Welcome to the reading of the First Epistle of Peter , Chapter 2 , with In the Field Audio Bible . My name is Christie , your host for this episode . In this chapter , Peter acknowledges that pilgrims , or Christians , are to distance themselves from fleshly lusts , earthly wants or tangible items that may cause one to sin .
As the pilgrim pulls away from these sinful ways , he must also conduct himself lovingly . This way , he presents himself before believers and unbelievers , representing how Christ would submit himself before others . There are two types of submissions .
First , obedience to authority must be followed , according to the Bible , unless this authority turns to immoral or bad behaviors . Therefore , we must submit to one's master but not suffer due to another's wrongdoing . Second , we must submit to the government as loyal subjects to authority , not ungodly behavior .
Peter reminds us to keep in the front of our minds the question of where our daily walk is heading and whether we are in stride or step with Jesus . Remember the bracelets we used to wear with WWJD . What would Jesus do ? Now you know where it is in the scriptures . So let us review .
As pilgrims , we must pull away from sinful acts while conducting ourselves in a way that Jesus would expect . There are two types of submission . First , we are to submit to one's master and second to submit to the government .
Even though we try to be faithful to an enduring , loving God , we must still know the difference between right and wrong , keeping ourselves closer to Him . I hope you are in your quiet place with your favorite coffee or tea while enjoying this reading of the First Epistle of Peter , Chapter 2 . The First Epistle of Peter , Chapter 2 .
So get rid of every kind of evil and stop telling lies . Don't pretend to be something you are not . Stop wanting what others have and don't speak against one another . Like newborn babies , you should long for the pure milk of God's word . It will help you grow up as believers . You can do this now that you have tasted how good the Lord is .
Christ is the living stone . People did not accept him , but God chose him . God places the highest value on him . You are also like living stones . As you come to Christ , you are being built into a house for worship . There you will be holy priests . You will offer spiritual sacrifices . God will accept them because of what Jesus Christ has done .
In scripture it says this stone is very valuable . It is the most important stone in the building . The one who trusts in him will never be put to shame .
This stone is very valuable to you who believe , but to people who do not believe , the stone the builders did not accept has become the most important stone of all , and it is a stone that causes people to trip . It is a rock that makes them fall . They trip and fall because they do not obey the message .
That is also what God planned for them , but God chose you to be his people . You are a royal priest , you are a holy nation . You are God's special treasure . You are all these things so that you can give him praise . God brought you out of darkness into his wonderful light . Once you were not a people , but now you are the people of God .
Once you had not received mercy , but now you have received mercy . Dear friends , you are outsiders and those who wonder in this world . So I'm asking you not to give in to your sinful desires . They fight against your soul . People who don't believe might say you are doing wrong . But lead good lives among them .
Then they will see your good deeds and they will give glory to God on the day he comes to judge . Follow the lead of every human authority . Do this for the Lord's sake . Obey the emperor . He is the highest authority . Obey the governors . The emperor sends them to punish those who do wrong . He also sends them to praise those who do right .
By doing good , you will put a stop to the talk of foolish people . They don't know what they are saying . Live as free people , but don't use your freedom to cover up evil . Live as people who are God's slaves . Show proper respect to everyone . Love the family of believers . Have respect for God . Honor the emperor Slaves .
Obey your masters out of deep respect for God . Obey not only those who are good and kind , obey also those who are not kind . Suppose a person suffers pain unfairly because they want to obey God . This is worthy of praise . But suppose you receive a beating for doing wrong and you put up with it . Will anyone honor you for this ? Of course not .
But suppose you suffer for doing good and you put up with it . God will praise you for this . You were chosen to do good , even if you suffer . That's because Christ suffered for you . He left you an example that he expects you to follow . Scripture says he didn't commit any sin . No lies ever came out of his mouth .
People shouted at him and made fun of him , but he didn't do the same thing back to them . When he suffered , he didn't say he would make them suffer . Instead , he trusted in the God , who judges fairly . He himself carried our sins in his body on the cross . He did it so that we would die as far as sins are concerned . Then we would lead godly lives .
His wounds have healed you . You are like sheep wandering away , but now you have returned to the shepherd . He is the one who watches over your souls . Thank you .