1 Peter 2: God’s Chosen People
Why do Christians something struggle with putting aside their iniquities? What weaknesses do you think are most difficult to overcome?
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1 Timothy 6:9 The desire to be rich is a terrible trap, leading to many foolish and dangerous desires that result in death and destruction.
James 1:14 People are tempted when their desires take them in a direction different from where God would have them go.
1 Peter 2:1 Therefore, put aside all evil, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.
King James
1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
1 Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
What is the difference between the milk that Peter encouraged and the meat that the apostle Paul wished people could handle?
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Psalm 34:8 Taste the Lord’s goodness and you will want more. In all things, trust him, and you will be blessed.
1 Corinthians 3:1–3 When I was with you, my friends, I could not speak to you as spiritually mature adults, but I had to address you as baby Christians, feeding you milk instead of meat. You could not handle what I wanted to tell you, and you’re still not ready, for your desires are driven by what satisfies your flesh. When you are jealous of one another, quarreling and taking sides, are you not carnal, living as those who don’t know God?
1 Peter 2:2–3 Like newborns, thirst for pure, spiritual milk that will help you grow now that you have tasted how good the Lord is.
King James
Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
1 Corinthians 3:1–3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
1 Peter 2:2–3 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
What does it mean to “come to Jesus”?
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1 Peter 2:4 Come to Jesus Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple, rejected by people but chosen by God for his excellence.
King James
1 Peter 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
What are “spiritual sacrifices”?
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Romans 12:1 Therefore I beg you, all who have said they want to follow the Lord, make a total commitment to please him in all things, sacrificing everything you want so you may receive something better. Your reasonable service is giving 100 percent of yourself, more than just a tithe, a few worship songs, and verbal expressions of your love for him.
Hebrews 13:15 Therefore, in Jesus Christ let our sacrifice be continual praise to God, expressing gratitude for all he is to us.
1 Peter 2:5 Indeed, you are living stones being built into God’s temple. You are his holy priests who offer spiritual sacrifices, made acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
King James
Romans 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.
Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
1 Peter 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.
Why is the cornerstone so important for a building?
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Isaiah 28:16 Almighty God says, “Behold, I’m laying a foundation stone in Jerusalem, solid and secure, proven and absolutely trustworthy.
Ephesians 2:20 We are like stones built upon the foundation laid by God’s prophets and special messengers, Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone.
1 Peter 2:6–8 In Scripture, God says through the prophet Isaiah, Behold, I’m laying a foundation stone in Jerusalem, solid and secure, proven and absolutely trustworthy. You will not be sorry for believing in Jesus Christ. You recognize his extremely great value, but the unbelievers did not, rejecting him who is now the cornerstone, the most important part of the building. As Isaiah predicted, the cornerstone became a stumbling stone to those who would not accept God’s word.
King James
Isaiah 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.
Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
1 Peter 2:6–8 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. 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, 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.
Why are some people chosen while others are not?
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Matthew 20:16 “So it is with the Kingdom of Heaven. Those who were thought to be least important are first, and the first are last. Many are called, and few are chosen.”
1 Peter 2:9 You are a chosen people of the royal order, a pure and holy multitude in a unique position to exalt the one who has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
King James
Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
What is God’s mercy based upon?
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John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will live forever.”
Hebrews 4:15 Our High Priest is easily touched with the feeling of our infirmities, because he was tested in every area just as we are, yet without sin.
1 Peter 2:10 Without mercy in the past, you were nobody, but after receiving God’s mercy, you’re now part of God’s family.
King James
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
1 Peter 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.
What parts of our environment have significant negative influence on the life of a Christian? How can those forces be overcome?
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1 Peter 2:11 My dear friends, I beg you, think of yourselves as strangers who are just passing through, avoiding the self-serving desires that belong to this world, those lusts that war against the soul.
King James
1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
How can we be kind and merciful without condoning the bad behavior of unbelievers?
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1 Corinthians 9:22 When people are weak, I empathize with their fragile faith in order to bring them to Christ. I do my best to find common ground with everyone, seeking to help them get from where they are to where God wants them to be.
Colossians 4:6 Be gracious with your stories, flavoring your message with that which will answer the hunger in everyone’s heart.
1 Peter 2:12 When among those who don’t share your faith, be kind and merciful so your good words and actions will be noticed. Perhaps some will come to God and be there to glorify him when Christ returns.
King James
1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
1 Peter 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.
Why should we submit to authority when we do not agree?
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John 19:11 “You would have no authority over me at all if it had not been given to you from above. Therefore, those who delivered me to you are guilty of the greater wrong.”
Romans 13:1 Respect governing authorities and their laws, because all power to rule exists with God’s permission.
1 Peter 2:13–14 For the Lord’s sake, submit to the world’s authorities, no matter what their position might be. Whether government officials or private administrators, these people are appointed to punish wrongdoing and praise good deeds.
King James
John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
1 Peter 2:13–14 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 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.
How can we know what effect our good deeds have?
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Matthew 5:15–16 “People do not light a lamp and hide it under a bowl. It is placed on a stand to give light to everyone in the house. In the same way, you should let your kindness shine before men so they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.”
