In this marvelous epistle, Peter writes his first epistle to Jewish believers who were scattered throughout Asia Minor. Although these Jewish believers had been taken captive to a foreign land, Peter reminds them of their true identity. Where you are, should not define who you are! Peter reminds these Jewish believers that they were “strangers and pilgrims” in a foreign land (I Peter 2:11). Although they were believers who were “elected according to the foreknowledge of God” (I Peter 1:2), they were not exempted from suffering and trials. Yes, even the grand Apostle Paul wrote regarding the fact that we are not exempted from suffering when he said: “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (II Timothy 3:12).
Throughout this marvelous epistle, Peter constantly reminded these believers that they belong to God. Peter reminded them that they were a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people” (I Peter 2:9). As believers, we belong to God in a special sense. But why has God given us these titles of being a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people? Did He give us these titles as a reason to boast? No, but the titles were given to us so that God’s “praises” (excellencies) might be known (I Peter 2:9). As believers, we must understand that our position in Jesus Christ is lofty! What we are in our position in Christ is what we must be in our practice! Behavior must match belief.
I Peter 2:11-17 may be outlined as follows: I. The Lifestyle of Believers as Witnesses – I Peter 2:11-12; II. The Lifestyle of Believers as Citizens – I Peter 2:13-17.
I. The Lifestyle of Believers as Witnesses – I Peter 2:11-12
Based on their solid position as sons of God, Peter called them “dearly beloved.” He encouraged and exhorted them, not as permanent residents in the world, but as citizens of heaven. Yes indeed, they were in the world; however, their true citizenship was in heaven (Philippians 3:20). As strangers and pilgrims, they were admonished to “abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (v. 11).
The old nature with which we were born is still with us! We must constantly submit to God and His word in an effort to live a victorious life. If we are to live appropriate lives in view of our heavenly citizenship, we must submit to the Holy Spirit daily to combat the spiritual warfare waged against our soul! (Galatians 5:16).
In verse 12, Peter exhorts the saved Jews to live honestly among the Gentiles. The “conversation” of believers means more than talk. It really refers to our manner of life (lifestyle). We are to let our lights so shine among unbelievers so that they might see our good works and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). There are those who might speak evil of us; yet our good works should cause them to “glorify God in the day of visitation” (v. 12).
Having observed “The Lifestyle of Believers as Witnesses” – I Peter 2:11-12, now let us observe “The Lifestyle of Believers as Citizens” – I Peter 2:13-17.
II. The Lifestyle of Believers as Citizens – I Peter 2:13-17
God has ordained human governments. The words “ordinance of man” refers to human institutions whose main design is to produce an orderly society. Our heavenly citizenship does not exempt us from submission to earthly governments. God’s people are to submit to authority “For the Lord’s sake” (v. 13). Brothers and sisters, we cannot be a vibrant witness to the unsaved if we are disobedient in this area of Scripture! Peter cited kings and governors as specific examples of those to whom God’s people are to be subject (I Peter 2:13-14). God has established human government to keep law and order! Evil is to be punished and good rewarded by those in responsible positions of authority.
In verses 15-16, the lifestyle of believers is that of a servant. Not only is it the will of God that the people of God be subject to authority (vv. 13-14), but it is also the will of God that we live as servants (vv. 15-16). It is the will of God that we “with well doing put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” (slander) (v.12). As believers, we do have freedom (liberty), but we must not use our Christian liberty as a cloak of maliciousness. We cannot use our Christian liberty as a cover-up for doing something wrong!
Finally, Peter concludes this section by a four-point summary of our Christian citizenship. We are exhorted to respect everyone (Romans 12:10; 13:17). We should be cognizant of the fact that every human has value and is created in God’s image. Second, we are to love the brotherhood of believers. As God’s children, we are to love one another for Jesus said: “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you” (St. John 15:12). Third, we are to fear God! We should fear God not in terror, but reverence that would promote obedience. Fourth, we are to honor the king. We should respect or honor those whom God has placed in authority (I Peter 2:13; Romans 13:1).
Yes, as believers, we should live exemplary lives for Him in this tainted world of sin, knowing assuredly that the “One” who planned our salvation, produced our salvation, and will preserve our salvation, is coming to us! He will consummate the great work of salvation began, for Philippians 1:6 says: “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
May God Bless!
Dr. Johnny Calvin Smith
