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1 Peter 2:11-12
The Apostle Peter begins this passage with the word “Beloved” and in so doing is referring to those who have been born again, “to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3-4, NKJV); to those who, “rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9); to those who, “have purified your souls…having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:22-23), and then ties “Beloved” to his introduction of the letter in 1 Peter 1:1 with the words “sojourners and pilgrims.
This new section of Peter’s letter is to address the issue of “fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11). As the “Beloved” described above and throughout chapters 1 & 2 of this letter, the conduct of one who has been born again should be respectful of the new life in Christ Jesus that has now been put on. Even though those of the secular world will speak harshly of a believer, the conduct of the believer should continue to reflect Jesus in that the secular world will see the good works of the believer and come to a place of bringing glory to God. Jesus stated in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This is a command for the Christian/believer to abstain from the lusts of the flesh that wage war against the soul.
The lusts of the flesh are not all sexual desires as one may believe by the word “lust” which describes the sinful nature. This list includes things such as malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking – the things Peter speaks of in 1 Peter 2:1 that he instructs us to “lay aside.” It can be very tough to resist lashing out at someone who is speaking falsely of us, and the desire to “get them back” for their actions is normal. But Jesus teaches those who put their faith in Him to forgive the ones who have focused their slander or harmful intentions at them (Matthew 5:16). This behavior also falls under the new commandment given by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-40 to put God first in your life and to love your neighbor as yourself. If we all follow these two simple rules as Christians, we would go a long way in bringing the peace of Jesus to a hurting world that is desperately seeking a way out; a way out that is only found in Christ Jesus.
Dear LORD,
The sinful nature is always prompting us to fall back into it’s ways, but in Christ Jesus we have put on a new life that is to represent Him to all the world, that all may see Your wonderful grace and mercy being poured out to all who will come to You seeking true life in Christ. Please help us to stand strong in the face of temptation and call on the name of Jesus to set us free from Satan whenever he tries to make us fall. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to You LORD except those who come through Jesus (John 14:6). Please help us to hold true to the honorable conduct that is reflective of Jesus, that those who see may also come to give You glory. In Jesus name I pray, amen.