Who am I? What am I supposed to do? At some point, everyone asks these fundamental questions about identity. How we answer to these questions, whether consciously or not, determines much of how we live out our lives. These questions become even more important when we are faced with trials and suffering. When living as Jesus commands draws the ire and opposition of the culture, there is an enormous temptation to conform or compromise. Yet, when we trust in how God, in Christ, has answered those two questions, we are braced to stand regardless of societal pressure.

This is what Peter shows us in 1 Peter 2:4-10. Using several Old Testament passages, he demonstrates that believers are living stones being built up into a spiritual house by God. As we come to Jesus, we are being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, a community united with one another for His name. But since the same gospel that gives us a new nature is an offense to the world, we are also an offense. That is who we are – living stones built upon one who is both a cornerstone and a stone of offense.

Peter also tells us what we are to do when facing the opposition of the world and the pressure to compromise with its values and practices – we have been called out “that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pt. 2:9).

Sunday, we will look at Peter’s fourth command in 1:22-2:3, Love one another. Faithfulness to Christ, especially when the world is growing increasingly hostile to the gospel, is lived out in community. Peter shows us where this love for one another comes from, how it endures in our trials, and how our love for one another grows. Because this section builds upon everything that has come before, it would be helpful to re-read verses 1-21 before Sunday for we will certainly be referencing them.

Lot and his daughters are delivered out of Sodom, but the effect of Lot's life remains ingrained in them. Lot is indeed a righteous man but his life of compromise with the world has taken its toll on his family.

Peter continues to instruct his readers in how to be faithful in the midst of a world that is hostile to their faith. He shows what faithfulness looks like when suffering trials. In these verses, he commands believers to be holy in their conduct and fear the Lord because of the hope they have in the gospel

Lot is delivered from God's judgment upon Sodom because he is united with Abraham, God's covenant bearer - even though Lot is compromised, hesitant, and obstinate.

Peter finally begins to give instructions and commands to his readers. He instructs believers in what it looks like to live faithfully in the midst of trials, persecutions, and exile in a hostile world. Through the end of chapter 1, he gives four basic commands. Set your hope fully on the grace that will be given at Jesus’ coming, Be holy, Honor God, and Love one another. This command is so important for us. This command flows from all the glorious things God has done for us in verses 1-12. It is our response to what we have been given in the gospel and, as we will see Sunday, it is vital if we desire to be faithful as exiles in this world. "Setting our hope" is how we stand regardless of what this life throws at us.

God explains to Abraham what He is about to do in bringing judgment down upon Sodom. He does this so Abraham can rightly understand God's justice and teach his children and household what justice and righteousness look like.

1 Peter 1:6-12 continues to build the foundation upon which believers must stand as they face the sufferings and trials of this world. Verses 1-12 together are essential to understand as we are "grieved by various trials" in this life. They give us the footholds we need when grieved by trials for His name.

Abraham demonstrates a heart of hospitality to three visitors, which is in stark contrast to how the visitors will be received in Sodom. Here the Lord reaffirms the promise and this time allows Sarah to hear it from His own mouth, as he exposes her heart.