Here are the recommendations for things to do and not do mentioned in 1 Peter Chapter 2 of the King James Version (KJV):

Things to Do:

1. “Desire the sincere milk of the word” (1 Peter 2:2): This encourages believers to have a strong desire for the pure and unadulterated teachings of God’s Word, indicating a hunger for spiritual nourishment.
2. “As lively stones, be built up a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5): This exhorts believers to be actively involved in the growth and development of the spiritual community, contributing to the building up of the Church.
3. “Offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5): This recommends offering spiritual sacrifices such as acts of worship, praise, and service that are pleasing and acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
4. “Obtain mercy” (1 Peter 2:10): This encourages believers to seek and receive the mercy of God, recognizing their need for His forgiveness and compassion.
5. “Abstain from fleshly lusts” (1 Peter 2:11): This advises believers to refrain from giving in to sinful desires and passions of the flesh, exercising self-control and living in accordance with God’s will.
6. “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man” (1 Peter 2:13): This instructs believers to willingly submit to human authorities and governmental institutions, respecting and obeying the laws of the land.
7. “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood” (1 Peter 2:17): This encourages believers to show honor and respect to all people and to have a special love and care for fellow believers.

Things Not to Do:

1. “Laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings” (1 Peter 2:1): This emphasizes the need to remove and avoid all forms of maliciousness, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.
2. “Not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness” (1 Peter 2:16): This warns against misusing freedom in Christ as a cover or excuse for engaging in wickedness or malicious behavior.

These are the recommendations and warnings given in 1 Peter Chapter 2 of the King James Version of the Bible. Also see: 1 Peter Chapter 1 KJV- Dos and Don’ts

1 Peter Chapter 2

In 1 Peter Chapter 2, you’ll find a powerful message urging you to seek spiritual growth and embrace your role as a vital part of God’s spiritual house. Through the King James Version’s poetic language, you’re invited to lay aside any negativity, malice, or deceit and instead strive for genuine love and brotherhood among your fellow believers.

By examining the text through a critical lens, taking into account historical context, and interpreting the poignant imagery, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the message and its relevance to your own life.

As you delve into this chapter, you’ll discover the importance of desiring the ‘sincere milk of the word and abstaining from ‘fleshly lusts’ that can hinder your spiritual growth. You’ll be encouraged to submit to authority, not as a means of oppression, but as a way to honor God and maintain a clear conscience.

This call for submission, along with the emphasis on not using your liberty as a ‘cloak of maliciousness,’ speaks to your subconscious desire for freedom.

When you understand and embrace the principles outlined in 1 Peter Chapter 2, you’ll find that true freedom lies in a life surrendered to God and committed to loving one another.

Desire the sincere milk of the word (1 Peter 2:2)

As you earnestly desire the pure milk of the word, you’ll find spiritual nourishment and growth in your walk with God.

This verse in 1 Peter 2:2 uses the imagery of a newborn baby craving its mother’s milk to illustrate the importance of seeking spiritual sustenance from the Bible.

The phrase ‘sincere milk of the word’ refers to the unadulterated, genuine teachings found in the scriptures.

Just as milk is essential for a baby’s physical growth and development, the ‘sincere milk of the word’ is vital for your spiritual growth, leading to a deeper understanding of God’s will and purpose for your life.

In the historical context, Peter wrote this letter to the early Christians who were scattered throughout Asia Minor, facing various trials and persecutions. These believers needed encouragement and guidance to remain steadfast in their faith.

By exhorting them to desire the pure milk of the word, Peter was urging them to continually seek God’s wisdom and strength through the study of the scriptures. This message is equally relevant to you today.

When you immerse yourself in the Bible, you’ll not only find solace and encouragement but also the keys to unlocking true freedom – a freedom that comes from knowing and living out God’s truth.

So, in your pursuit of spiritual growth and liberty, let the sincere milk of the word be your constant source of nourishment and inspiration.

Examples:

1. The Bereans’ Eagerness for the Scriptures (Acts 17:11): When Paul preached the gospel in Berea, the Bereans were commended for their eagerness to receive the word. They examined the Scriptures daily to verify the teachings they heard. This example emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with the Scriptures and having a hunger for truth and understanding.
2. The Psalmist’s Longing for God’s Word (Psalm 119:97): The entire Psalm 119 expresses the psalmist’s deep love and desire for God’s word. The psalmist declares, “Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” This passage reflects the psalmist’s devotion to God’s word and the desire to constantly dwell on its teachings.
3. Jesus’ Temptation in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11): When Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, He responded to each temptation with Scripture. He demonstrated His deep knowledge and reliance on the word of God. This example highlights the power of the Scriptures in combating temptation and the necessity of knowing and internalizing God’s word.

