On to 1 Peter 2:4-7

v4: Him: Messiah Yeshua 

• A living stone: David spoke about Yeshua (Messiah) as the rock of his salvation, the foundation of his life (Psalm 62). When Moses came to a point in his life when he was in a place of confusion, G-d placed him upon a rock (a typology of Messiah). G-d stood Moses on a firm foundation while He showed him His glory (Ex 33:17-23). In the book of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar dreamt of an image that depicted all of the evil empires who were in opposition to the purposes of G-d. We then read about a stone that was hurled down, destroying these evil empires. There is no disagreement – everyone understands that this stone is indeed Messiah (Dan 2:31-45). We will never grow or mature unless Yeshua first destroys those things in our lives that are contrary to His call and will for our lives. Yeshua is that stone, that vessel of destruction, and He is against all that is in opposition to Him. It is only after destruction has happened that G-d can minister into our lives. He is not only called a ‘stone’ but a ‘living stone’. After destruction (this refining by fire – 1 Peter 1:7) Yeshua ministers life to us – again, this is not only talking about salvation, but also about a lifestyle. We are saved freely by G-d’s grace so that we can live differently. That is what sanctification is about
• Rejected indeed by men: When we see the glory of G-d, left to ourselves, without His revelation, we reject it.
• But: In contrast to. From G-d’s perspective this stone is chosen and precious.

v5: You: Peter is not speaking here to all of humanity but to a remnant. This concept of the remnant is a very important one Biblically. The remnant is made up of those who hear from G-d and make a G-dly change in their lives. 

• As living stones: Those that have a connection with THE living stone become like Him. We become committed to His purpose and will. 
• Being built up a spiritual house (temple): When we are like Him it brings about G-d’s ministry in our lives. G-d wants to minister to, and through, us.
• Offer up spiritual sacrifices: This is what we are called to do. 
• Acceptable/Well pleasing to G-d through Messiah Yeshua: The only way that we can offer up well-pleasing sacrifices to G-d is through Yeshua. It is impossible to worship G-d if we have not experienced redemption through Messiah Yeshua. 

v6: Therefore: Based on what has been said previously. 

• Contained in the Scripture: Peter backs up or qualifies what he has been saying by quoting from Scripture – Isaiah 28:16. 
• I: This is speaking about G-d. 
• Zion: Any time the word Zion appears in the Scripture, it should cause us to think about the Kingdom. Zion is the name for Jerusalem in her redeemed and glorified state. 
• (corner)Stone: The foundation. Yeshua is the foundation of the Kingdom. He is what the Kingdom of G-d is built upon. However, remember that Zion comes about through destruction. It is the judgement of G-d that brings about order. That is why when the angels in heaven see G-d’s righteous judgment, they praise Him (Rev 15:4, Rev 16:4-7etc),. G-d’s judgment brings about a Kingdom reality (not just a hope, or a distant promise)
• He who believes on Him: Salvation is offered to us, but we have to make a decision about what we are going to do about this offer.

v7: (literally)“Therefore the one who believes upon Him will never be ashamed but honoured. But, to the disobedient ones: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.’”

• Therefore: Based upon what has been said. 
• Believes UPON Him: It does not say ‘In Him’- although that’s true. The word used in the Greek is the word “upon”. We stand UPON that stone (Upon Messiah). Moses was stood upon the rock in Exodus 33, and upon that rock he was given a foretaste of G-d’s glory.
• Will never be ashamed: What a marvellous hope and promise! When it comes to judgement day those who have believed in Yeshua will not experience any shame. This promise gives us assurance and confidence. When we are in Messiah our future is secure. 
• Honoured: Our works do not give us assurance and security. We are secured in the sufficiency of the cross. When we stand before the living G-d, we are going to be honourable in His sight because of what Yeshua has done. This assurance, that G-d has given to us, does not lead us to exploit His grace, nor use it as a liberty to disobey Him. G-d’s abundant mercy produces, within a true believer, humility and a desire to obey Him. True repentance involves turning away from sin, with the desire to never go back. Sometimes we fall, but this is no longer what characterises our lives. Sin in our lives should be “the exception, rather than the rule.” When we do fall it is not appropriate to rejoice in our sin, but it should cause grief in our lives – a grief that leads to a quick repentance (2 Cor 7:9-11)
• But: Meaning in contrast to.
• Disobedient ones: Those who believe in G-d obey G-d. The behaviour of those who are not believers is disobedient. Disobedience manifests that a person has a lack of faith – they are unbelievers (Matt 7:15-20)
• The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone: This is aquotation from Psalm 118:22.  
• The builders: In its original context these builders were the leadership of Israel. 
• Rejected: This word for rejected is a word that is best understood by the word ‘loathing’ or something to be repulsed by. They see it but want absolutely no connection with it. We are either going to be all in when it comes to Yeshua or the exact opposite – there is no position in between. You either love Him or hate Him.
• Cornerstone: Not just the foundation but that stone that holds everything together (Colossians 1: 15-18).