Master’s Prayer Network

A — Lay Aside Malice and Desire the Sincere Milk of the Word

Comments: The list provided in verse one by Peter is a stark reminder of inherent things we must lay aside from within our natural man, so we can concentrate on the spiritual growth that is only available through the nourishing milk of the word of God. And the Greek word translated as “desire” for that milk, carries the idea to strongly desire, or to longingly yearn after something, not to be passive or only half-hearted. Malice is an ill will toward another, or a desire to cause hurt or injury; and guile would be to use deceitful or crafty means. Hypocrisy is being insincere, or only pretending to have certain feelings or beliefs. Envy is being jealous of another, and backbiting (evil speaking) is spreading disparaging or damaging remarks to others about someone else. Since you have experienced the graciousness of the Lord in your life as a believer, you should always earnestly and sincerely strive to follow a pure standard of behavior and decorum commensurate with the benefit you derive from the grace of God. Mark 12 “30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

B — Living Stones Built into a Spiritual House

Comments: Christ came into the world as a living foundation block for his church, and he was rejected by men as if he was of no value. But he was chosen (preferred above all others) by God the Father and was indeed the most precious of all building stones because he is the cornerstone of a spiritual building, constructed by God and not by man. Christians are also living (living and lively from this passage are the same word in the Greek) stones that are built up by God to be part of the spiritual house (or home) of God. And the living stones in this home are to function as priests, not just to exist as immobile and unfeeling bricks. They should be offering up sacrifices of service and praise to the Lord, certainly in a lively manner, with all heart, mind, soul, and strength. This will be well received by God by the means of, and on account of, Christ Jesus.

C — The Stone Which the Builders Rejected

Comments: Peter did not originate this thought, but combines words spoken by the prophet, Isaiah 28:16 “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste,” and from Psalms 118:22 “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” Jesus had quoted from Psalms 118 as recorded in the gospel accounts. Peter had spoken of this stone to the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem (the builders) that they had rejected, and concluded that salvation comes from no other source. Acts 4 “12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Peter exhorts us to accept by faith Christ as the only cornerstone on which we can build our spiritual lives in obedience to his word. And if Christ is not the cornerstone, he will certainly be a stumbling stone and a rock of offense.

D — A Chosen Generation, a Royal Priesthood

Comments: God’s chosen people were called out of their spiritual darkness and into the light of a royal priesthood, by mercy alone so all praise must go only to God. The apostle Paul agrees with Peter and makes reference to the prophet Hosea about a people (including gentiles) becoming the children of the living God. Romans 9 “25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. 26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.”

E — Strangers and Pilgrims with Honest Conduct

Comments: Peter appeals to the saints as travelers, sojourners, pilgrims who are not true residents of any physical location, to abstain from the lusts of the old nature that can easily draw them away from the pure desires that should characterize redeemed saints. Peter says the fleshly desires “war” against our very souls! Saints should have their attitudes and conduct honestly displayed before the non-believers, even as those people speak evil words against the saints. As the non-believers see the good works done through Christ, this will bring glory to him in the day he returns, as he brings all matters to their proper conclusion.

F — Submit to Every Ordinance for the Lord’s Sake

Comments: These verses direct believers to be subject to all sorts of regulations or laws, and all manner or types of people in authority, because regulations and those in authority are fulfilling a purpose that is necessary for order among men. This does not require absolute submission if that would be contrary to obeying God, for Peter had said in Acts 5:29 “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Well doing in this matter of submission to authority can silence the lack of knowledge of foolish people who do not follow Christ: this action by saints does not sacrifice the freedom in Christ, but rather demonstrates a characteristic of one who is truly a fully-trusting servant of the living God. We also must be very cautious not to use our freedom in Christ for our own purposes. Honor all men, not just those in high positions. Love those who are part of the brotherhood of Christ. Fear God, and honor the king, because God is king of kings and he sets up and removes those of his choosing.

G — Servants Following the Example of Christ

Comments: When you are a servant, it is necessary to serve even those who are not good and gentle, if you can endure their mistreatment because you want to serve your true master who is the good and gentle Christ. Accepting deserved punishment patiently does not bring special honor, but enduring unjust punishment patiently can be possible through the grace of God, and will not go unnoticed. Christ is the consummate example of patient suffering for us, as he suffered unjust punishment when he had no sin, and used no cunning deceit. Even when he was harshly insulted he did not retort to his attackers. And as he suffered he made no threats (he could have called legions of angels) against his adversaries, but he fully committed himself to the one who judges righteously. Matthew 26 “52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?”

H — By Whose Stripes Ye Were Healed

Comments: Jesus bore our sins (he had none of his own) in his body (the body prepared for that purpose) on the tree (cursed is anyone who hangs on a tree), and because of his action in our behalf we do not have sin remaining for our condemnation (we are dead to sin) so we should live (alive to Christ) in the righteous way he had lived because by his wounds we were healed. All of this is a contrast in opposites that Jesus performed for us, and it demonstrates the great love our God has for his redeemed people! 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Galatians 3 “13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.” Isaiah 53 “5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Like sheep that are easily led around, we were going astray as we followed after false shepherds and after our own lusts, to the peril of our souls. But Jesus became our shepherd and overseer, keeping watch over our souls, that which none other can do. Revelation 20:10 comforts us with the truth that the victory over death wrought by Christ on the cross assures final and permanent elimination of Satan, the ultimate enemy of our souls.