Chapter 2
-This chapter explains what should happen in the believer’s
life once the good news is preached to us and has been received in faith. When
we are saved, we should put away all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and
slander (study each of these vices individually for more insight, 1 Peter 2:1).
Instead, like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk (The Word of God,
the receiving of His Holy Spirit to illuminate and grow you) and taste it,
which will lead to your sanctification in this great salvation (1 Peter 2:2-3).
-We are “living stones” being built up in a spiritual house
(Not like the static Temple where God manifested His presence, but now mobile
and filled on the go, Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15, 1 Peter 4-5). This spiritual
house is a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s own
possession for the purpose of proclaiming His excellencies into marvelous light
out of darkness (1 Peter 2:9). This is all based on Jesus Christ, our Cornerstone
who will not put us to shame and allows us to receive mercy (1 Peter 2:6-10).
So this Rock, which is the Messiah, was rejected by the religious becoming a
Stone of stumbling and a Rock of offense (1 Peter 2:8), but He has indwelt us
by His Spirit as the New Covenant Temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19, 2
Corinthians 6:16). *Application* We have God IN us and should be His reflection
to this lost and dying world that is separated from His grace and mercy. It is
because of this great and wonderful salvation that Christ bestows on us that we
can be agents and ambassadors of the most High with His Law in our hearts
rather than stone tablets. Be Living Stones!!!
-Because we are living stones with Christ inside, we have
the ability to resist the passions of the flesh, which are all around in this
fallen world. We are sojourners and exiles here keeping honorable conduct
because of who we are as believers, which gives God His ultimate glory (a
changed life). Our good deeds are a byproduct of the living hope that is within
us (1 Peter 2:11-12). *Application* Our forbearing spirit will be observed by
all. Let it be one of love and total devotion to Christ, who lives in you.
Display His goodness to a world that needs positive change from darkness to
light.
-Human institutions are dealt with as opportunities for us
as believers to demonstrate our testimonies as living stones or servants of
God. We are to honor everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the
chief ruler of the land with all respect. We are to endure when suffering unjustly
as a means of showing grace to the lost. This is part of our calling and we are
encouraged to embrace it just as Jesus did when He sojourned the earth. “When
He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not
threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly. He Himself
bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to
righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed (1 Peter 2:13-24).”
*Application* The world will be drawn to the Savior by our acts of love and
forgiveness in the face of persecution. Give grace and you will receive it
back.
-While we were straying away, lost like sheep, God being the
Good Shepherd that He is and Overseer of our souls cared for us. Therefore,
because of His great love and sacrifice we are to return to Him to gain
reunification and redemption (1 Peter 2:25). *Application* Aren’t you glad God
came after us and cared enough to come down to our level to rescue the depraved
and despondent? His grace is simply amazing and astounding. No words could ever
express the greatness of His unfailing love!!!!
Verse to Memorize: 1
Peter 2:3
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