OHBC Bible Study: 1 Peter 2:11-25

In this second major of 1 Peter—the longest of the three—Peter exhorts his readers to continue to live for Christ despite living as strangers in a strange land (1 Pet 2:13—4:11). He urges his readers to submit to various secular authorities (2:13—3:7), to be humble in spirit (3:8-22), to be armed like soldiers stationed in foreign territory (4:1-6), and to glorify God in light of the imminent return of Christ. These principles are key to a victorious Christian life in a hostile world.

Bible Study Outline:

I. Christian Conduct as Witnesses (1 Peter 2:11-12)

A. Reason One: You Are Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth (v. 11).
B. Reason Two: Abstaining From the War Within (v. 11).
C. Reason Three: Maintain An Effective Testimony Before Unbelievers (v. 12).

II. Christian Conduct as Citizens (1 Peter 2:13-17)

A. Christians are responsible to obey the law (cf. Rom 13:1-7; Titus 3:1-2). Peter exhorted his readers to abide by governmental laws and submit to every authority instituted among men.

B. The motivation for obedience is not avoiding punishment but is for the Lord’s sake. To honor God, who ordained human government. Christians are to observe man-made laws if those laws do not conflict with the clear teaching of Scripture (cf. Acts 4:19).

C. Submission to lawful authority does not negate Christian liberty (cf. Gal 5:1, 18). Christian freedom is always conditioned by Christian responsibility (cf. Gal 5:13) and must never be used as a cover-up for evil.

D. This passage of Scripture concludes with a four-point summary of Christian citizenship.
1. Christians are to respect everyone.
2. Christians are to love the brotherhood of believers.
3. Christians are to fear God.
4. Christians are to honor authority.

III. Christian Conduct as Servants (1 Peter 2:18-25)

A. Peter clarified the nature of the church and, in doing so, explained the duty of Christians in the world, particularly suffering Christians.

B. The Greek word for “thanksworthy” and “acceptable” in verses 19-20 (KJV) is actually the same one used for “grace.” What grace is shown if we endure suffering for our faults? In contrast, it takes real grace to endure when you do good but are mistreated (see Luke 6:32-26).

C. The Greek word for “thanksworthy” and “acceptable” in verses 19-20 (KJV) is actually the same one used for “grace.” What grace is shown if we endure suffering for our faults? In contrast, it takes real grace to endure when you do good but are mistreated (see Luke 6:32-26).

D. Again, Peter takes believers to the cross (1 Pet 2:24-25), reminding us that Christ died for us and that we died with Him (Rom 6). Our identification with Christ in death (1 Pet 2:24) and resurrection (1:3) makes it possible for us to live a holy and righteous life. The word “bishop” (v. 25) means “overseer”; Christ saves us, then watches over us to guard us from evil.

Conclusion:

Peter has filled this chapter with meaningful images for the believer in principle and practice. We should hunger for the Word of God. As children of God, we are stones in the temple, priests at the altar, a chosen generation, a redeemed people, a holy nation, strangers and pilgrims in a foreign land, disciples called to follow Christ’s example faithfully, and sheep cared for by a Good Shepherd. Even amid suffering and persecution, the believer must continue to show Christ’s glory as the salt of the earth and the light of the world.