By Nathan Harris, Ph. D.
Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, University of Mobile
OUR IDENTITY
1 Peter 2:1–10
Mature Believers (1–3)
As we studied a few weeks ago, a “therefore” in the text is an important word for us to pick up on. The “therefore” is “there for” a reason.
Peter, in beginning this new section in chapter 2, is connecting for the readers the importance of our call to holiness as believers with how we are to live holy lives now. He doesn’t leave the readers to wonder what it looks like to be holy, for he says it loudly and clearly.
Those who are in Christ are to rid themselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander. Christians are to avoid the vices and actions that destroy the brotherly love for one another that Peter has already encouraged.
The previous passage tells us that followers of Christ are to show sincere brotherly love with a pure heart for one another. And now Peter is telling the same believers to rid themselves of any action, speech or motive that would contradict brotherly love.
Because of the truth of the gospel, we live with pure hearts toward one another. Just as infants need the milk of their mothers, Peter tells us to desire the pure milk of the Word so that we may grow up in our salvation.
Living Stones (4–8)
Why is the aspect of brotherly love so important to Peter? Other than the fact that the Word calls us to love one another (1 John 4:7–8), Peter tells us that we are being built as a spiritual house for God’s destined purposes.
As we look to Christ — a living Stone who was rejected by man but chosen and honored by God — we are living stones too, being built together to be a holy priesthood, offering sacrifices to God through Christ. The faithful in Christ are a spiritual house that will bring glory and honor to the Lord.
Those who believe in the Cornerstone will be honored and not put to shame, but those who reject Christ will stumble over the Cornerstone, for they disobey the Word.
God’s People (9–10)
Unlike the unbelievers who disobey God’s Word, reject Christ and stumble over the Cornerstone of our faith, we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, so that we may proclaim God’s praises.
I don’t have time here to unpack all that is contained in these two verses, but believe me when I say this isn’t just an ordinary string of categories that Christians are now a part of in the faith.
This verse should point the reader back to the Old Testament, finding these same designations being given to God’s people (Ex. 19:6; Is. 43:20). As God’s people, we can find solace in the fact that we are His chosen people, called and loved by Him.
We are a royal priesthood — those who represent Him to the world around us. We are a holy nation — those who are set apart for His purposes. And lastly, we are His possession, held by the Creator of all things.
And all of this leads us to a life of praise. Our identity in Christ reminds us that we are God’s people — saved, loved and kept until Christ returns. For that, God is worthy of our praise.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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