1Peter 2

Laying Aside Evil Ways

1 Pet 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

To be purified in our souls we obey God's spirit in truth. Here the Spirit commands us to put away things that destroy others. We are to seek the way of love in our lives. Let us examine these bad things to lay aside. These are from the kingdom of darkness;

malice - wickedness, a desire to hurt another in word or deed.

Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

all guile - subtle deceit, using the mind to pull down another

John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

We belong to Christ Jesus, his will and word fill our souls, we do not manipulate others with subtle words, flattery, put downs, to acheive our own purposes.

hypocrisies - living a lie, pretending something that is not real or true

Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Acts 5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

We are to live in truth. In a chat late last night, a lady said "where is truth on the Internet chats? All seem to live lies and when you stand up for truth, you are opposed and put down." The spirit of the world opposes the Spirit of truth.

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

We must follow the Spirit of truth to protect our souls from the evil one who rules the world.

Phil 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Phil 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Satan sends real dogs to bark, growl and destroy our peace. He also sends those without God to upset our lives. Those who oppose Jesus while accepting every other false way. They will attack his word and his workers. We are to even beware of evil workers, often people who are in the church. People who we have trusted can turn against us. Each must keep themselves from the dark thoughts placed in their minds from the enemy who would divide and destroy. Finally we must beware of religious people who have not the Spirit of our Lord. They opposed Jesus and his disciples. They destroyed Stephan and desired to kill Paul, they will oppose you if you witness for Jesus.

envies - desiring what another has, or being jealous of it and thinking bad thoughts about the person.

Pilate seeing the hearts of the Pharisees in delivering Jesus to him to be destroyed, new it was from envy.

Mat 27:18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

1 Cor 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Those who serve Christ rejoice at all that glorifies him. We work towards this purpose.

Phil 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Phil 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
Phil 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
Phil 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

The end purpose is to preach the gospel and glorify the Father. The word has power of itself. Preachers with false hearts will loose out. Yes, it is possible to give out the word of life and still loose out, if our hearts are not pure in following his Spirit. If we have not the Spirit of God, we are not his.

Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

evil speaking - backbiting, siding against another with malice in the heart. Sometimes these appear to be for you, but their hearts are against you, like Judas to the Lord.

Luke 22:47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
Luke 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Yes, even those closest to us can be manipulated by the devil if they have not purified their souls by the word of truth and followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit. What? is this said to discourage the reader? No, God's word is to build you up. I have failed, perhaps in each of these things. It is good to expose them to the light and to lay them aside, taking up our cross daily, dying to all that opposes the will of God. We serve through the Spirit of truth and are one body redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. We are those brothers and sisters who dwell in truth and love each other, preferring each other. We are the beloved family of God, we are one in him.

Milk of the Word

1 Pet 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

As a baby must rely on milk to grow, the bornagain believer must have the word of God to grow. We start with the basic nutrients, Jesus is the way to God.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

We must partake of the fruit of the spirit.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

And stay connected to Jesus the living word, receiving all good things from this connection, as a branch on the living vine.

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Always abide in the word. Allow the Spirit of God to check the truth, your heart will know if you are receiving poison instead of the milk of the word. First KNOW God's word, then you will not be deceived by subtle and dark sayings.

1 Pet 2:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

If you have tasted of the milk of the word, you know the Lord is gracious. All that you need to grow in God's family is through him, he loves you.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

1 Pet 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

Jesus, the rock of ages. the building stone of the house of God, the foundation of the church. Rejected by the world's people, but chosen and beloved of His Father, the most precious posession of the Father. Rock of ages, cleft for me, let us hide ourselves in thee.

1 Pet 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

The church is not a building, but living spiritual souls, living stones who are built on the foundation that is Jesus. No longer are we under bondage to a priest and under many laws and ordinances, relying on the lambs blood offered on the mercy seat by a high priest. Jesus is both our high priest and the Lamb of God, our propitiation, in him all was fulfilled for our forgiveness. Not only are we forgiven, but we are made priests of God, making Holy Sacrifices to our God. We are living sacrifices, we are offered to him for his use and service.

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

To truly serve him, we need the milk of his word in our heart. The Lord is gracious and loving, his grace is all we need to serve him. All we are, comes from the Father through Jesus, our Lord and saviour, by His Spirit.

Chief Cornerstone

1 Pet 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

Jesus, is the fulfillment of isaiah's prophecy.

Isa 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Paul speaks of the chief stone in the letter to the Ephesian church.

Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

1 Cor 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

All other foundations are as sinking sand.

1 Pet 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

Yes, Jesus is precious to me and especially to God the Father. Those who are received by him love him and they love one another. But to the disobedient, he is a rock of offense. The stone the people rejected, and the builders of the Jewish faith cast out, the same is made the head of the corner. If they are offended at Jesus, they will be offended with you.

Jesus made it clear, that he is the source of blessings. What ever the need is, Jesus is the source to bless you. But how can he bless if he is an offense to you?

