March 11, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Peter Chapter 2
1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
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.
6 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.
7 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,
8 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.
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;
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.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
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.
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 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.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 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.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
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.
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
The second chapter of the First Epistle of Peter calls believers to become aware of their new identity as God’s people and to lead a holy life. Peter encourages Christians to rid themselves of malice and hypocrisy and to seek spiritual nourishment in order to grow in faith. Christ is described as the living cornerstone on which God’s spiritual house is built. Believers are part of a royal priesthood and are called to proclaim God’s glory through their lives.
Furthermore, Peter provides practical instructions on how Christians should conduct themselves in the world. They are to abstain from sinful desires, lead exemplary lives, and submit to governing authorities. Special emphasis is placed on following Christ’s example in suffering—his life teaches patience, humility, and trust in God’s righteous guidance.
Commentary
The Holiness of God’s New People (Verses 1-10)
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Christians are called to renounce all evil traits and seek spiritual nourishment (Verses 1-3).
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Christ is the cornerstone of God’s spiritual house; believers are living stones built upon it (Verses 4-5).
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The election of believers: They are a royal priesthood meant to bear witness to God’s glory (Verses 9-10).
Behavior in the World (Verses 11-17)
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Christians are strangers in this world and should abstain from sinful desires (Verse 11).
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An exemplary life should lead unbelievers to glorify God (Verse 12).
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Submission to governing authorities to fulfill God’s will and expose ignorance (Verses 13-17).
Instructions for Slaves and Christ’s Example (Verses 18-25)
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Slaves should respect their masters, even when treated unjustly (Verses 18-20).
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Christ’s suffering as an example: He endured suffering without retaliation and entrusted everything to the righteous Judge (Verses 21-23).
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Through his sacrifice, he has freed us from sin; he is the shepherd of our souls (Verses 24-25).
Summary
1 Peter 2 reveals that believers are part of a new spiritual house, built upon Christ, the living cornerstone. They are chosen, holy, and called to proclaim God’s virtues. However, this new life also carries responsibilities: believers must abstain from sin, lead exemplary lives, and submit to earthly authorities—not out of fear, but out of reverence for God.
Particularly striking is the encouragement to endure suffering for Christ’s sake with patience. Christ himself suffered without retaliating, leaving a perfect example for his followers. Through his sacrifice, we have been redeemed from sin and brought into a new relationship with God. Our lives should reflect this truth.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Spiritual growth in Christ is a central theme of the Christian life. Chapter 8 describes this growth using natural imagery such as birth, plants, and light, to illustrate how a believer matures in relationship with Christ. It makes clear that no one can generate spiritual life or bring themselves to salvation by their own efforts—only through Christ is true growth possible. By remaining in Him, we receive strength, joy, and steadfastness in faith. The invitation to complete surrender to Christ and to trust in His guidance lies at the heart of this chapter.
Commentary
1.Spiritual Growth as God’s Work (Introduction)
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The Bible compares spiritual growth to a birth (1 Peter 2:2) and to the growth of a seed (Ephesians 4:15).
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No one can produce life by their own power—just as spiritual life cannot arise without God’s work (John 3:3).
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Growth in Christ is not the result of human effort but of divine influence.
2.The Necessity of Connection with Christ
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Plants grow through light, water, and nourishment—likewise, the believer needs Christ as the “Sun of Righteousness” (Isaiah 60:19).
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Jesus emphasizes: “Remain in me”—without Him, a person cannot bear fruit (John 15:4–5).
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Many attempt to live righteously by their own strength, yet Christ is the only path to holiness.
3.Daily Surrender to God as the Key to Growth
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Daily prayer and complete surrender to God are essential for growth in faith.
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The relationship with Christ must be consistent and alive—He should not only be present at the beginning and end of our lives, but at every moment (Psalm 16:8).
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Our hope does not lie in ourselves but in Christ, who connects our weakness with His strength.
4.The Danger of Self-Centeredness and Distraction by Satan
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Satan constantly tries to divert the believer’s gaze from Christ—whether through worries, fears, or worldly temptations.
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The only security lies in complete dependence on Christ—not in self-reflection or self-doubt (Galatians 2:20).
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True spiritual growth occurs through trust, obedience, and continual connection with Christ.
5.The Examples of the First Disciples and Their Deep Fellowship with Christ
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The disciples grew through daily fellowship with Christ and were changed by the Holy Spirit.
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John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was transformed by closeness to Christ from an ambitious and fiery man into a symbol of love.
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This deep spiritual fellowship with Christ is still available to every believer today.
6.The Ongoing Presence of Christ in Our Lives
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After His ascension, Jesus remained united with His disciples through the Holy Spirit—He remains in the hearts of believers today in the same way.
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Life in Christ means not only following Him, but fully uniting oneself with Him.
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Christ is the author and finisher of our faith (Ephesians 4:15)—in Him lies our entire hope for growth and perfection.
Summary
Chapter 8 underscores the importance of spiritual growth in Christ. It shows that this growth is not achieved through human effort but solely through connection with Christ. Just as plants need light, water, and nourishment to thrive, the believer needs Christ as the source of life. Walking daily with Christ, engaging in consistent prayer, and surrendering fully to Him lead to spiritual maturity. The disciples of Jesus are an example of how close fellowship with Christ can completely transform a person’s nature. The invitation is: “Remain in me”—whoever remains in Christ grows in faith, bears fruit, and is transformed into His image.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/11-03-2025-1-peter-chapter-2-believe-his-prophets/
