Living as God's Chosen People -
The second chapter of 1 Peter is a continuation of the apostle's message to the scattered Christian communities. Peter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and living as God's chosen people, holy and set apart for His purposes. Throughout this chapter, Peter encourages believers to build their lives on Christ, the living stone, and to proclaim the goodness of God to the world.
Living as Living Stones
Peter begins by reminding his readers that they are living stones in God's spiritual house. He encourages them to come to Christ, the living stone, and to build their lives on Him. Peter emphasizes that Christ is the cornerstone of God's spiritual house, and that all believers are being built up as a spiritual house.
Living as God's Chosen People
Peter then reminds the people of their identity as God's chosen people, a royal priesthood and a holy nation. He emphasizes that they have been set apart by God for His purposes, and that they should live accordingly. Peter urges believers to rid themselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander, and to crave pure spiritual milk so that they may grow up in their salvation.
Living as Good Citizens
Peter also calls on believers to submit to authority and to live as good citizens, honoring everyone, fearing God, and respecting the king. He reminds them that their conduct is a witness to the world, and that they should conduct themselves with honor, even in the face of persecution.
Living through Suffering
Peter acknowledges that, as followers of Christ, believers will face suffering and persecution. However, he encourages them to endure suffering with patience and to entrust themselves to God, who will ultimately judge the world. Peter reminds his readers that Christ also suffered, and that in His suffering, He set an example for us to follow.
Conclusion
1 Peter Chapter 2 emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and living as God's chosen people, holy and set apart for His purposes. It reminds believers of their identity as living stones in God's spiritual house and as a royal priesthood and a holy nation. It calls on them to build their lives on Christ, to proclaim the goodness of God, to submit to authority, and to endure suffering with patience, entrusting themselves to God. As we seek to live as God's chosen people, let us remember that our lives are a witness to the world, and that we should conduct ourselves with honor, even in the face of persecution.
Love,
SisterG
Glenda Coker
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