NT Fire Starters – Day 325: 1 Peter 1:22-2:25

READ: 1 Peter 1:22–2:25

THINK: When you were a child, you may have been afraid of “aliens,” and you were probably told not to talk to “strangers.” For kids, both terms can carry negative, even fearful connotations. But when the Bible tells us to live as “aliens and strangers in the world” (v. 11) it implies a positive, beneficial difference. God isn’t asking us to be odd or isolated, but He wants us to understand that to a large degree we will be outsiders whose way of life is foreign to most people. That’s because our citizenship is not of earth, but of heaven, and our priorities are not temporary but eternal. Our lives can provide hope and inspiration to all who are searching for something beyond what this life can offer.

RESPOND: How enduring is God’s Word, and why is this significant regarding its message of spiritual salvation? (See 1:25 note.) In light of the enduring truth of God’s Word, what attitudes and behaviors must we remove from our lives (2:1)? What does it mean to “crave pure spiritual milk”? (See 2:2 note.) What does it mean that Jesus’ followers are “a holy priesthood” (v. 25), and how should this affect our lives in practical ways? (See 2:5 note.) Who is the “stone that causes men to stumble” (v. 8), and why is this stone precious to some (v. 7) and destructive to others? (See 2:8 note.) What does it mean that Jesus’ followers are “a holy nation”? (See 2:9 note.) What does it mean to be “aliens and strangers in the world” (v. 11), and how should that affect what they do and don’t do? (See 2:11 note.) Why is it important to live good lives among those who don’t know God? (See 2:12 note.) What influence can this have (vv. 12-15)? In what way can Christians follow Jesus’ example through suffering, and what can this produce in their lives (vv. 21-23)? (See 2:21 note.) What’s the primary purpose of Jesus’ death, and how should this affect our daily lives? (See 2:24 note.)

PRAY: Give God thanks for His eternal Word, and pray that you’ll gauge your behavior by it’s instructions, commands, principles and guidelines. Pray that your life stands out with a positive difference that draws attention to God.

ACT: Make a deliberate, humble effort to stand out in a positive way today. Be considerate, cooperative and helpful in ways that most people overlook. Make sure that your conversations and behaviors reflect godly character and devotion to Christ. Don’t be a follower, but instead set an example that others can follow.