Mat 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
Mat 11:6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

1 Pet 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

For those who oppose Jesus and the word, being disobedient, you must repent and seek him with a whole heart. Notice the last part of the verse? some are appointed because of unbelief to be separated from God, for there is no other way to God, but through Jesus.

Jesus spoke strong words to the unbelieving Jews, for which he was sent.

Mat 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
Mat 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Humbly receive the rock of ages, the chief cornerstone and the foundation of the church; receive Jesus. In him is eternal life, and all blessings.

People of Light

1 Pet 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

You have obtained salvation through faith in Jesus you are placed in the family of God. You are in God's kingdom of priests, a holy people, a peculiar people;

1 Cor 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1 Cor 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Cor 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. The world may think you are nuts, because they do not have God's Spirit.

I am not interested in the things of the world, they have no value to me. What are these things of the world? The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. Satan rules the world with these things.

1 Cor 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
1 Cor 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
1 Cor 3:20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
1 Cor 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

We are a people chosen to show forth his praises, being removed from the darkness to the kingdom of light. The light of goodness and truth, love and good works. The light of Jesus.

Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

1Pet 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Think of your own life before you received Jesus, but don't stay in the past. Reach to Jesus, the light of the world. We are his peculiar and beloved people. This world is not our home. We belong to God, a nation of priests, proclaiming his gospel word to a darkened world, we are his light for others to see. This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Honesty and Obedience

1 Pet 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

Peter advises those who are away from their land, for all who are in Christ belong to another land, a heavenly promised land, and some have been forced to leave their earthly homes to other countries; remember this, you belong to God and are to behave as children of the most high.

Those who travel away from home, away from the wife, perhaps on business in a strange city; stay away from fleshly lusts. When alone remember your commitments and honor your Lord.

1 Pet 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

You are an example to the world of what it is to be a Christian. Be above suspicion, give the world nothing to malign the name of Jesus. You are his ambassadors. They may speak evil of you, but in truth at the Judgment Day they will have no defense because of your good behavior.

May I add, do not accuse your brother, especially in front of the weak or unsaved? You are only shooting yourself in the foot. For we are all one body.

1 Pet 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
1 Pet 2:14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

Keep the laws, even if you don't like them. If the laws oppose God, and you are led to defend God's law above man, be prepared, even with your life. As did Stephen to the council of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem.

Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
Acts 7:53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
Acts 7:54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Acts 7:57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Acts 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

It was John the Baptist who accused Herod and his wife of fornication, it later costs him his head. Be sure when you accuse to realize that you may have to pay a high price.

1 Pet 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

Well doing perhaps is safer then open accusations. We are the light of the world and should be looking for that opportunity to share God's gospel message.Yet, these men were doing there ministries with boldness and will be rewarded for not denying the Lord. They were martyrs for Jesus.

1 Pet 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

Yes, we are free in Christ from the old ceremonial laws, but we are not free to do evil plotting, but instead we are to be servants of God.

Rom 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Always remember your calling to inherit everlasting life. All that we experience here leads to this end. Love one another, there is nothing so beautiful then to love and be loved in return. Love and as much as is possible, live at peace with all men.

Suffer Patiently

1 Pet 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Give value to all men, for all men were created in God's image, but have fallen and need to be restored by Jesus. Love the brothers and sisters in Christ, this I find easy. Today I had the front door open and a Christian I had met eight months ago, came in asking for prayer, to quit smoking. There was no hesitation and an instant bond of love as we prayed together. Fear God, he is awesome and mighty the author and finisher of life. Praise his name! Finally, honor the king, or mayor or those in authority. For they keep the peace. Pray for our president, he needs God's wisdom.

1 Pet 2:18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

We are to respect authority, if not the person, then his position.

1 Pet 2:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
1 Pet 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

Jesus suffered for us, shall we demand only a life of comfort and good things? When things go wrong, is it our fault? If so get off the pity pot. You are only reaping what you have sown. If we suffer for well doing? Rejoice, for you are partaking in the sufferings of Christ. No complaining, if we complain we draw attention to our flesh. If we endure patiently, then God gets the glory. Jesus be praised, in my flesh is no good thing. In his Spirit is life and truth, love and the fruit of righteousness. Lord help us to be like you.

Our Good Shepherd

1 Pet 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
1 Pet 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
1 Pet 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

Expect at some time to suffer as Christ suffered. If you overcome the world and it's passions, you will rule with Christ Jesus at his coming again to earth. He suffered from persecution, when he comes back he will have a rod in his hand.

Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Rev 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Rev 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.

He who overcomes he will give to him the morning star, Jesus. Our reward will be our Lord who loves us and gave himself for us.

1 Pet 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

He suffered and received the punishment for our sins, paying in full the price to redeem us from satan. We being, presently and continuously dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. By whose stripes we are healed. His whipped and torn body paid for our sins and our healing of emotional and physical afflictions from satan.

1 Pet 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

The Good Shepherd has come to gather His sheep.

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

In love, Gary

1Peter Chapters

1Peter 3
1Peter 1
1Peter 4
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