Holy Living

Scripture

1 Peter 2:1-10

Background

1 Peter 1:16 “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

Peter speaks a lot about a mindset and guarding the mind in these chapters.

We’re going to look over into the Bronze laver this morning. I had to has I was studying this. I had to clean myself up.

God’s word is offensive- but it is for correction. That’s why He gave it to us.

The question is how? How does one become holy? How does one show qualities of a “peculiar person”. Remember you won’t just do anything with the King’s name.

If I asked each person in here, you’d all tell me you’d believed the whole Bible. But do we live it?

If we say we believe the whole Bible but we refuse to try to live it that makes us a liar.

That’s why Peter is reminding us here 1 Peter 2:9 “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:”

If we were to examine our own lives this morning, how much darkness would you find?

We’ve gotten to a place where even saved people response to Holy living is “only God can judge me”.

In other words, they’re using grace justify to sinful life style.

You have to live holy in order to grow.

I’ve never seen so many Christians so miserable. It’s because they’re not growing in the word of God. And you cannot grow as a fence straddler.

Examining the Text

1 Peter 2:1-10

We see here that Peter is telling the Christians in Asia minor that they need to desire to grow spiritually, as babes - to desire the word in the same fashion.

I want you to notice in the first verse there are five things that Peter focus on. Five is typically seen in the context of death and grace.

These five things will make you die in a spiritual sense. But it will teach you alot about grace also.

He isn’t necessarily talking about new converts. He all saved people. Just because someone has been saved 50 years doesn’t mean they’ve matured in the Spirit.

Some people have just enough religion to be a burden to them actually.

And even when you do mature in the Spirit, you realize how much you need to stay in the word. You’re not perfect, you just realize that God’s still got more work to do.

In order do these things, you have to starve the flesh and feed the spirit.

Koot often talks about its like two dogs - you have to feed one and starve the other. Beware starving it - when it gets hungry, it gets angry.

You better be ready to control it when it does. Your feelings are not always right.

1 Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

Peter says to “lay” the following things “aside” - because if we allow it to weigh on us it will drag us down.

They all come from pride.

We must remember that it’s the Holy Spirit that has to help us do these things. We’ve got to pray and ask God to help us remove these things from our hearts and minds.

Malice – A desire to harm others, whether through thoughts, words, or actions. It includes bitterness, ill will, and a hateful spirit that seeks revenge or misfortune for others.

Have you ever saw someone who wronged you fall on hard times and think “that’s what they get”? Have you ever been bitter toward someone because you felt like they weren’t honoring you the way they should have?

There are people that if you do something to them, they don’t get mad they get even. Or they get mad and get even.

Just because someone wrongs you or makes you mad does not justify an ugly or violent reaction. You need to remember, your words must please the King.

Malice is not a fruit of the spirit. According to Romans 1:29 and Titus 3:3 - Malice is actually a characteristic of a lost person. This is why I believe Peter started this book of by proving we couldn’t lose our salvation.

If you could lose your salvation by sinning after you get saved then we all would have lost it under what it says in 1 Peter 2:1.

Remember Galatians 5:22–23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Guile – Deceitfulness, trickery, or dishonesty. It refers to being crafty or cunning in a way that misleads or manipulates others for personal gain. Lures people to forms of evil.

I’m reminded of John 1:47 “Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!”

Remember Jacob (Later Israel) was a deceiver, he was known for his tricks.

Remember he dressed in Esau’s clothing and got his birth right from Isaac. (Gen 27:35)

Did you know you will pass a legacy to your children? All good and all ills that you do. The Jews were probably known - right or wrong - for being deceptive.

Christ noticed Nathanael was different. He wasn’t a band wagon hopper, but he really was trying to point people in the right direction.

Aren’t you glad that while our earthly blood line is polluted, Christ gave us a blood transfusion. He made us worthy to stand before a Holy God. At the end of the way, God will not see me as a son of Adam, but as a child of God.

What exactly are you showing the lost people you’re around? Israel by the time Christ came along was nothing like the ones that came across with Joshua. If you read the Old Testament, some of them never really made it out of Egypt. They had idols in their tents, they walked the Egyptians and talked like the Egyptians, while they were suppose to be a peculiar treasurer of the true and living God. Their witness was dim at best.

Some Christians never lay aside “guile” and it causes people not to have any confidence in their witness. Nobody enjoys being manipluated and it causes the power of our witness to fade. 2 Timothy 3:5 “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

Preacher Jonathan Edwards said “to pretend to praise Christ while living lives that mock Him is like joining those who crucified Him and yelled ‘hail, King of the Jews’”.

