In 1 Peter 2:6 (ESV) we read, “Behold (Look!), I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.”
The Revised Standard Version says “For you therefore which believe is the preciousness.” Another translation says “To you therefore who believe in His preciousness.”
Brothers and Sisters, whichever translation you choose, the meaning is the same, it is Christ who is precious — more precious to us than anything or anyone else. Question: – Is Christ precious (highly valued) to you? Is He more desired, more prized, more precious to you than anyone or anything else?
Listen to what Jesus Himself said in Matthew 10:37-38 (ESV), “Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.”
A. Consider the People He is Precious to –
· Peter tells us that Christ is precious to those who believe in Him.
· Those who do not believe are blind to His loveliness and His preciousness. They are insensitive to all that He is and all that He offers. Satan has blinded them.
· To those who believe is the chiefest among ten thousand and He is altogether lovely.
· He is the Cornerstone of our faith. 1 Peter 2:6
· God’s love for us is steadfast and precious. Psalm 36:7
· We are redeemed with His precious blood. 1 Peter 1:19
B. Reasons Why He Should be Precious –
1. He left the glories of heaven and came down here to identify with us. John 3:16
2. He didn’t come to condemn us but to save us. John 3:17
3. He went to the cross and paid the redemption price for our salvation. He did for us what we could never do for ourselves. Romans 3:22-25; 6:23
4. Our lives are transformed by trusting in Him. 1 Corinthians 5:17
5. He gives us the Holy Spirit as our resident Helper when we trust in Christ. John 14:16
6. He is preparing an eternal home for us where we will be with Him forever. John 14:1-3
7. He will never forsake for He loves us with unfailing love. Lamentations 3:22
8. Because of His love we are accepted, adopted, and become His children. 1 John 3:2-3; John 1:12
· And there is so much more!
C. How Can We Show Him and Others That He Is Precious To Us?
1. By faithfully following Him and honoring Him as our Savior and LORD. Romans 12:1-2
2. By eagerly, telling those who are not saved, about Him. Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8
3. By preferring Him over all that the world has to offer. 1 John 2:15-17
4. By choosing fellowship with others of like faith. Hebrews 10:24-25
5. By delighting in prayer and in His inspired Word. Matt. 6:31-33; Col. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12
6. By Persevering, trusting in Him, and even suffering for Him if need be. Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 1:29; Ephesians 6:18
7. By walking/living as children of light and letting our lights shine. Ephesians 5:8
8. By lifting Him up for all the world to see. John 12:32
“Worthy are you, our LORD and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by Your will, they existed and were created.” Rev. 4:11
Lord, we prefer you above all else!
Pastor Leonard
