Like Living Stones
Sermon Summary
Download a printable version of the discussion guide here.
A key part of Life-on-life discipleship are the relationships that God uses to bring growth in and through our lives. Jesus is at work in our midst building us together like “living stones” into a spiritual house.
We all need three types of relationships in our discipleship journey: stones we are built on (godly mentors and spiritual parents), stones we are built with (peer-to-peer relationships that sharpen us), and stones that are built on us (those we disciple and mentor).
Main Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 2.4-5
1 Peter 2:4-5 – “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
Additional Key Passages
2 Timothy 1.1-5
Proverbs 27.17
2 Timothy 2.1-2
Discussion Questions
Reflecting on Timothy’s story: Who are the “Lois and Eunice” figures in your spiritual journey, the godly mentors or spiritual parents who helped build your foundation? How did they specifically invest in your faith?
Identifying your current stones: Looking at the four places to find godly mentors (prayer, family, church, work/school), where have you found your most meaningful spiritual relationships? What made those relationships effective?
Overcoming mentor myths: Which of the four myths about godly mentors (Samuel, Moses, Saul, or 24/7/365) have you believed? How might these myths have prevented you from seeking or becoming a mentor?
Peer-to-peer relationships: Think about Proverbs 27:17 (“As iron sharpens iron”). Who in your life currently provides the gifts of being known, encouraged, challenged, and partnership? How can you be more intentional about cultivating these relationships?
Stepping into mentorship: Paul charged Timothy to “entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” What fears or roadblocks (like “I don’t know what to do” or “I don’t have time”) keep you from investing in others?
Practical discipleship: What does “life-on-life discipleship” look like practically in your current season of life? How can you move beyond just attending church to actually doing discipleship?
The four gifts of mentoring: Looking at the gifts from stones we build on others (watching God at work, spiritual growth, purpose, kingdom expansion), which of these excites you most about investing in someone else? Why?
Finding your “Timothy”: In the four places to look for disciples (prayer, family, church, work/school), where might God be calling you to invest? Who specifically comes to mind?
Spiritual house building: 1 Peter describes us as being “built into a spiritual house.” How does viewing your relationships as part of God’s construction project change your perspective on community and discipleship?
Taking next steps: Based on today’s discussion, what is one specific action you will take this week to either seek out a mentor, deepen a peer relationship, or begin investing in someone who could build their life on your foundation?
Take Action: Join the 40 Days of Discipleship
As our church family continues to focus on life-on-life discipleship this summer, we invite you to join the 40 Days of Discipleship devotional journey. Each morning you’ll receive:
A scripture passage
A fresh worship song
A guided prayer
Prompts to help you listen to the Holy Spirit and live as an heir of God’s kingdom
Whether you’re beginning to understand your inheritance in Christ or have been walking with Jesus for years, these devotionals will help you grow in your identity as an heir and equip you to pass this inheritance to others.
To sign up: Scan the QR code provided by your group leader or visit our church website.
Group Challenge: Consider going through these devotionals together as a small group, sharing how God is speaking to you about your inheritance and your role in passing it on to the next generation.
“1 Peter 2:4-5 – “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
