1 Peter 2
by Philip Layton
Peter calls Christians to live godly lives in a pagan society
Discussion Questions
- Verse 1 may seem obvious for Christians to do, but should it be a routine check?
- In what way is Jesus both the cornerstone for some, yet also the stumbling block for others (vv 7, 8)?
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Going Deeper From 'Words of Life'
How can we become holy? Holiness only results from a right relationship with God by believing in Jesus Christ as Saviour and accepting his gift of eternal life. If we have not placed our faith in God’s Son alone to save us from our sins, then our pursuit of holiness is in vain. So, we must first make sure we are born-again believers (John chapter 3).
If we truly are believers, then we recognise that our position in Christ automatically sets us apart from the world: ‘But you are a chosen people… belonging to God’. After all, we have a relationship with the living God! So we must daily live a set-apart life, not trying to ‘blend in’ with the world but living according to God’s Word as we study the Bible and grow in it.
Holiness is not a blessing meant for lazy Christians. We need to make an effort to attain such a blessing. The Bible clearly says so: ‘Make every effort...to be holy’ (Hebrews 12:14) and ‘continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling’ (Philippians 2:12).
William Longstaff’s familiar hymn tells us how to do just this:
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord (v 1)
Take time to be holy, … with Jesus alone (v 2)
Take time to be holy, let him be thy guide (v 3)
Take to be holy, be calm in thy soul (v 4)
(SASB 458)
Beverly Ivany
Tags: 1 Peter