As lively stones, be built up a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5)

You’re being built up into a spiritual house, with each of you as lively stones, igniting a sense of purpose and unity in this sacred journey together.

As the Apostle Peter conveys in his first epistle, this spiritual house is not composed of bricks and mortar, but rather of the living, breathing believers who have come together to form the body of Christ (1 Peter 2:5).

To be a part of this spiritual house means to be interconnected with other believers, working in harmony and drawing strength from one another to carry out God’s will.

The Church building is not a spiritual house. The lively stones are people who have been born again and together all of these lively stones, including you, are the stones of the new temple.

This powerful imagery speaks to the essence of the Christian faith, as we are called to be a reflection of God’s love and grace in the world, building each other up and supporting one another in our spiritual growth.

The idea of being built up into a spiritual house provided a sense of unity, protection, and belonging that was desperately needed during these trying times.

Examples:

1. The Temple of Solomon (1 Kings 6): The construction of Solomon’s temple in the Old Testament serves as a metaphor for believers as living stones in a spiritual house. The temple was built with carefully crafted stones, each playing a specific role in the overall structure. It represented God’s dwelling place on earth. Similarly, believers are seen as living stones, with Christ as the foundation and cornerstone, forming a spiritual house where God’s presence resides.
2. The Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27): The apostle Paul uses the analogy of the body to describe the unity and interdependence of believers in the Church. Just as a body is made up of different parts with various functions, each believer has a unique role and contributes to the overall functioning of the body. This passage emphasizes the unity and diversity within the spiritual house, with believers working together to fulfill God’s purposes.
3. The New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-27): In the book of Revelation, John describes the vision of the new Jerusalem, which represents the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people. The city is described as having foundations adorned with various precious stones. This imagery symbolizes the beauty and strength of the spiritual house formed by believers, who are united in Christ and prepared as a dwelling place for God.

Offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5)

In offering up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, believers actively participate in their spiritual growth and contribute to the strengthening of the spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5).

Some may argue that focusing on spiritual sacrifices adds more pressure or burden to one’s faith journey; however, it’s important to remember that these sacrifices aren’t about adhering to a strict set of rules or attaining perfection.

Instead, they’re about deepening our connection to God, practicing love and compassion, and aligning our lives with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Embracing this mindset can bring a sense of joy and fulfillment, as we recognize the impact our spiritual sacrifices have on our own lives and the lives of those within the spiritual house.

1. Prayer: Engaging in heartfelt communication with God, expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, and interceding for others.
2. Worship: Participating in communal worship, singing praises, and celebrating the work of Christ in our lives.
3. Serving others: Demonstrating love and compassion through acts of service, such as volunteering, providing for the needy, or offering a helping hand to those in our community.
4. Personal growth: Cultivating spiritual disciplines, such as Bible study, fasting, and meditation, to deepen our understanding of God’s Word and grow in our relationship with Him.

By focusing on these spiritual sacrifices, believers can experience a sense of freedom as they break free from the constraints of a legalistic faith and embrace a dynamic, transformative relationship with God.

In this way, the practice of spiritual sacrifices not only enriches our individual lives but also strengthens the entire spiritual house, as each believer contributes to the collective growth and well-being of the community.

Ultimately, offering up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ is a vital part of our faith journey, allowing us to experience the fullness of God’s love, grace, and transformative power in our lives.

Examples:

1. The Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15): The book of Hebrews teaches that believers are to offer a continual sacrifice of praise to God through Jesus Christ. This sacrifice involves offering heartfelt gratitude and worship to God for His goodness, grace, and salvation.
2. The Sacrifice of Obedience (Romans 12:1): The apostle Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This sacrifice entails offering our entire lives, including our thoughts, actions, and desires, in obedience to God’s will.
3. The Sacrifice of Service (Philippians 2:17): Paul describes his ministry as a sacrifice, poured out on the faith of the Philippian believers. This example highlights the sacrificial nature of serving others and dedicating one’s life to advancing the Gospel and building up the body of Christ.
4. The Sacrifice of Love (Ephesians 5:2): Paul teaches that believers are to walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. This emphasizes the sacrificial nature of selfless, unconditional love, which mirrors the sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus.

