SCRIPTURE: 1 PETER 2
BIBLE VERSES:
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:1-3)
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-*10)
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:11-12)
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.” (1 Peter 2:13-14)
“Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:16-17)
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:24-25)
THE LIVING STONE AND A CHOSEN PEOPLE (vs. 1-12)
Peter urged the believers to get rid of all malice deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander of every kind. He asked them to crave for spiritual milk and the Father’s Word in order to grow up in salvation. We are to abstain from sinful desires, live good lives and do good works to glorify God.
God laid a chosen and precious cornerstone as a living stone to be built into a spiritual house. Those who trust in Him are privileged to be a chosen people and a royal priesthood.
SUBMISSION TO RULERS AND MASTERS (vs. 13-25)
Christians should be good citizens by submitting to rulers and masters. We must obey the laws of the land. Strive to do good. “Show proper respect to everyone. Love the brotherhood of believers fear God and honor the king” (v. 17)
Slaves must submit to the masters with respect. If you can endure your suffering, this is commendable before God because Christ had suffered for us leaving us an example to follow.
THOUGHTS:
Just as the baby has a great appetite for milk, Christians should have a similar desire for God’s Word. How strong is your desire for God’s Word?
Christ is the precious stone, rejected of men but chosen by God. Those who believed in Him are built on the spiritual temple of the Living Stone and will never be ashamed. As children of God, we are a royal priesthood and have citizenship in heaven.
OUR PRESENT RESPONSIBILITIES ON EARTH:
- Submit to authority (v. 13)
- Live as servants of God (v. 16)
- Show proper respect to everyone (v. 17a)
- Love the brotherhood of believers (v. 17b)
- Fear God (v. 17a)
- Suffer for doing good (v. 20)
- Follow Christ’s example by entrusting yourself to God (vs. 21-23)
- Identify yourself with Christ in death and resurrection; by death to sin and by living a righteous life. (v. 24)
STRIKING IMAGES OF THE BELIEVERS:
- Newborn babes craving for pure spiritual milk (v. 2)
- Living stones in the temple (v. 5)
- Holy priest offering spiritual sacrifice (v. 5b)
- A chosen people (v. 9a)
- A royal priesthood (v. 9b)
- A holy nation (v. 9c)
- People of God (v. 9d)
- Strangers and pilgrims in the world (v. 11)
- Servants of God (v. 16)
- Sheep returned to shepherd (v. 25)