Imagine being a Christian in the first century, surrounded by a culture that doesn’t understand your faith, and in some cases, outright opposes it. That’s exactly what Peter’s audience was facing. The early church was scattered throughout different regions, living as outsiders in a world that didn’t share their beliefs. Many were experiencing persecution, rejection, and hardship simply because they followed Jesus.  

Peter writes this letter to encourage them—and us today—to stand firm in faith, to grow spiritually, and to live in a way that reflects Christ. In this passage, he reminds us that we are God’s chosen people, called to be different, and to live lives that make others curious about the hope we have in Jesus. 

Peter starts by telling us to get rid of things that hold us back—malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. It’s like cleaning out a closet full of old clothes that no longer fit. These attitudes and behaviors don’t belong in a life that’s been transformed by Jesus.  

Instead, he tells us to crave pure spiritual milk—God’s Word—like newborn babies crave milk. Think about a baby’s single-minded focus when they’re hungry! That’s how we should long for spiritual nourishment.  Peter reminds us that if we’ve tasted that the Lord is good, we should naturally want more of Him.

Let’s talk about it:
- Why do you think Peter specifically lists these five sins? How do they affect our spiritual growth?
- What does it mean to “crave pure spiritual milk”? How can we develop a stronger hunger for God’s Word?
- Peter says, “Now that you have tasted that the Lord is good” (v. 3). Can you share a time when you experienced God’s goodness? How did it impact your faith?

Peter describes Jesus as a living stone—chosen by God but rejected by people. He’s the foundation of our faith, the one on whom everything is built. And just like a stone structure is made up of many individual bricks, we, as believers, are living stones being built together into a spiritual house.

This means Christianity isn’t meant to be a solo journey. We’re part of something bigger than ourselves—the Church. We’re called to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices (our lives, our worship, our service) to God.

But not everyone sees Jesus the same way. For some, He is the foundation of their faith. For others, He is a stumbling block—someone they reject because He challenges their way of life.

Let’s talk about it:
- What does it mean that Jesus is a “living stone” (v. 4)?
- How are we, as believers, like “living stones” (v. 5)? What does that say about our role in the Church?
- Why do some people reject Jesus, while others build their lives on Him?

Peter doesn’t hold back here—he tells us exactly who we are in Christ:
- A chosen people – God specifically picked us to be His own.
- A royal priesthood – We have direct access to God, just like priests in the Old Testament.
- A holy nation – We are set apart from the world, called to live differently.
- God’s special possession – We belong to Him, and He delights in us!

But this identity isn’t just for our own benefit. We are called to declare God’s praises—to tell others about the amazing transformation He has worked in our lives.

Let’s talk about it:
- What does each of these descriptions in verse 9 tell us about our identity in Christ?
- How does knowing that we are chosen by God change the way we see ourselves?
- What are some practical ways we can declare God’s praises in our daily lives?

Peter reminds us that as believers, we’re foreigners and exiles in this world. This doesn’t mean we don’t belong here physically, but rather that our ultimate home is in heaven, and our values should reflect that.

Because of this, we’re called to abstain from sinful desires—not just because they’re “bad”, but because they actually wage war against our souls. Think about the struggles you face daily—how do they impact your spiritual growth?

Peter also emphasizes the importance of how we live in front of others. When unbelievers see our good deeds, they may be drawn to God. Even if they misunderstand or criticize our faith now, our actions can plant seeds that lead them to Jesus in the future. What are some ways our daily lives can serve as a testimony to others?

Let’s talk about it:
- Why does Peter call believers “foreigners and exiles” in this world? How does this perspective change the way we live?
- How can we practically resist the sinful desires that “wage war against our souls”?
- Peter says that unbelievers may see our good deeds and glorify God. Can you think of a time when someone was drawn to God because of the way a you lived as a Christian?

Personal challenge:
- Are there any attitudes or habits you need to “put away” to grow spiritually?
- How can you cultivate a deeper hunger for God’s Word this week?
- In what ways are you living out your identity as God’s chosen people?
- How can your actions shine the light of Christ in your workplace, school, or community?