Obtain mercy (1 Peter 2:10)

Once lost and wandering, now you’ve obtained mercy through the loving kindness of God, a precious gift that transforms your life and fills your heart with overwhelming gratitude and joy (1 Peter 2:10).

This mercy is not something you’ve earned or deserved, but rather a testament to the incredible grace and compassion of God towards His people.

The Apostle Peter, writing to the early Christian believers who were scattered and facing persecution, emphasizes the importance of recognizing this mercy in order to live a life that is pleasing to God and serves as a beacon of hope for others.

By understanding and embracing this mercy, you are empowered to break free from the chains that once held you captive and step into a new life filled with purpose and promise.

The historical context of this passage is critical to understanding the transformative power of God’s mercy.

As a people who were once ‘not a people’ and ‘had not obtained mercy,’ the early Christians were reminded that they had been brought into the fold of God’s chosen through the work of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:10).

This mercy was not merely a one-time event; it has lasting implications for the way we live our lives and interact with the world around us.

It is a reminder that, as recipients of God’s mercy, we are called to be a light in the darkness, offering hope and comfort to those who are similarly lost and wandering.

By embracing and living out this mercy, we become a living testimony of the power of God’s love to transform lives and set the captives free.

Examples:

1. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a son who squandered his inheritance in reckless living and found himself in a desperate state. When the son returns to his father, expecting to be treated as a hired servant, his father runs to him, embraces him, and shows him great mercy and forgiveness. This parable illustrates God’s abundant mercy and His willingness to forgive and restore those who come to Him with repentant hearts.
2. The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-19): The story of Saul’s conversion to become the apostle Paul is a powerful example of God’s mercy. Saul was a persecutor of Christians, known for his zeal against the Church. However, on the road to Damascus, he encountered the risen Christ and was transformed. Despite his past actions, God showed Saul great mercy by calling him to be an instrument for spreading the Gospel.
3. The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11): In this account, religious leaders brought a woman caught in the act of adultery to Jesus, seeking to trap Him. Jesus responded with mercy and compassion, saying, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” This incident showcases Jesus’ willingness to extend mercy, urging the woman to turn away from her sinful behavior.

Abstain from fleshly lusts (1 Peter 2:11)

As pilgrims journeying through this world, it’s vital to resist the siren call of fleshly lusts that wage war against our souls, knowing that these fleeting pleasures only serve to ensnare and distract us from our true purpose and destiny (1 Peter 2:11).

In the historical context of Peter’s letter, the early Christians faced a myriad of temptations and worldly enticements that threatened their newfound faith.

These temptations, just as they do today, were meant to lure believers away from their commitment to Christ and into a lifestyle of sin and debauchery.

1. To abstain from fleshly lusts, believers must first recognize the deceptive nature of these desires. They may appear pleasurable and satisfying, but ultimately, they are destructive to our spiritual well-being.
2. Secondly, it’s essential to cultivate a lifestyle of prayer, meditation, and immersion in God’s Word, as these spiritual disciplines provide the necessary strength and fortitude to resist temptation.
3. Lastly, maintaining a community of fellow believers for support and accountability is invaluable in the fight against fleshly lusts. By confessing our struggles and seeking the wisdom and encouragement of others, we can better withstand the onslaught of our sinful nature.

By heeding Peter’s admonition to abstain from fleshly lusts, we can pursue a life of freedom in Christ, unhindered by the chains of sin and unshackled from the weight of our past mistakes.

In doing so, we honor our calling as God’s chosen people and proclaim His goodness and mercy to a world desperately in need of hope and redemption.

Examples:

1. Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife (Genesis 39:7-12): The story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife illustrates the importance of abstaining from fleshly lusts. Joseph, a young man with integrity, resisted the advances of Potiphar’s wife, even though she repeatedly tempted him. He chose to honor God and remain faithful, exemplifying the importance of self-control and resisting temptation.
2. Fleeing Sexual Immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18): In 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul exhorts believers to flee from sexual immorality. He emphasizes the seriousness of this sin and encourages believers to exercise self-control and avoid situations that may lead to temptation. This passage underscores the need to abstain from fleshly lusts, particularly in the context of sexual immorality.
3. Putting to Death the Deeds of the Flesh (Romans 8:13): In Romans, Paul urges believers to put to death the deeds of the flesh by the power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the need to resist sinful desires and passions that arise from our fallen human nature. This verse highlights the importance of active and intentional effort in abstaining from fleshly lusts.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man (1 Peter 2:13)

Submitting to every ordinance of man, as advised in 1 Peter 2:13, might seem challenging, but it’s essential for maintaining order and honoring God’s will in your life.

