I Peter 2:1-25
You may recall Paul’s “put on, take off” verses back in Ephesians 4:25-32. Today we have something similar in Peter’s writing, not “put on, take off” verses, but two “then, now” sequences: Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (v. 10) While I saw this sentence structure as interesting writing, it is also fundamental truth. What we were back then is not what we are today; it is only by God’s mercy and grace that we are what and where we are today.
Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that … they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (v. 12) So often when I read these epistles I think of the young man, Jim, who led me to the Lord – how I saw his joy, his peace in his new life in Christ, in his earthly life in Christ – and how his faith was not an “I gotta get to heaven” thing! My Study Bible commented extensively on this …day of visitation… I see my own “…day of visitation…” as that evening in May of 1975 when I prayed that sinner’s prayer with Jim at my side and gave my life to Jesus. Truly, the Lord has visited me daily from that time forward and continues by His Holy Spirit to guide me as I seek and serve Him.
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil… (v. 16a) My Study Bible had a good take on this verse: “Liberty is not license to do as we please.” Liberty is not license…
See also: October 20 / I Peter 2:1-10; October 21 / I Peter 2:11-17; October 22 / I Peter 2:18-25