Articles
Remember Who You Are - 1 Peter 2
Remember Who You Are - 1 Peter 2
One constant reminder in all of the NT letters is simply who we are in relationship to God. As you read through 1Peter 2, notice the many different aspects of our relationship.
We are children of God, having been born again (ch. 1:23, 3). We began as newborn babes, but are to have quickly grown into maturity by feeding upon the Word of God (2:2). As children, we belong to the family of God - the house of God which is a spiritual house (2:5). We are the living stones that built this house where God dwells in us (both individually and collectively).
We are born again (1:3) and have become part of the chosen race, being grafted into Abraham's seed (cp. Gal. 3:26-29). We thus comprise a nation unto God (2:9), but a nation that is composed of holy people. We are thus to 'be holy even as He is holy' (1:15-16). We are 'a people of His own possession' (2:9). We are God's people (2:10). We are different from the world in our privileged relationship with God; and we must then be different people in our thinking and conduct. We are to abstain from the things we previously did in our ignorance (1:14); and are to 'abstain from the passions of the flesh' (2:10). We now live in the world but are no longer OF the world; rather, we are now strangers and sojourners in this land, which is becoming more and more estranged from us (2:11). We are however, lawful strangers, obeying and submitting, as far as possible, to these earthly rulers and governors (2:13). Even though we spend our time doing good, the world will still hate us and do evil unto us, causing us to suffer even as Christ did (2:20-21).
We have been made a kingdom of priests (Rev. 1:6, 9) and are thus a royal priesthood (2:9). It is required of those who would thus draw near unto God that they be holy (Lev. 10:3, cp. Heb. 4:16; 10:1, 22; 11:6). As holy priests unto God, we offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (2:5).
What a reminder. All of this because of the mercy and grace of God given to us through Jesus. Let us give thanks and live in a manner that glorifies God.
Hugh DeLong
