Sermon Notes Follow Along
The Living Foundation
1 Peter 2:3–12
1.) Pastor Paulo teaches that while some focus on the failures of the church, there has always been a remnant of true followers who stood for what was _______________.
2.) A key lesson from church history is that the _______________ of God is never static.
3.) Pastor Paulo contrasts the church operating as a “reservoir” with the Kingdom of God, which operates more like a _______________.
4.) While the form of the church may change, the _______________ of God does not.
5.) Quoting John Stott, the message notes that the church is a living _______________ called to continual renewal.
6.) Peter refers to Jesus as a _______________ stone—an image that seems like a contradiction because stones are usually inanimate.
7.) Jesus is described as the _______________, the foundation upon which the entire church depends.
8.) Pastor Paulo emphasizes that spiritual _______________ and uniformity are not the same thing.
9.) We are invited to be _______________ stones, being built into a spiritual house.
10.) At GBC, the goal is to be more like a _______________ and less like a museum.
Answer Key: 1) right, 2) mission, 3) river, 4) mission, 5) community, 6) living,
7) cornerstone, 8) unity, 9) living, 10) garden.
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Grace Collectives Small Group Leaders Guide
Message Title: The Living Foundation Scripture: 1 Peter 2:3–12
Overview
In this message, Pastor Paulo introduces the series “Finding Our Way Together,” exploring the nature of the church as a dynamic, living organism rather than a static institution. By looking at the imagery of “living stones,” we are challenged to align ourselves with Jesus, our cornerstone, and to embrace a church model that is fluid, growing, and Spirit-led.
Key Points from the Message
- A Living Organism, Not a Reservoir: The church should not be a “reservoir” that contains and controls the Spirit, but a “river” of living water that carves new channels and nourishes new places while keeping its source the same.
- The Living Stone: Jesus is the “living stone”—rejected by men but chosen by God to be the cornerstone. He is the foundation that makes the church a living entity rather than a religious system.
- Unity vs. Uniformity: True spiritual unity is a work of God resulting from a relationship with Jesus; it cannot be manufactured by force or pressure.
- A Garden Culture: A church should function like a garden, which requires a gardener (God) and experiences constant growth, pruning, and fruit-bearing, rather than a museum which only preserves the past.
Key Bible Verses
- 1 Peter 2:4-5: “As you come to Him, a living stone… you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…”
- Colossians 1:17-18: “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together… so that in all things He may have pre-eminence.”
- John 15:1: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.”
Significant Quotes
“The church is not a static institution but a living community, called to continual renewal under the Word of God and the guidance of the Spirit.” — John Stott
“The church’s one foundation… isn’t a religious system, a popular pastor or a super apostle – it is God with us – Jesus.” — Pastor Paulo
Discussion Questions
- Pastor Paulo contrasted a “reservoir” with a “river.” In what areas of our personal faith or church life do we tend to “control the flow” rather than letting the Spirit carve new channels?
- Why is the distinction between “unity” and “uniformity” important for a healthy small group? How can we strive for unity while honoring our different backgrounds and cultures, (even theological understandings?—to what degree?)
- Peter calls us “living stones” being built into a “spiritual house”. How does this change your perspective on your individual role in the church?
- If our church (or this small group) is a garden, what “pruning” or “new shoots” have you noticed lately?
Practical Ways to Live This Out
- Examine Your Foundation: This week, identify one area of your life or ministry that has become a “static institution.” Pray and ask how you can realign that area with Jesus as the cornerstone.
- Yield Control: Practice “letting go” of a specific outcome you’ve been trying to force, yielding instead to the supremacy of Christ and seeking true spiritual unity.
- Connect to the Vine: Spend intentional time in prayer this week, not asking for “things,” but simply “coming to Him” (the Living Stone) to be nourished as a living vine.