“Called” – Bible Study in 1 Peter
Part 2: “Growing Up into Salvation”
1 Peter 1:13-2:3
Rules without any relationship- not grasping God’s love for us- leads to faithless legalism and cold-
hearted religion. But the truth is that God is the only one in the universe who should have ultimate authority
in our lives. Therefore, we must obey by faith, trusting that God’s way is the best way to live.
In today’s study, Peter gives several commands to the first-century church in Asia Minor he was writing.
He already explained the wonderful salvation God has given to his people (see 1 Peter 1:1-12). Now Peter
gives specific instructions to help them grow and mature in their salvation in Jesus Christ. He exhorted them
to obey Jesus Christ by faith in their inner lives and how they interacted with their fellow spiritual family.
[Background & Notes]
Context: 1 Peter 1:1-2 was an introduction to the letter, presenting the architect of the plan of
salvation, the Triune God. Peter the apostle introduced himself and addressed the “elect exiles” in Asia
Minor. In 1:3-12, Peter taught the church to cherish this salvation in Christ and to focus their faith in
him. They could cherish the secure inheritance, refining fires, good fruit, and full revelation of their
salvation.
You shall be holy, for I am holy (16): This is stated many times in the Torah (the first five books in the
Bible). Peter quoted Leviticus 11:44 specifically here.
… conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile (17): This “fear” is a healthy reverence
and awe of God. “Exile” is Peter’s allusion to the Babylonian exile of Israel in the Old Testament. He
referred to the first-century believers within the Roman Empire as “exiles” or “resident aliens” while
they were citizens of God’s Kingdom.
All flesh is like grass all its glory like the flower of grass (24): Peter quoted Isaiah 40:6-8, which was in
the context of a prophetic message of comfort for God’s people, that God in his greatness would
deliver them.
1 Peter 1:13-2:3 (ESV) Notes
1:13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and 1. [Observation] In verses 1:13-21, Peter said that
the full revelation of Jesus as the Christ affects a
being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace person’s inner life. What did Peter specifically
command the church to do regarding this in
that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus these verses? What did Peter teach about Jesus
Christ?
Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to
the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who
called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16
since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17
And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially
according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with
fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that
you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from
your forefathers, not with perishable things such as
silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ,
like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was
foreknown before the foundation of the world but was
made manifest in the last times for the sake of you
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“Called” – Bible Study in 1 Peter
Part 2: “Growing Up into Salvation”
1 Peter 1:13-2:3
1 Peter 1:13-2:3 (ESV) Notes
21 who through him are believers in God, who raised 2. [Observation] In verses 1:22-2:3, Peter said
that the life-giving Word of God affects how
him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith believers interact together as church. What did
Peter specifically command the church to do
and hope are in God. 22 Having purified your souls by regarding this in these verses? What did Peter
teach about the Word of God?
your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love,
love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since
you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of
imperishable, through the living and abiding word of
God; 24 for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the
flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,
25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this
word is the good news that was preached to you. 2:1 So
put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and
envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the
pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into
salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is
good.
3. [Interpretation] In other words, how are the truths about Jesus Christ and the Word of God the “why’s”
and “how’s” of the various commands Peter gave to the church?
4. [Application] How do I need to respond to the text (in a personal, tangible, and immediate way)? How
can others help me to follow through? Who else can I share what I learned with?
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