ETB 1 Peter 2:1-10

Session #3 - p.28 - Our Identity

This week’s lesson it going to be a little shorter on the textual review and commentary, so that we can do some practical application of the text before we end our time together this morning.

Opening Paragraph

Home ownership is a blessing that carries with it responsibility. People can feel a sense of pride when they sign the paperwork and receive the keys to their new home. That sense of pride can turn to dread when the air conditioning breaks or the roof needs replacing. Those who embrace the blessing must also embrace the responsibility. Peter reminded believers that they have both the blessing and responsibility of living as God’s own people. (PSG, p. 28)

Ask: How might ignoring the responsibility diminish the enjoyment of the blessing? (p. 29)

Using the example of the house from the book, not taking care of the house will eventually make it more of a burden to live in than the blessing it should be.

Could there be the same effect of “diminishing returns” in our spiritual lives?

I think Peter knew that this was a possibility and why he stressed the pursuit of holiness so strongly in his first letter to other believers.

Understand the Context

In many ways, Peter’s audience was living in spiritual exile. They had accepted Christ, and they were living in Asia Minor. Their faith drew negative attention from Jews, who would maintain a strong commitment to the law of Moses. At the same time, Gentiles, who embraced the idolatry and paganism of the Greco-Roman culture, would be offended by their devotion to Jesus.

First Peter 2:1-10 continues what began in 1:13, where Peter drew out the practical manifestations of salvation and hope. He had challenged his readers to remain alert in a world that would try to distract and disrupt their relationship with Christ. He urged them to remember the hope they had received in Christ and allow that hope to define who they were and what they did. [LifeWay Adults (2025). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Winter 2024-’25]

Explore the Text

1 Peter 2:1–3 ESV

1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

So

Last week our verses started with a “therefore” linking all the things that “are” true from the first part of chapter 1 to the second half of all things that “ought” to be true.

The “so” in the ESV is translated as “therefore” again in the CSB. Although different Greek words, they are still both conjunctions linking previous concepts to the ones that follow. Peter again shifts from the things that “ought” to be true of one pursuing holiness to later tells us again about the things that “are” true because of the salvific work of Christ.

These first two verses are a contrast between someone following their “former passions” and one pursuing growth in holiness.

malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

How would you describe the difference between these listed types of wickedness or unholiness?

Do you see any progression or patterns to these evils?

Malice can be described as an internal evil or evil character. It is the opposite of “being holy as God is holy.” The rest of the list flows from this malicious character out towards others in the various ways listed.

Deceit is an intentional misleading of another. New Testament version of “bearing false witness.”

Hypocrisy is pretending one thing but being another. It is a form of deceit but with less malicious intent. When we say we are “fine”, but we really aren’t - that’s hypocrisy.

Envy is the New Testament word for coveting.

Slander is a verbal hypocrisy, saying what is not accurate or true often to make the speaker seem “better” than the target. In our society it takes an effort not to be pulled into it. Anytime we hear someone debasing or “putting down” another of God’s image bearers, it is slanderous. We cannot join in if we are pursuing holiness.

The interesting part about this verse is that Peter was writing to believers. These forms of evil were probably not blatant, but the subtle tones from the Adamic nature that continue to express itself in times of weakness or unguarded speech. These are the things that we must “prepare our minds” for and be “sober-minded” about especially in the presence of non-believers. Our actions and speech may be the only Bible some people every read.

Like newborn infants

This phrase, “like newborn infants,” lets us know there is a contrast implied. Have you ever seen a baby act “deceitfully” or with “hypocrisy?”

Babies want food, clean clothes, and attention. They cannot hide which one or pretend they don’t want it. They have “pure” or untainted longing, especially for food.

Life Application Bible Notes Chapter 2

The need for milk is a natural instinct for a baby, and it signals the desire for nourishment that will lead to growth. Once we see our need for God’s Word and begin to find nourishment in Christ, our spiritual appetite will increase, and we will start to mature.

long for the pure spiritual milk

No healthy baby has not expressed its hunger. Their longing and the object of the longing is pure, straight from the source.

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 2

If you’re a parent, you know how newborn babes crave milk. In the middle of the night, they want milk. When you’re trying to study, they want milk. Every few hours they want milk. Peter says we’re to be the same way. He doesn’t say if we’re newborn babes, or when we’re newborn babes, but rather we’re to continue all the days of our lives as newborn babes, craving the sincere milk of the Word.

grow up into salvation

Newborns grow when they get milk regularly. Peter implies that we can grow in Christ when we take in His word regularly.

Here is our “theology lesson” for the day about “progressive sanctification.

Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth Progressive Sanctification

As has already been implied, however, though the believer enjoys this decisive victory over the dominion of sin as a result of union with Christ, his heart and life are not totally purified. Though the penalty of sin is paid for and the power of sin is broken, the presence of sin still remains in the believer’s flesh and therefore must continually be put to death. Thus, the sanctification that begins definitively at regeneration necessarily continues throughout the entirety of the Christian life. This continuous aspect of sanctification is called progressive sanctification.

The continual, progressive nature of sanctification is substantiated in the Bible’s numerous calls to holiness in the present tense, indicating ongoing, continuous action.

Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth Progressive Sanctification

Peter charges believers to “grow up into salvation” (

if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good

Some English translations have “now that” you have tasted.

What does a baby do if it does not like the taste of something?

We should know enough of God’s Word that when something does not align with its truths, we “spit it out.”

Once we have “tasted” it, nothing else will satisfy the same way.

Jeremiah 15:16 “16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.”

As we “grow” in our salvation we recognize what will hinder that progress toward holiness and we can reject it more quickly. Actively pursuing subtler and subtler symptoms of our old nature and replacing with God’s purity and truth.

