Community

Have you ever had an experience where things that formerly divided people seemed to disappear? What are some situations where people tend to come together despite their differences?

Read Psalm 133:1-3 aloud.

What is a Psalm of ascent? How does knowing that this is a Psalm of ascent help us understand it?

What kind of unity does David, the author, have in mind in verse 1? What are some things that would compete with that kind of unity for the original singers of this song?

There are two similes ("it is like . . .") in verses 2 and 3. What do these comparisons tell us about the experience of unity for believers? What are some similes that you would add? Complete this statement, "When believers act in unity, it's like . . . "

Read 1 Peter 2:1 aloud.

How does this verse relate to Psalm 133:1? What are both writers calling on the people of God to do? 

How do we put away the things Peter calls on us to put away in this passage?

Read 1 Peter 2:9-10 aloud. 

What does Peter mean when he says that believers are a "royal priesthood"? For what purpose has God chosen us and made us his royal priesthood according to this verse? How are we experiencing God's blessings through Christ?