Dig Deeper - Sunday 14th September 2025
Sermon Reflection Questions - God’s Community, In the Community, For the Community: God’s Community - Who We Are
1 Peter 2:9
Dig Deeper notes from Sunday 14th September service:
If someone asked, “Who are you?” how would you answer? Many of us start with our
jobs, family roles, or hobbies. But those things can change. Our deepest identity comes
not from what we do, but from what God says about us.
During my selection process for becoming a vicar, I was asked that very question. I
stumbled through answers — job titles, family, hobbies — until finally, almost in
desperation, I said: “Well… first and foremost, I’m a child of God.”That truth has stayed
with me ever since.
And that’s where we begin as a church. Our vision is to be God’s Community, in the
Community, for the Community. But notice — identity comes before activity. Before we
talk about what we do, we must know who we are.
The Bible gives us three key pictures:
1. A Chosen People (1 Peter 2:9)
Peter tells struggling Christians: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, God’s special possession.” To the world, they looked insignificant. But in God’s
eyes, they were treasured.
The key word is chosen. God’s love doesn’t depend on our achievements. Like adoption,
it begins with the parent’s love, not the child’s effort. In Christ, God has called us out of
darkness into His light. Our identity is secure: chosen, forgiven, royal, holy, treasured. And
that identity leads to purpose — to declare His praises and shine His light to the world.
2. God’s Household (Ephesians 2:19–22)
Paul reminds us: “You are no longer strangers… but members of God’s household.”
Church isn’t an event or an organisation. It’s family. Guests tread carefully in someone’s
home, but children belong. That’s the security we have in Christ.
Paul also describes the church as a building project, joined together with Christ as the
cornerstone. On our own, we’re just loose stones. But fitted together, we become a
dwelling place for God’s Spirit. Faith is personal, but never private. Every stone matters.
3. Life Together (Acts 2:42–47)
Luke paints a picture of the early church: devoted to teaching, fellowship, meals, prayer,
generosity, and joy. Their shared life was so attractive that the Lord added to their number
daily.
This reminds us that church is not just a Sunday service but a way of life. Community,
generosity, and joy overflow into mission. When people see our shared life, they should
see Jesus.
So who are we?
We are God’s community — chosen, adopted, treasured.
We are God’s household — family, joined together by Christ.
We are a Spirit-filled community devoted to life together.
This is who we are, and this is who God calls us to be in Walmley and beyond.
Discussion & Application Questions:
1. When someone asks, “Who are you?” how do you usually answer? How does 1
Peter 2:9 reshape that answer?
2. What does it mean in practice to live as “God’s household” rather than just
“attending church”?
3. Which part of the Acts 2 community life do you long to see more at St John’s —
teaching, fellowship, meals, prayer, generosity, or joy?
4. What are some practical ways you can “declare the praises of Him who called you”
this week?
5. Where do you find it hardest to live out your identity as part of God’s community —
and how can others support you in that?
Prayer
Father God, thank You that You have chosen us, loved us, and called us into Your family.
Help us to rest in our true identity as Your children. Build us together as Your household,
fill us with Your Spirit, and shape our life so that others see Your goodness in us. In Jesus’
name, Amen.
