1 Peter 2
September Memory Verse: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)
Read: 1 Peter 2
Who am I?
As Peter addresses suffering and persecution, identity matters so much. How you respond isn’t simply determined by what you believe, it’s determined by who you are—specifically, who you are in Christ.
Recently, we’ve seen many people who believe that God exists, they believe his Word is true, they believe Jesus died for their sins, yet, in this season of storms they doubt and struggle in their faith. 1 Peter 2 is a great chapter to respond to this very struggle. Peter tells us where to turn and what to do in seasons of suffering and persecution, but he devotes a chunk of this chapter reinforcing the identity of those in Christ.
The first thing we see is that Peter tells us where to turn. This is a continuation of chapter 1, which commanded the audience to “fervently love one another…through the living and enduring Word of God.” Peter quoted Scripture which stated, “The Word of the Lord endures forever.” Because of this, Peter issued two commands: 1. Put away all malice… and 2. Long for the Word.
We often read verse 2 incorrectly, the word “Long” is actually an imperative—a command. Additionally, “pure spiritual milk” is a bit of a play on words, “a subtle indication that the nourishment for their growth must be the word of God” (NET Study Notes). Peter tells us that by the Word we grow up from infancy into adulthood spiritually—“if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”
Peter tells us to turn to the Word, and he will tell more of what to do in several verses, but as he mentions the kindness of the Lord, in verse 4 he describes the change in identity for those who “come to Him.” Christ is the “living stone…rejected by men…choice and precious in the sight of God.” However, Peter states, “You also,” telling us who we are. We are “living stones” being built up” into a holy temple. This is contrasted with those not in Christ in verse 8, who are disobedient and doomed. Then in verse 9, we get one of the greatest descriptions of believers in the New Testament,
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
It is because of this, because we are sojourners and exiles in this time and place that we should listen and obey to the list of commands that Peter now gives. This is not to earn salvation, but in response to it. Peter urges,
These commands represent a tremendously high bar of faithfulness. Remember, this is the punch-list of what we do in response to suffering, not in spite of it. Peter reminds us that “to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
What stood out to you from today’s chapter?
By: Tyler Short
Read: 1 Peter 2
Who am I?
As Peter addresses suffering and persecution, identity matters so much. How you respond isn’t simply determined by what you believe, it’s determined by who you are—specifically, who you are in Christ.
Recently, we’ve seen many people who believe that God exists, they believe his Word is true, they believe Jesus died for their sins, yet, in this season of storms they doubt and struggle in their faith. 1 Peter 2 is a great chapter to respond to this very struggle. Peter tells us where to turn and what to do in seasons of suffering and persecution, but he devotes a chunk of this chapter reinforcing the identity of those in Christ.
The first thing we see is that Peter tells us where to turn. This is a continuation of chapter 1, which commanded the audience to “fervently love one another…through the living and enduring Word of God.” Peter quoted Scripture which stated, “The Word of the Lord endures forever.” Because of this, Peter issued two commands: 1. Put away all malice… and 2. Long for the Word.
We often read verse 2 incorrectly, the word “Long” is actually an imperative—a command. Additionally, “pure spiritual milk” is a bit of a play on words, “a subtle indication that the nourishment for their growth must be the word of God” (NET Study Notes). Peter tells us that by the Word we grow up from infancy into adulthood spiritually—“if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”
Peter tells us to turn to the Word, and he will tell more of what to do in several verses, but as he mentions the kindness of the Lord, in verse 4 he describes the change in identity for those who “come to Him.” Christ is the “living stone…rejected by men…choice and precious in the sight of God.” However, Peter states, “You also,” telling us who we are. We are “living stones” being built up” into a holy temple. This is contrasted with those not in Christ in verse 8, who are disobedient and doomed. Then in verse 9, we get one of the greatest descriptions of believers in the New Testament,
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
It is because of this, because we are sojourners and exiles in this time and place that we should listen and obey to the list of commands that Peter now gives. This is not to earn salvation, but in response to it. Peter urges,
- Abstain from the passions of the flesh.
- Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable.
- Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution.
- Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
- Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
- Be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.
These commands represent a tremendously high bar of faithfulness. Remember, this is the punch-list of what we do in response to suffering, not in spite of it. Peter reminds us that “to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
What stood out to you from today’s chapter?
By: Tyler Short
11 Comments
Thanks for the commentary Tyler! This passage is such a great reminder that my identity is in who God is, not in what I’ve done. I often lose sight of that, and needed to be reminded of that this morning.
Same. Thanks Marc.
This passage reminds me of growing up as an RA (Royal Ambassador) in North View Baptist Church. But it also made me think of when Tim delivered a great sermon on this passage a few years ago that so stirred me up that I was moved to write down a song based on it. God’s Word certainly never returns void once we put it out there, but He sure does amaze us in the sometimes unexpected ways that it returns. Praise His holy Name!
Thanks Rex.
“Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
This verse stood out to me today. Because we have received God’s mercy, our lives should look different as God’s people. When I lose sight of God’s character and what He has done for me, it is hard to pursue righteousness and walk in the Spirit. Thanks Tyler!
Very true Jordan, thank you. The character of God is something we need to be reminded of, but you're absolutely right, that is our motivation for pursuing Him.
"Once you had no identity as a people;
now you are God’s people." (1 Peter 2:10a)
Strong words, even fighting words in today's culture. He seems to be saying that we have no identity as believers, apart from our identity in Christ. The message of the world seems to be that we have our identity based on sex, race, skin color, gender identity, national origin, religious affiliation, disability, age (generation), etc. This verse says that our identity belongs in Chris, in Him alone.
The idea of our identity being defined by God is old "I have called you by name, you are mine." (Isaiah 43:1b)
Our identity in Christ and a craving for God's Word will result in the holiness that is our calling.
In seminary, "identity" was a word that popped up a lot. So much so, that I got tired of hearing about it. In real world ministry, however, if I could convince people of one thing, it would be an understanding of who they are in Christ. Christian identity literally changes everything.
It seems like James and 1 Peter 2 are two sides of the same coin that calls us to behave according to our identities as chosen and beloved children of the King.
The quote “free people govern themselves” came to mind as I was reading. He has graciously given us all the power we need for life and godliness, freedom and fulfillment—through the Word and in the Holy Spirit—so that we can live as free and holy sons and daughters of the King in all circumstances life throws our way.
Beautiful.
Good word, Tyler. Thanks.
*By govern, I meant self-discipline, not politics. Although, the quotation probably wasn’t talking about self-discipline originally, it’s one of those spiritual oxymorons that if we don’t discipline ourselves, we are not free but rather slaves to sin.
So it's interesting you bring this up. "Freemen" was an actual social class in the Roman context. Most people have it a level or two above slaves. I'm kinda wondering if it isn't an illustration based on social classes. Using urging those with freedom and honor to humble themselves into servanthood and shame. Thus, honoring everyone is illustrated from the perspective of class as much as the spiritual sense.
I 100% agree though that using "freedom" to sin is a return to bondage...aka no freedom at all.