This verse isn’t advocating blind obedience to every law or rule, but rather a willingness to recognize and respect the authority of those who have been placed in positions of power.

In the historical context, the early Christians were living under Roman rule, and they were often subjected to persecution and discrimination.

By submitting to the governing authorities, they were demonstrating their commitment to living peaceably and honoring God’s will, even when it meant enduring unfair treatment.

Analyzing the text, it’s clear that Peter isn’t suggesting that Christians should submit to any and every law, but rather that they should prioritize their relationship with God and recognize the role that earthly authorities play in maintaining order.

In other words, submission to the governing authorities is a means to an end – the end being a peaceful, orderly society that allows for the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the Christian community.

This isn’t an endorsement of injustice or a call to blind obedience, but a reminder that sometimes the path to true freedom can be found in submission to the greater good.

So, even if you’ve got a subconscious desire for freedom, remember that submitting to the governing authorities can be a crucial part of living as a Christian and fulfilling God’s purpose in your life.

Examples:

1. Jesus and Paying Taxes (Matthew 22:15-22): When the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus by asking about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus responded by saying, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” His response demonstrates the principle of submitting to the governmental authorities in matters such as taxes, while also acknowledging the ultimate authority of God.
2. Paul’s Teachings on Submission to Authorities (Romans 13:1-7): In Romans, the apostle Paul provides clear instructions on the importance of submitting to governing authorities. He explains that authorities are established by God and serve to maintain order and promote justice. Paul urges believers to pay taxes, respect authority, and give honor to whom honor is due.
3. Peter and the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:18-20, 5:27-29): When Peter and other apostles were ordered by the Jewish Sanhedrin to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, they respectfully but firmly responded, “We must obey God rather than men.” This account highlights the balance between submitting to human authorities and recognizing the supremacy of God’s commands when they conflict.

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood (1 Peter 2:17)

In your walk of faith, remember to honor all people and cherish the love within your Christian community, as instructed in 1 Peter 2:17.

This verse emphasizes the importance of showing respect and love to everyone, regardless of their background, beliefs, or social status. It also highlights the special bond that exists among fellow believers, often referred to as the brotherhood.

The historical context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. In the first century, Christians were often persecuted and faced great challenges in maintaining their faith and values.

By choosing to honor all people and love the brotherhood, early Christians demonstrated their commitment to Christ’s teachings and set an example of unity and love for others to follow.

Living out this principle can be a powerful testimony to the world, showing that the freedom we find in Christ does not lead to selfishness or disregard for others, but rather to a deep sense of responsibility to love and respect all people.

By honoring others, we acknowledge their inherent dignity as individuals created in the image of God, and by loving the brotherhood, we strengthen the bonds within the Christian community.

This approach can be a transformative force in a world that often seems divided by differences and conflict.

Examples:

1. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): In this parable, Jesus teaches about loving one’s neighbor. He tells the story of a man who was attacked by robbers and left for dead on the road. While a priest and a Levite pass by without helping, a Samaritan, despite the historical animosity between Jews and Samaritans, shows compassion, cares for the injured man, and provides for his needs. This parable emphasizes the importance of loving and honoring all people, regardless of social or cultural differences.
2. Jesus’ Teaching on Loving Enemies (Matthew 5:43-48): In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, and pray for those who persecute them. He emphasizes that if they only love those who love them in return, there is no distinction from unbelievers. This teaching calls for a radical and inclusive love that extends beyond the boundaries of personal preferences or affinities.
3. The Early Christian Community (Acts 2:42-47): In the early days of the Church, believers were characterized by their love and care for one another. They shared their possessions, met each other’s needs, and devoted themselves to fellowship. This example showcases the importance of love within the Christian community, honoring one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings (1 Peter 2:1)

Embracing a life free from the chains of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander is like breathing in the fresh air of God’s grace and mercy, allowing us to experience the true beauty of walking in His light.

In 1 Peter 2:1, we’re urged to lay aside these negative traits and behaviors, as they hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from fully embracing the love and grace that God so freely offers us.

