As we journey through 1 Peter, we’re reminded of our special calling as God’s chosen people. In chapter one, Peter established that we are the elect of God with a salvation being guarded for us. Now in chapter two, he builds on the command to “Be holy, for I am holy” by giving us practical steps for spiritual growth.
What Must I Put Away to Grow Spiritually?
Peter begins chapter two with a clear command: “Put away malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.” This isn’t a suggestion—it’s an imperative in the original Greek, a direct commandment from God.
Let’s understand what we’re called to remove:
- Malice: An active will to cause pain or harm to others
- Deceit: Like a fisherman who hooks with attractive bait, this is manipulation
- Hypocrisy: Being fake or wearing a mask, pretending to be something you’re not
- Envy: Always wanting what others have, never being satisfied
- Slander: Speaking about others without knowing if what you’re saying is true
When you become a child of God, you have an active role to play. God doesn’t turn you into a robot—you must make conscious decisions to put away these negative traits. While you can pray for God’s help, the responsibility to change remains yours.
How Do I Replace What I’ve Put Away?
After removing these negative traits, Peter tells us what to pursue instead:
“Like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.”
When babies want milk, they cry until they get it. They desire it intensely. This is how we should approach God’s Word. Do you have this kind of hunger for Scripture? For worship? For fellowship?
The progression is clear:
- Stop doing the harmful things
- Start desiring what nourishes your spirit
- Grow through consistent spiritual feeding
Why Is Experiencing God Essential for Growth?
Peter continues: “If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
Experience with God is crucial for spiritual growth. It’s not enough to hear about God from others—you need personal encounters with Him. This means:
- Getting off the bench and into the game
- Serving others even when it’s uncomfortable
- Visiting the sick
- Helping those in need
- Being present with those who are suffering
You can’t grow if you’re just a spectator. Like a wrestler who practices but never competes, you’ll miss the transformative power of putting your faith into action.
What Does It Mean to Be Living Stones?
Peter uses a powerful metaphor, describing Jesus as “a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious.” He then extends this metaphor to us:
“You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood.”
This teaches us several important truths:
- Jesus is our foundation – He’s the cornerstone that everything else aligns with
- We are shaped by God – Like stones chiseled to fit perfectly in a wall
- We function together – Individual stones forming one structure
- We have priestly duties – Offering spiritual sacrifices and serving others
The church isn’t just a building or organization—it’s living stones joined together, with each one shaped differently but fitting perfectly in God’s design.
What Is Our Identity and Purpose?
Peter reminds us of our true identity:
“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession.”
This isn’t meant to scare us but to remind us of our responsibility. We belong to God’s kingdom—a kingdom with a King, not a democracy. We serve at His pleasure and according to His commands.
Our purpose flows from this identity:
“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that… they may see your good deeds and glorify God.”
We exist to bring glory to God through our conduct. We’re called to punch holes in darkness by the way we live our lives.
Why Is the Church Essential for Growth?
Some believe they can grow spiritually without the church, but Peter’s metaphor of living stones proves otherwise. The church is:
- God’s chosen instrument for making a difference in the world
- The place where living stones join together in unstoppable force
- The community where we help each other with our problems
- The family where we learn to love sincerely
One hour a week isn’t enough for spiritual nourishment. Just as you wouldn’t survive on one meal a day, you need regular, consistent time with God and His people.
Life Application
This week, take these practical steps toward spiritual growth:
- Identify and remove: What negative traits from Peter’s list (malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander) do you need to put away? Choose one to actively work on this week.
- Develop spiritual hunger: Set aside specific times to feed on God’s Word. Don’t just read—hunger for it like a newborn desires milk.
- Experience God through service: Find one way to serve someone this week that takes you out of your comfort zone.
- Connect with other “living stones”: Reach out to another believer for encouragement, prayer, or fellowship outside of regular church services.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Am I actively putting away my old self, or am I making excuses for harmful behaviors?
- Do I truly hunger for God’s Word, or do I approach it as a duty?
- How am I experiencing God through serving others?
- Am I functioning as a living stone in God’s house, or am I trying to stand alone?
Remember, spiritual growth isn’t optional—it’s commanded. But the journey of becoming who God created you to be brings joy, purpose, and the satisfaction of tasting that the Lord is good.
