The Living Stone and Chosen People
(1 Corinthians 3:10–15; Ephesians 2:19–22)

1Therefore laying aside all malice, and all deceit, and hypocrisies, 2and envies, and all evil-speakings, as new-born babes desire that rational milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby: 3for ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious;

4to whom coming as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen of God, 5and precious, ye also are built up as living stones, a spiritual house, an holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

6Whence also it is said in scripture, Behold I lay in Sion a chief corner-stone, choice and precious: and he that confideth on it shall not be ashamed.

7To you therefore who believe it is precious: but to them that are disobedient, the stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner,

8and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence. These stumble at the word through unbelief, unto which also they were appointed.

9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should declare the glories of Him, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10who heretofore were not a people, but are now the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

11Dearly beloved, I exhort you as strangers and sojourners here, to abstain from carnal lusts, which war against the soul: 12having a good conversation among the Gentiles; that whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, they may glorify God in the day of their visitation, on account of the good works which they behold in you.

Submission to Authorities
(Romans 13:1–7)

13Be subject therefore to every human form of government, for the Lord's sake: whether it be to a king as supreme; 14or to governors as persons sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and the praise of them that do well. 15For so is the will of God, that by your good behaviour ye may silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16as free, and yet not using your liberty as a cloke for wickedness, but as the servants of God. 17Give due honor to all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

18Ye who are servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and mild, but also to the morose: 19for this is an evidence of grace, if any one for conscience towards God endure griefs, suffering unjustly. 20For what glory is it, if when ye sin and are punished for it, ye bear it patiently? but if when ye do well and suffer for it, ye bear it patiently, this will gain favor with God.

Christ’s Example of Suffering

21For unto this are ye called; because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye might follow his steps. 22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously. 24Who Himself bare our sins in his own body on the cross, that we being dead to sins, might live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye are healed. 25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now turned unto the shepherd and bishop of your souls.