What contrast do you notice between the way God‘s people are described in 1 Peter 2:9-10 & 1 Peter 2:11-12?
What does Peter command the readers to do with regard to the flesh? Why? (1 Peter 2:11)
What does Peter command the readers to do with regard to their conduct among the gentiles? Why? (1 Peter 2:12)
What specific command is given in verse 13 & 14? For whose sake are they to do this? What are the purposes of these authorities? (1 Peter 2:13-14)
According to verse 15, what is God‘s will concerning the believers conduct? What is the intended result of “doing good”? (1 Peter 2:15)
Observe the contrast in verse 16. What two descriptions does Peter use for believers? What are they warned not to do with their freedom? (1 Peter 2:16)
What are the commands mentioned in verse 17? (1 Peter 2:17)
INTERPRETATION
What does it mean?
What does it actually mean to avoid the passions of the flesh and live as a foreigner and exile in this world? (1 Peter 2:11)
How does Peter explain the seriousness of the action of the flesh against the soul? (1 Peter 2:11)
According to Peter, how is leading a God honoring life, a powerful witness among the Gentiles? (1 Peter 2:12)
What does Peter mean to convey when he talks about “the day of visitation”? (1 Peter 2:12)
Why is the motivation for submitting to authority so important? How does submitting “for the Lord sake” differ from submitting out of fear or simple civic duty? (1 Peter 2:13-14)
What does it mean to do good in the larger context of 1 Peter chapter 2 and the Bible? (Ref: 2 Peter 2:12, Ephesians 2:8-10)
How can a person be both free and a slave of God at the same time? What is the relationship between true freedom in Christ and obedience to God? (1 Peter 2:16)
APPLICATION
What will I do?
In what ways do sinful desires “Wage War” on your soul? What is at stake in this battle?
Do you consciously live as a “foreigner and exile” in this world or are you more at home in the world’s values and desires? What are some things you need to work on in your life to obey God's Word?
Think about your workplace, neighborhood or online presence. How can you live a God honoring life that your actions might lead someone to glorify God, even if they currently misunderstand or criticize your faith?
How can we encourage Christians around the world who out of obedience to God often have to disobey their governing authorities?
Have you used your freedom in Christ as a cover-up for evil? How can this verse (1 Peter 2:16) change the way we look at our freedom in Christ?
What are some practical ways where you can love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the rulers?