Those that would come after Christ, claiming to be Christ, history would judge them as being guilty of guile. Between 33 - 70 AD there were so many that came through Israel claiming to be their Messiah, just as Christ said they would.

1. The Egyptian (c. 50s AD)

Mentioned in Acts 21:38 and by the Jewish historian Josephus (Antiquities 20.8.6, Wars of the Jews 2.13.5).

He led thousands of followers into the wilderness, claiming he would cause the walls of Jerusalem to fall (like Joshua at Jericho).

Roman forces under Governor Felix crushed the movement; the Egyptian escaped but was never heard from again. Leaving his followers to die.

2. The Samaritan Prophet (c. 36 AD)

This man led a group of Samaritans to Mount Gerizim, claiming he would reveal sacred treasures hidden by Moses.

Roman Governor Pontius Pilate sent troops to kill many of them, leading to Pilate’s removal from office.

3. Theudas (c. 44-46 AD)

Mentioned in Acts 5:36 and Josephus (Antiquities 20.5.1).

He claimed to be a prophet and led a group to the Jordan River, saying he could part the waters like Moses.

Roman governor Cuspius Fadus sent troops, killed many of his followers, and had Theudas beheaded.

4. The “Unnamed Prophets” (46-70 AD)

Josephus records several false prophets leading people into the desert, promising miraculous signs.

Many were executed by the Romans, especially during the Jewish Revolt (66-70 AD).

5. Menahem ben Judah (66 AD)

Leader of the Sicarii (dagger-wielding zealots) during the First Jewish Revolt.

He declared himself Messiah and led attacks against the Romans.

Eventually, he was captured, tortured, and executed by rival Jewish factions.

6. Simon bar Giora (69-70 AD)

Another messianic leader during the Jewish Revolt.

He led a large rebel army, promising to overthrow Rome.

After Jerusalem fell in 70 AD, he was paraded in Rome and executed.

7. John of Gischala (67-70 AD)

A radical Zealot leader who claimed divine authority.

He took control of part of Jerusalem, fighting both Romans and rival Jewish factions.

Captured after the destruction of the Temple and sent to Rome in chains.

Christ says “I am and be thou Holy”. We are to be different that the world.

Peter goes on to say in the later part of this chapter Christ in 1 Peter 2:22 “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:” .

Remember in Christ there is no darkness at all ....including guile. There is no trick, no deception. He is who He says He is.

Hypocrisies – Pretending to be righteous or godly while living a life that contradicts those claims. They may get up in front of the church and act spiritual but at home they are much different. It includes insincerity and acting in a way that does not align with one’s true beliefs or character. Lacking of authenticity.

In Galatians 2 - Paul confronted Peter in Antioch for withdrawing from eating with Gentile believers due to fear of Jewish followers. He asked how Peter could encourage Gentiles to live like Jews, when he was living like a Gentile.

James 1:8 “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

They’re always on the fence. They can’t get on a plan and stick to it.

There shouldn’t be one you at your job and one you at church.

There shouldn’t be a church you and a different you at home.

Somebody is always watching.

Now yes, if you watching me long enough. If you follow me around long enough - you’ll find fault somewhere.

But If I’m different at home than I am at church on Sunday - when my kids get older they think ‘oh there’s nothing to what he had’.

Envies – Feelings of jealousy or resentment toward others because of their blessings, success, or possessions. It is a selfish longing for what belongs to someone else. Or in other words its a feeling or state of mind where you are bitter about someone else’s advantage and wanting it for yourself.

Beware the Green Eyed Monster. It got that nick name back in the 1600s because when someone is sick they look green. Some people let it run wild. And it ruins everything it touches.

Jealous makes you and I sick in our spirit. It makes you act in ways you wouldn’t act normally.

You are not better for letting jealousy run a muck. Nothing productive ever happens.

According to scripture - Envy was the reason that Jesus was arrested.

Songs 8:6 “...Jealousy is cruel as the grave..”

Jealous is a big problem in the church. Preachers jealous of each other, singers jealous of each other, husbands and wives jealous of each other. I know its easier said than done but we need to pray God will remove that old green monster.

It’s always going to cause a stumbling block. It makes you act in ways that are ungodly.

You ever want to see anger? Let someone act out jealousy. Crime TV is full of people that have murdered each other out of jealousy.

Such was Cain and Abel. Genesis 4:4–7 “And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.”

Cain should have been an example to Abel but Cain was so bogged down in jealousy - instead of getting right with the Lord, he just took out the competition. Because jealousy says “I deserve more than you”.

Evil Speakings – Slander, gossip, or harsh words spoken against others. It includes defamation, backbiting, and speaking in a way that harms someone's reputation.

Leviticus 19:16 “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord.”

