Summary:
Verses 1-3
Peter instructs us to get rid of the following:
-malice: a desire to inflict harm on another
-deceit: concealment or distortion of the truth for the purpose of misleading
-hypocrisy: a pretense of having a virtuous character, that one does not really possess
-envy: a feeling of discontent or covetousness for another's advantages, success, possessions, etc.
-slander: a malicious, false, and defamatory (giving a bad reputation) statement
We are to behave as newborn babies, craving spiritual milk, so that we may grow up in salvation. We desire this once we have tasted and seen that God is good.
The Living Stone & a Chosen People
Verses 4-12
Christ was rejected by men, but was chosen by God. Christ is precious to Him. We are living stones, being built into a spiritual house in order to maintain a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God, through Christ.
" 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.' " (Vs. 6b, Isaiah 28:16)
For believers, this stone is precious. For non-believers:
" 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone.' " (Vs. 7b, Psalm 118:22) and
" 'A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.' " (Vs. 8a, Isaiah 8:14)
They stumble, because they disobey the message, which is also their destiny.
We are a chosen people. We have been set aside to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people belonging to God. Our purpose is to declare praises of Him who called us out of darkness and into His wonderful light. We were once not a people (we were scattered and alone) and now we are people of God. We were once without mercy (before Christ died for us) and now we've received mercy.
Peter address us as friends and urges us, as strangers of this world, to stay away from the evil desires that war within our souls. We are to live good lives among the pagans. Although they accuse us of doing wrong, they see our good deeds and will glorify God on the day that He visits us.
Submission to Rulers & Masters
Verses 13-25
For the Lord's sake, we are to submit ourselves to the authorities instituted by man. We are to obey the king, governors, presidents, etc., who have been commissioned to punish those that do wrong and commend those that do right. It is God's will for us to do good. By so doing, we will silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
"Live as free (people), but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." (Vs. 16)
We are to show proper respect to everyone, and love the brotherhood of believers. We are to fear God and honor the king (keep in mind that kingdoms, not democracies were established in Peter's time; but, the same principles apply to us).
Slaves are to submit to their masters, with respect, to those that are good and considerate, and to those who are harsh. It is commendable if a person bears up under the pain of unjust suffering, because they are conscious of God. How is it commendible if you are beaten for doing wrong, and you endure it? We are called to suffer as Christ suffered for us.
" 'He committed no sin and no deceit was found in His mouth.' " (Vs. 22, Isaiah 53:9)
They hurled insults at Him, but He didn't retaliate. He suffered, but He made no threats. Rather, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. He bore our sins, in His body, on the tree, so we could die to sins and live for righteousness. By His wounds, we have been healed. We were like sheep, going astray, but now we have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.
Lori's Thoughts:
I know I have been guilty of envy. I envy the marriages, educational and career successes, nice clothes and other possessions that everyone else has. I wonder when I will not have to worry whether or not my truck will break down on the highway, or when I'll have enough money to stop wearing hand-me-downs, or when I'll find the man I'm supposed to marry. Here's the thing: God has never left me destitute. Yeah, it's a clunker, but my truck has come to the rescue for half a dozen family members or friends that needed help hauling something. I don't need to spend as much money on clothes, because I have sisters and cousins that I can trade with. If I need to look cute quickly, I have hair, clothes, make-up, nails, shoes down, because of who I know. Also, God saved me from an unhappy marriage last year, and for the first time in my life, I'm enjoying myself. If you're having a hard time seeing things from a positive perspective, don't beat yourself up. It took me 26 years to get to this point. Keep seeking God, and you'll get there.
I like being compared to a precious stone. It makes me feel pretty. However, we aren't just for looks, we are destined to be a part of something magnificent. It's kind of like you're a superhero, but you haven't yet discovered your powers. You feel ordinary, and sometimes insignificant. But, then Yoda or Master Shifu or Mr. Miyagi shows up and tells you that you're worth more. Then you go through some grueling and painful training (that is life on Earth), then we become just as strong as our master (Jesus Christ) and we gain a kingdom (heaven). Sounds pretty cool, right? That, because it is cool! Non-believers will bully us about it, but seek God for strength. That's how Jesus made it. My first instinct would be to punch them in the face, but where would that get me? Certainly not on their good side. How am I supposed to help people want to know Christ if I'm fighting with them? We do lead them to Him by loving under all circumstances. Don't let people walk all over you, but be quicker to show love than to burn bridges.
God loves us as we are, but loves us enough not to leave us this way. We are being refined into precious living stones. Now that we are spiritually connected with God, we won't be put to shame, because He will lift us up. We have been set free, but we have a responsibility to live right. We will suffer, but, remember, God is with us. Christ also suffered, so He can relate to what we're going through. He endured and now He reigns. We must endure and we will reign with Him.
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