Matthew 6:2–4 “When you give to the needy, do not call attention to yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and streets. They want people to praise them. Without a doubt, they have received all the reward they will ever get. Instead, when you help someone, do it quietly, without fanfare. Then your Father will see what you have done in secret and will reward you.”
1 Peter 2:15 God wants your good deeds to silence the foolish accusations of ignorant people.
King James
Matthew 5:15–16 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 6:2–4 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
1 Peter 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
If we find ourselves acting contrary to what we feel God would have us do, how should we react?
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Matthew 26:74–75 With cursing and swearing, Peter denied any connection with Jesus. “I tell you, I do not know this man.” Immediately, a rooster crowed, and he remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” He went outside and broke down crying.
2 Corinthians 7:10 The world’s sorrow is only grief and regret that results in death. But godly sorrow brings salvation, a change in our ways that has no need for repentance.
1 Peter 2:16 Use your freedom to be good servants of God, not to excuse yourself for wrongdoing.
King James
Matthew 26:74–75 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
1 Peter 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
What makes it difficult to respect and love others?
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Matthew 5:43–44 “People usually say, ‘Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy,’ but I say you should show kindness to your enemies, doing good to those who persecute you.”
Romans 12:14 Do good to those who seek to harm you, and pray God’s blessing for them, that they too might become believers.
James 3:9–10 We bless God our heavenly Father and curse people, who were made in his image. Both blessing and cursing come from the same person’s mouth. My friends, that should never happen.
1 Peter 2:17 Respect God above all, then the government. Be considerate of everyone. Love your Christian brothers and sisters.
King James
Matthew 5:43–44 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
James 3:9–10 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
1 Peter 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
What is likely to happen when we respond to harshness with kindness? Why?
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1 Peter 2:18 Servants, respect the authority of your masters. Obey them, not only if they are kind and understand, but even if they are harsh.
King James
1 Peter 2:18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
How does pain and suffering add to the value of our testimony?
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Romans 5:3 That’s not all we gain. We can even appreciate the blessings of pain and suffering, which prove and strengthen our faith.
Hebrews 5:8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he still had to show obedience through the things he suffered.
1 Peter 2:19–21 You do well when you endure pain and suffering to do what is right. You deserve no recognition when you suffer for doing wrong, but if you patiently endure pain in doing good, God is well pleased. In the midst of suffering, you are called to do good. Christ suffered for you so you would follow his example step by step.
King James
Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
1 Peter 2:19–21 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 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. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
How did Jesus, being human, avoid even the smallest hint of sin?
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Galatians 5:16 Let me make this perfectly clear: if you listen to God’s Spirit within, you will seek to please him and to benefit others, not to satisfy your selfish desires.
Colossians 2:9 Everything about God is expressed in physical form through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:22–23 He never sinned and no deceptive word ever came from his mouth. When insulted, he did not retaliate. In suffering, he did not threaten revenge but left punishment in the hands of God who always judges correctly.
King James
Galatians 5:16 his I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
1 Peter 2:22–23 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
If Christ bore the penalty for our sins, why should Christians be concerned if they only “occasionally” sin?
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Romans 6:1–2 What do you think? To increase the value of God’s forgiveness, should we continue to sin? Absolutely not! If Christ really has set us free, then sin must be dead, with no power over us, so it cannot continue.
Romans 6:23 Sin’s paycheck is death, but God rewards us with eternal life because of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Philippians 2:12 Just as you followed my advice when I was with you, much more in my absence you must be sensitive to the direction of the Holy Spirit, working out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Hebrews 6:4–6 Those who have seen the light, accepted the gift of salvation, and received the Holy Spirit, having tasted the goodness of God’s word, experiencing the spiritual strength of the world to come, if they turn away, they have no means to gain repentance and forgiveness, since they crucify the Son of God a second time, putting him to open shame.
1 Peter 2:24 Christ bore the penalty for our sins so we can be free from sin and live in righteousness. Because of his wounds, you can be healed.
1 John 3:4–9 All sin is lawlessness, because it shows our lack of respect for what God wants. You know, Christ is without sin, and he came to make us like him, free from sin. Those who are alive in Christ lack the desire to do anything wrong. But those who sin haven’t recognized him, and they don’t really know him. Little children, don’t let anyone mislead you. The righteous do what is right because of who they are—pure of heart. Those who do what is wrong when they know what is right are like Satan, who did that in the beginning. The Son of God was revealed to change our desires and destroy what Satan started. If you really are God’s children, then you have his nature and cannot sin.
King James
Romans 6:1–2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Hebrews 6:4–6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
1 Peter 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.
1 John 3:4–9 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
If the Lord is our protector, why do we fear?
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Psalm 23:4 As I walk through the most trying times of my life, a dark valley of the shadow of death, I still don’t have to fear, because you’re at my side. Like a shepherd who protects his lambs, your rod and your staff keep me safe.
Psalm 27:1 Lord, you are my light of knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration. You are my salvation from all that would pull me down, so who is left for me to fear? My life is in your hands, so I have no reason to be afraid.
2 Timothy 1:7 A spirit of fear is not from God, for in him we have power, love, and a sound mind.
1 Peter 2:25 Like sheep, you had wandered away but have now turned back to your Shepherd and protector.
King James
Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.