Scriptural text: 1 Peter 2:1-25
Lesson Context: The book of First Peter was written just before the time the Roman Emperor Nero began his persecution of the Christians. First Peter was a letter of encouragement for the Christians who were suffering from persecution. It was addressed to Jewish Christians who were scattered throughout Asia Minor and to Christians everywhere.
Growing In Grace (1 Peter 2:1-3):
What to Remove (1 Peter 2:1). “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking.” The Greek word for “laying aside” means “to take off or strip off.” In Scripture, it means to remove all sinful behavior. God’s people are to be righteous. The Greek term for “malice” is the general term for wickedness, or any kind of evil doing. Peter said we are to put aside “all guile.” This refers to deceit, craftiness, and treachery. “Guile” was illustrated by Judas Iscariot’s treacherous betrayal of Jesus, and by Delilah’s deception of Samson. Third, Peter said that we are to “lay aside all hypocrisies.” The term “hypocrisy” refers to pretentious acts. The Greek word originally described an actor who wore a mask and played the part of someone else.
Fourth, Peter said we are to put away all “envies.” This refers to feelings of displeasure because of others’ prosperity and the desire to deprive them of what they have. Fifth, Peter said we are to put off “all evil speakings.” This refers to slander and defamation. James wrote a length about the tongue’s power for good and evil (James 3:2-13).
What to feed on (1 Peter 2:2-3). This verse says “Newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” Peter’s readers had to deal with old sins before they could feed on new truths. “As newborn babes,” this is how all new converts begin. Unfortunately, many believers remain in spiritual infancy or immaturity. Peter continues to say “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” A “desire” or craving for God’s Word is needed for spiritual “babes” to “grow.” The pure unadulterated “milk” of God’s Word is necessary.
(v. 3). This verse says “If so be ye have tasted that the LORD is gracious.” In other words, having already “tasted” or experienced God’s goodness, Peter’s readers had good reason to long for God’s Word. The words “the Lord” refers to Jesus Christ. God’s Word reveals that Jesus “is gracious.” The term used for “gracious” includes the idea of being kind and benevolent.
Building On The Rock (1 Peter 2:4-8):
Believers are living stones (1 Peter 2:4-5).
(v. 4). “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed by men, but chosen of God, and precious.” The phrase “To whom coming” does not refer to Christ’s “coming” but it refers to our “coming” to Him through His Word which means mutual repentance and faith. Paul was saying that we come to Christ as we would come to “a living stone.” Jesus Christ is this “living stone.” The word “living” means that Christ is the source and giver of life.
Confirmation of the chief Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6-8).
(v. 6). This verse says “Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious.” The church is established on the prophets and apostles, who are held together by the “chief cornerstone” Jesus Christ. Peter wanted his believers to keep trusting Christ and be an active part of the spiritual building of which Jesus was the “chief corner stone, elect, and precious on which God is building His church.
References: International Sunday School Commentary, Standard Lesson Commentary KJV 2022-2023