1 Peter 2:11-17 reads:
"Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."
In this passage, Peter addresses the believers as foreigners and exiles, reminding them that their true home is in heaven and they are merely passing through this world. As such, they are called to live differently from the world around them, abstaining from sinful desires that wage war against their souls. This is a reminder that as Christians, we are called to live holy and set apart lives, reflecting the character of God in all that we do.
Peter goes on to exhort the believers to live such good lives among the pagans that even when they are accused of wrongdoing, their good deeds will speak for themselves and bring glory to God. This is a powerful reminder that our actions speak louder than words, and as Christians, we are called to be a light in the darkness, shining the love and truth of Christ to those around us.
Furthermore, Peter instructs the believers to submit to human authorities, recognizing that all authority ultimately comes from God. This is a challenging command, especially in a world where authority can often be corrupt or unjust. However, as Christians, we are called to trust in God's sovereignty and obey those in authority over us, knowing that ultimately we are accountable to God alone.
Peter concludes by reminding the believers to live as free people, but not to use their freedom as a cover-up for evil. Instead, they are called to live as God's slaves, showing proper respect to everyone, loving their fellow believers, fearing God, and honoring the emperor. This is a powerful reminder that true freedom is found in surrendering our lives to God and living in obedience to His will.
In conclusion, 1 Peter 2:11-17 is a powerful exhortation for believers to live holy and set apart lives, shining the light of Christ in a dark and broken world. May we heed Peter's words and strive to live in a way that brings glory to God in all that we do.