The church has good reasons for submitting to man’s authority. Peter begins with the admonition to resist strong desires that are not in line with God’s will. Fleshly lusts cover a broad spectrum of potential sins! An important consideration, given all of this, is, “Why?” Why should we struggle so to abstain, rather than indulge?
The redeemed are precious to God though rejected by men. So far in 1 Peter, the message has been clear that we are sojourners here. As those who do not belong, we can at times be (or feel) rejected of men. But, the text will help us to see just how precious we are to God.
Like babies desire milk, believers desire the Word. Most of us read the Bible. We long to know it, to grow in it, to mature in our Christian walk. However, before Peter even gets to this, he remarks that we must lay some things aside.
As part of the same family, Christians are to love one another. The only folks we really wound, Are those we love the best. We flatter those we scarcely know; We please the fleeting guest, And deal full many a thoughtless blow, To those we love the best.
Knowledge of our inheritance is an incentive to holiness. Are you preparing your mind? Are you living unto holiness? Have you put on Christ’s righteousness?