You and I could do a very good job at ripping each other apart. That’s why there is a difference if you’re going to somebody in love and if you’re going to someone to inject your opinion. I’ve been on both sides of that.

I’m sure we could sit down and we could tear each other limb from limb. But what would that profit each other?

James 3:8–14 “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.”

We’ll both just leave mad.

Peter says put these things away that you can grow. Desire the word of God.

1 Peter 2:3 “If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”

It’s by His mercies that we are all not consumed.

Peter is speaking from experience that while the Lord is a God of wrath, He prefers mercy. He just wants us to do right.

Ye means that Peter is speaking to every one who would ever read this letter. He’s writing directly to you and I here.

Did you know the Lord had every right to kill you and I in the flesh when we step over the line?

Why doesn’t he do that? Because He’s gracious.

Once you move past these things and lay them aside and actually forgive your neighbor - you see just how gracious the Lord was to you.

How does the Scripture describe a spiritually mature person?

This does not mean a spiritually mature person will be perfect. There will be times the flesh gets in the way and you have to fight the devil with one hand and keep the flesh under subjection with the other.

A person that is matured in the faith will be different however.

They’ll still get angry from time to time - but it’s what they do when they’re angry. They won’t just say what ever comes to their mind.

There’s a lot of qualifications in scripture for pastors and deacons but these are some of the the qualities we need to look for in our church leadership. When we’re considering a man for a deacon, or a person for a church office - these are important qualities.

The Bible warns against putting a novice into a position of leadership. - A novice is a believer who has not yet grown strong in faith, wisdom, and understanding.

A lot of churches have gotten theirselves in a mess because they’ve allowed novices to get in places of leadership and they’ve caused a lot of damage.

What qualities does one show who is mature in the faith?

Puts away sin – They do not live with malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, or evil speaking (1 Peter 2:1). They’re full of the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost won’t dwell in unclean temple. Rom 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Lust can be any sort of temptation.

I believe the fruits of the Spirit will show up - Those that have tasted the Goodness of the Lord and want to follow Him have those fruits of the spirit -

Love – Unselfish, sacrificial care for others (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Joy – Deep, spiritual gladness that is not based on circumstances (Nehemiah 8:10).

Peace – A calm and trusting heart, even in trials (Philippians 4:7).

Longsuffering – Patience and endurance, especially in difficult situations (Colossians 3:12).

Gentleness – Kindness and a soft-hearted attitude toward others (Titus 3:2).

Goodness – Moral integrity and doing what is right (Ephesians 5:9).

Faith – Steadfast trust in God and His promises (Hebrews 11:1).

Meekness – Humility and a gentle spirit, submitting to God's will (Matthew 5:5).

Temperance – Self-control over desires and actions (1 Corinthians 9:25).

Craves God’s Word – They have a strong desire to grow spiritually by feeding on Scripture (1 Peter 2:2). And they won’t just have it from anywhere.

The more I read, the more I realize I don’t know.

The more I read, I see how Satan has deceived the world.

The more I read, the more I see how good God truly is to man.

If you don’t eat you’re not going to grow. When Ridge and Madison were born, their weight was very important - their doctor wanted to see their weight going up because if they were losing a weight thats a problem.

We’ve got a lot of Christians just barely getting by spiritually because they live off of what they get on Sunday and Wednesday. I’ve been there.

I just don’t have time to read - most of us are on social media. If you’re not, don’t start now. If you got time for that you got time to get in the book. It’s a “want” to.

Trusts in Christ – They build their lives on Jesus, the "chief cornerstone," and do not stumble in unbelief (1 Peter 2:4-8).

Kyla Rowland wrote a note in her Bible on Matthew 21:21 “Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.”

She wrote “God help me to live Mt 21:21”

Matthew 21:42 “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?”

Lives honorably – Their conduct among unbelievers is pure and honest, so others may see Christ through them (1 Peter 2:12).

They have a good report. Those fruits of the Spirit will show up.

I’ve had it happen before where I’ve mentioned - yeah I go church with this brother or this sister and they have the most confused looked on their face.

Submits to authority – They show humility and respect, submitting to those in authority as an act of obedience to God (1 Peter 2:13-17).

Matthew 22:21 “They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”

Follows Christ’s example – They endure suffering patiently, just as Christ did, without retaliation or sin (1 Peter 2:19-23).

Isaiah 53:7 “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, Yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth.”

Trusts in God’s care – They recognize that Christ bore their sins and, as His sheep, they follow Him as the Shepherd of their souls (1 Peter 2:24-25).

The Church of Christ wants the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. If it’s not out of lids of God’s word the Church will reject it no matter how good it sounds.