Are you willing to stand out for God’s glory?
1 Peter 2:11-12 reminds us that as God’s people, we are called to be different from the world around us. Though we live among unbelievers, our lives should reflect holiness and honor God, leading others to glorify Him.
Key Verse:
“Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.” – 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NASB)
Background Context:
Peter was writing to Jewish believers living among Gentile nations, urging them to remain set apart from the sinful behaviors of the world. Their calling was not to blend in but to reflect God’s holiness, even when it made them stand out. Today, as followers of Yeshua, we face a similar challenge. Many of us live in nations that are becoming increasingly ungodly. Peter’s message remains just as relevant—we are to live as foreigners, resisting worldly desires and maintaining godly character so that others may see our good works and glorify God.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
11Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 12Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Reflection on 1 Peter 2:11-12:
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We Are Strangers in This World:
Peter calls believers aliens and strangers (1 Peter 2:11). This means that our true home is not in this world but in God’s kingdom. We should not feel completely comfortable in a culture that does not honor God. Do you embrace your identity as someone set apart for God’s purposes? -
Abstain from Fleshly Lusts:
Peter warns that fleshly desires wage war against the soul (1 Peter 2:11). This is a battle between holiness and sin, between living for God or conforming to the world. Are you guarding yourself against the temptations that can weaken your faith? -
Live in a Way That Glorifies God:
Peter commands believers to keep their behavior excellent among unbelievers so that, even if they are slandered, their actions will ultimately lead others to glorify God (1 Peter 2:12). How do your actions reflect God’s holiness to those around you? -
Expect to Be Different:
Being set apart means we will not always fit in. We may face criticism, rejection, or misunderstandings because we follow God’s ways instead of the world’s. But this is our calling—to stand firm in faith and reflect God’s truth. Are you willing to be different for the sake of God’s glory?
Summary Key Points:
- We are foreigners in this world: Our true citizenship is in God’s kingdom.
- Sin wages war against our souls: We must actively resist temptation.
- Our behavior should glorify God: People should see Yeshua reflected in our actions.
- Being set apart means being different: Holiness will often make us stand out.
- Our lives can lead others to God: Even those who criticize may eventually glorify Him.
Application:
Examine your daily life. Are you living in a way that is distinct from the world? Are there areas where you have compromised to fit in? Ask God to strengthen you to live set apart, even when it means standing out. Let your actions reflect His holiness and lead others to Him.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to be set apart for Your glory. Help me to resist the temptations of this world and to live a life that honors You. Strengthen me to stand firm in my faith, even when it means being different. May my actions lead others to see Your goodness and glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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