Recap

In 1 Peter 2:9-10, we looked at the multi-layered blessings that come with being called God’s people. We talked about the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvellous light.

1 Peter 2:11

Dear friends

Literally beloved ones

• When we are dealing with a call to obedience, what difference does it make that God calls us beloved ones?

as foreigners and exiles

• The Holy Spirit (through Peter) is reminding us here of our true identity as well as our true destiny
• We do not belong to this age although we live in it.
• We are the people who will inherit a restored earth (with full access to heaven’s blessings) in the age to come.

I urge you … to abstain

The root word apexo can have the following meanings

• to hold back, keep off, to be away, be distant.
• to have one thing by separating from (letting go of) another.

When we abstain or keep away from evil, we don’t lose something. We gain something.

• What do we gain by abstaining from sinful desires or choosing not to indulge in destructive feelings?

from sinful desires

• ESV the passions of the flesh
• the Greek refers to strong feelings or desires.
• The word can be used of desire for good or bad things.  Desire is not bad in itself. Paul says we are to earnestly desire the spiritual gifts 1 Corinthians 14.1
• In this context Peter is clearly speaking of evil desires.
• Galatians 5:19-23

which wage war against your soul

• How do sinful desires (or the passions of the flesh) wage war against our souls?
• According to Galatians 5:16,22-23, how do we win this battle?

For further reference

Teaching on spirit, soul, body and how we govern our soulish nature.