as followers of Jesus Christ? What might it mean that we were once in “darkness” and now are in His “marvelous light”? What other contrasts do you see in Peter’s passage? Do you feel any different about your standing with God after reading this passage?
Look Out: How do most companies treat their employees? Do most men you know feel valued and appreciated at work? Do your kids feel valued at school or on their respective teams/in their special groups? How would most people describe their family life growing up – as very uplifting and positive(they would want to create a home atmosphere like the one they experienced)? Or would they say it was not helpful and more discouraging (not want to repeat much of what they experienced growing up)? Does it matter in life whether men are encouraged or discouraged or simply ignored?
Look In: Would you describe the best and the worst work situations you have experienced as it relates to the atmosphere created by the boss and/or co-workers? What made the best one “the best”? What made the worst one “the worst”? (Please don’t tell the name of the company or any of the workers or employers.) Would you describe whether or not the home you grew up in was an encouraging and loving home or more discouraging, not uplifting? Did it matter to you? Does it still? How well do you create an atmosphere of encouragement and care in your closest relationships: friends, family, spouse, children/grandchildren?
Take It Outside: How could we be better encouragers to younger men and boys, who need a positive, encouraging, godly role model or mentor?
- Coach a team, lead or co-lead a men’s / boy’s group or class
- Take the time to identify and deal with poor examples from the past so that your heart can be more free to love and care for others (Basic Training for singles and marrieds, Intimate Encounters for couples)
- Choose some men / boys to pray for specifically and attempt to get to know them through meals, inviting them to be with your family, contact occasionally
- Don’t be in a hurry when with them; listen well, ask good questions and listen
Last week’s Scripture Focus: I Peter 2:1-3
So put aside every trace of malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander and hateful speech; 2 like newborn babies [you should] long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment], 3 if in fact you have [already] tasted [a]the goodness and gracious kindness of the Lord.