Ask: How would you describe someone who is spiritually mature? (p. 31)

1 Peter 2:4–8 ESV

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

a living stone

I did not find a definitive or consistent explanation of this “living stone” and “living stones” metaphor. I understand that this is Christ and His church, the believers. But where the imagery is coming from is rather mysterious. It may have been something that those in the ancient middle east would have easily recognized, but it is now lost to the modern reader.

There is definitely some correlation to the Temple because the imagery and metaphors in the next verse.

a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices

Peter reminds us that we are the house or temple of the Holy Spirit. The priests serving Jesus within the that temple. And the sacrifices offered to God by those priests in that temple. This is the fullness of Christ’s work in us, for us, and through us to display His goodness to the world.

Romans 12:1 “1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

I am laying in Zion a stone

Peter then shifts back to speaking about Christ as a stone. Notice who is laying this stone in place and how He describes it.

“Head of the corner” would be a literal translation for “cornerstone.” Some versions then translate this as “capstone” incorrectly interpreting “head” as top in placement instead of importance. The cornerstones of ancient buildings were critically important. I heard once that enemies would try to move a cornerstone to make the building unstable, but I could not find any evidence of such an instance this week. I did find however there were a lot of rituals - rarely of a godly nature - revolving around the placement and securing the cornerstone. You may have even witnessed a “time capsule” being placed in one.

This foundational structural element is a good analogy. Jesus is the “head” of the church in position, placement, and power.

Paul uses the same analogy to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 2:19–22 “19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

Life Application Bible Notes Chapter 2

Peter portrays the church as a living, spiritual temple, with Christ as the foundation and cornerstone and each believer as a stone. Paul portrays the church as a body, with Christ as the head and each believer as a member (see, for example,

“The stone that the builders rejected” is a reminder that if the world rejects Christ, the foundation of our faith, then the “stones” laid to join with Him in the building of His Kingdom will also be rejected. But according to the previous quote will “will not be put to shame.” This shame however is in the eyes of God, men may still ridicule and reject us because of our faith connection to Christ.

Many have, and will, stumble over the Gospel offered based on faith in Christ. Unfortunately, God has already told us that few will chose to believe and never get past the “offensiveness” of Jesus’ sacrifice on their behalf.

1 Peter 2:9–10 ESV

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 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.

Verse 9 is the memory verse for this week and its the one we are going to try and apply this morning.

a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession

These statement of lineage and heritage are Peter’s last list of “what things are true” about us in this chapter.

If your Bible is like mine, there are a lot of footnotes and cross references to this list. These descriptions are not new, but this is the one place they are all put together. In the Old Testament, these monikers were for the Israelites, Hebrews, and Levites. This is why many think Peter may have been writing to Jewish believers. The Book of Hebrews clearly shows all believers in Christ now share these titles with the people of Israel, yet they are still God’s primary source for His work. That is part of the reason He endows us with these titles. Look at the last part of the verse.

proclaim the excellencies .… from darkness to light

Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth The Internal Call: Regeneration

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses and sins, made us alive together with Christ” (

This is why we are to pursue holiness, to be effective witnesses of the work that He has done for us, in us and through us. Proclaiming His excellencies or blessings upon us is something that we can do every day, because He blesses us every moment of everyday whether we recognize it or not. Peter, however, specifies a particular blessing. The one that saved us, bringing us “out of darkness into His marvelous light.” When people ask me to pray for them, when I can I do it right there with them. If not, I make sure I start praying before I get a couple steps away. I am trying to be more immediate in my response to God’s Word as He reveals it to me as well. Therefore, to be obedient to “proclaim His excellencies” I am going to share my salvation testimony and then allow anyone else who wants to do so. We will in that way have obeyed God’s Word at least in part before we leave this room.

Apply the Text

How many of you have had a heart transplant?

I believe that the Bible has the answer to every important question that a person can ask. It can even answer the one I just asked you. But I did not always have faith in the Scriptures.

Me Before Jesus

When I was in High School and most of College, I thrived on controlling others with my intelligence by fear, intimidation, mystery, and lies. Because I believed I was in control of my life I tried everything that the world had to offer.

The Bible describes this type of person in Galatians -

Galatians 5:19–21 “19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Even though I attended various church services and knew “church ways” I was lost and going to hell.

Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Me introduced to Jesus

Not until my 3rd year at OU, did I begin to understand what a “Christian” really was. Through a relationship with another student – Brad, who many thought I was related to – I began learning what the Bible actually said and not just what I thought it said or had “heard” that it said. I discovered these truths.

Romans 5:8 “8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

John 5:24 “24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”

After hearing God speak to me through 3 secular songs on the radio – “Every Breath You Take”, “God is Watching"(From a Distance), and “I’d Die for You” (Everything I Do) - on October 22, 1991, about 2:30 a.m. in Brad’s dorm room I accepted Christ.

Me After Jesus

I still have problems, addictive sociopathic tendencies, and the repercussions of my many years of sin –

Ecclesiastes 1:18 NASB95

18 Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain.

But God and the Bible became and is now my main focus in life.

Galatians 5:22–24 “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Remember how I asked you about a heart transplant?

Ezekiel 36:26 “26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

If you had a heart like my, God has given you a heart transplant like me. If you still have a heart like I did, He is waiting eagerly to give you a new heart too.

Open the floor for others to share

Pray: Thank You Lord for these stories of changed lives and redeemed eternities. Help us to be more faithful and committed to sharing both our change from this world’s darkness into Your glorious light, as well as the daily growth in Your Word. Guide us how we can become more mature in our faith as we study Your Word. Teach us how to represent You better in this world and live as Your holy and chosen people. Forgive our failures and faults and use them to bless others.