By casting aside these harmful tendencies, we can begin to live a life that’s more closely aligned with the teachings of Jesus and the will of God.

As you reflect on the importance of laying aside these negative traits, consider the following benefits of doing so:

• Greater inner peace and tranquility, as you release the burden of anger and resentment
• Deeper, more meaningful relationships with others, as you approach them with honesty and sincerity
• A stronger sense of self-worth, as you recognize that you’re a beloved child of God, deserving of love and kindness
• A heightened ability to connect with the divine, as you strive to live according to His will
• The joy of witnessing the transformative power of God’s love in your life, as you experience personal growth and healing

Through critical analysis and textual interpretation, we can understand the historical context of Peter’s message, which was written during a time of persecution and suffering for early Christians.

By emphasizing the importance of laying aside these negative traits and behaviors, Peter sought to encourage his readers to stand firm in their faith, resist the temptation to retaliate or succumb to bitterness, and instead focus on the love and grace that God offers.

By doing so, they would not only find freedom from their own negative emotions but also serve as a powerful witness to the transformative power of God’s love.

Examples:

1. The Call to Love and Forgive (Ephesians 4:31-32): In Ephesians, Paul instructs believers to put away all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking, while also commanding them to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving. This passage emphasizes the importance of cultivating a heart of love, forgiveness, and compassion, while rejecting attitudes and actions that promote division and harm.
2. Jesus’ Teaching on Judging Others (Matthew 7:1-5): In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns against the hypocritical act of judging others while having unaddressed faults. He teaches the importance of self-examination and addressing one’s own shortcomings before focusing on the faults of others. This teaching encourages believers to lay aside hypocrisy and embrace humility and self-reflection.
3. The Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23): In Galatians, Paul presents a contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruits of the Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities counteract malice, deceit, envy, and slanderous speech, promoting positive and edifying attitudes and behaviors.

Not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness (1 Peter 2:16)

As you strive to live a Christ-centered life, it’s crucial not to misuse your newfound freedom as a cover for evil deeds or malicious intentions (1 Peter 2:16).

In the historical context of Peter’s time, Christians were often persecuted and marginalized, so they had to be extra careful not to give their detractors any reason to accuse them of wrongdoing.

In a sense, Peter was urging his readers to not only be righteous in their actions, but also to be above reproach.

Today, we can apply this same principle by remembering that our freedom in Christ should never be used as an excuse to engage in harmful behavior or to willfully hurt others.

In the broader context of 1 Peter chapter 2, Peter is emphasizing the importance of living as ‘a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). This high calling demands that we conduct ourselves with integrity and in a manner that reflects our status as children of God.

By not using our liberty as a cloak for maliciousness, we demonstrate to others the transformative power of the Gospel.

Our actions serve as a testimony to the world, showing that it is possible to live a life marked by love, compassion, and righteousness, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.

In this way, we can help others recognize their own subconscious desire for freedom and ultimately point them toward the ultimate source of true freedom – Jesus Christ.

Examples:

1. The Exhortation to Love and Serve Others (Galatians 5:13): In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul reminds believers that they have been called to freedom. However, he cautions them not to use their freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but rather to serve one another in love. This passage emphasizes the responsibility to use our freedom to serve and benefit others rather than engaging in self-serving and harmful actions.
2. Jesus’ Teaching on the Greatest Commandments (Matthew 22:37-40): When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, He responded by saying, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” These teachings remind believers that our freedom in Christ should be accompanied by a selfless love for God and others, avoiding any malicious intent.
3. The Warning Against Using Freedom as an Excuse (Galatians 5:1): In the same letter to the Galatians, Paul warns believers not to submit again to a yoke of slavery. He encourages them to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given them and not to use it as an excuse to indulge in sinful behavior. This warning highlights the need to be vigilant and responsible in our exercise of freedom, avoiding any malicious actions that contradict the teachings of Christ.

Conclusion

As you journey through life, remember to crave the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word and build yourself up as a spiritual house.

Offer up spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing to God through Jesus Christ, and don’t forget to abstain from fleshly lusts and submit to authority.

Did you know that over 90% of people express a desire for spiritual growth? In a world filled with malice and hypocrisy, stand out by honoring all people and loving your brethren.

Embrace your spiritual journey and make a positive impact on those around you by not using your freedom for malicious purposes. Also see: 1 Peter Chapter 3 KJV – Dos and Don’ts