Session 3

Our Identity

1 Peter 2:1-10

Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:9

Because of the new life Christ gives, believers are God’s own people who proclaim His praises.

An old television commercial carried a familiar tagline: “Membership has its privileges.” The idea was simple.
Be a member of that group, and you would experience things others could only imagine.
It remains a strong message in a world where everyone wants to belong
or enjoy a connection with a group.

Christ followers belong to a unique group.
As God’s people, we experience His special blessings.
The Word of Christ by which Christians receive new life sustains them in this world
and allows them to mature in their relationship with Christ.
This growth requires effort, along with humble dependence.

FIRST THOUGHTS

Home ownership is a blessing that carries with it responsibility.
People can feel a sense of pride when they sign the paperwork and receive the keys to their new home.
That sense of pride can turn to dread when the air conditioning breaks or the roof needs replacing.
Those who embrace the blessing must also embrace the responsibility.
Peter reminded believers that they have both the blessing and responsibility of living as God’s own people. (PSG, p. 28)

Name an example of a blessing that brings responsibility.

• How might ignoring the responsibility diminish the enjoyment of the blessing?

ENGAGE

Introduce:

Create two columns on the board:
Privileges and Responsibilities.
identify privileges that come with high expectations or specific responsibilities.
If it is not mentioned, suggest home ownership as one such privilege.

Ask:

• How might ignoring the responsibility diminish the enjoyment of the blessing? (PSG, p. 28)

Transition:

With the introductory word “Therefore” in 1 Peter 2:1, the apostle moved from the mandate to practice brotherly love to providing some encouraging words that would shape the identity and behavior of suffering Christians.