Day 1

Understand their story

Read 1 Peter 2:11-17, and then focus on 2:11-12. 

  • What does Peter remind the recipients about their identity in 2:11?  What does he call them?
  • What is the command (imperative) in verse 11?  What reason does Peter give for why his recipients should obey this command?
  • What is the command (imperative) in verse 12? What reason does Peter give for why his recipients should obey this command?
  • Which of Peter’s commands or reasons convict or challenge you the most today? Why?

Peter reminds us that the Christian life is not about instant gratification. Followers of Jesus should view daily decisions in light of eternity. If we give in to passions today, our souls are at risk. If we live honourably, people will glorify God when Jesus returns.  Christians are sojourners and exiles, he says. The earth is not your home! 

Pray today in confession.  Are you living for today (instant gratification) or for the future?

Day 2

Understand their story

Read 1 Peter 2:11-17 and then focus on 2:13-17.

  • What is the primary command (imperative) in this section? How does the section begin?
  • Who should the recipients of the letter be subject to? What is the role of these people?
  • What is the will of God according to Peter?
    • Reflect: Have you ever silenced foolish people by doing good deeds?

Pray today in supplication, asking God to help you do good deeds as you live under the authority of human institutions (at civil, provincial and federal levels, workplace or school institutions etc).

Day 3

Connect to His story

Read 1 Peter 2:11-17 and then focus on the first two verses again. 

  • Now, read Hebrews 11:13-16. 
    • What attitude marks those who walk in faith? What are they seeking?
  • How are they rewarded?  What identity do they embrace? 
  • What parallels do you see between Hebrews 11:13-16 and 1 Peter 2:11-12?
  • Read Galatians 5:16-24.  
    • What are the “passions of the flesh”, according to Galatians 5:16-21? 
    • What are people supposed to do with the “passions of the flesh” according to Galatians 5:24?
      • With this teaching in mind, re-read 1 Peter 2:11.  Which of the “passions of the flesh” listed above is most likely to wage war against your soul? How can you crucify it?
    • According to Galatians 5:22-23, who empowers Christians to “live honourably”? (1 Peter 2:12)

Pray today in adoration!  Praise God that he has prepared a city for those who walk in faith, and that the Holy Spirit produces fruit in us so that we can live honourable lives!

Day 4

Connect to His story

Read 1 Peter 2:11-17 and then focus on the first 2:13-17 again. 

  • Now, read Romans 13:1-7. 
    • What rationale does Paul give for why Christians should be subject to governing authorities?
    • What does it look like to be subject to governing authorities, according to verse 7?
      • Which of these practical applications convicts or challenges today?
  • Read Titus 3:1-8.  In this passage, Paul uses gospel truth to motivate people towards obedience and good deeds. 
    • Why should they obey the authorities and show courtesy to all people? (WHO were they? WHAT happened? WHY did God save them? HOW did he save them? WHO are they now?) 

Pray today in adoration! If you are a Christian, you were once foolish, but you’ve been saved by the goodness and loving kindness of God, not because of your works, but because of his great mercy. You’ve been saved through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit and are now heirs of eternal life!

Day 5

Apply to our story

Read 1 Peter 2:11-17 and then focus on verses 16-17, prayerfully reflecting on the following questions:

  • How could you, today, honour everyone (all people regardless of faith, nationality, status etc)?
  • How could you, today, love the brotherhood (other Christians)?
  • How could you, today, fear God?
  • How could you, today, honour the emperor (government officials in authority over you)?

Pray today in supplication, asking the Holy Spirit to teach you to “live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as [a servant] of God” (1 Peter 2:16).