1 Peter 2:11-25
The first thing we must understand is that we are pilgrims and strangers in this world. We do not belong here in mind and soul, though we are here in body. As pilgrims and strangers, we are to abstain from fleshly lusts. Lusts are those things that stimulate our bodies to satisfy the flesh. From this we are to abstain. The body may want to do one thing, but God may want us to do another.
We are to have a good conversation (way of life) in the world so that people in the world may see our good works and glorify God in the day of visitation (examination).
We, though we live above the world, are by the same token to submit ourselves to the laws of the land, because God has put the magistrates in their positions for our peace and safety.
We are to live as free people, because we have been made free from sin by our Savior, Jesus Christ. But we are not to take that liberty too far and use it as a "cloak of maliciousness," but we are to use that liberty to serve God.
We are to honor all men as they are due that honor, love the brotherhood (saved people), and honor the king. As servants we are to be obedient to our masters (perhaps employers)no matter what kind of master he might be.
If we suffer wrong for doing the right thing, we are to endure that suffering. We should never be guilty of wrong. In this we shall be accepted of God. Christ left us an example that we should suffer even as he has suffered. He did not sin, but he suffered nonetheless; but he committed himself to God, who judges righteously.
This section closes with the supreme example of suffering: that Jesus carried our sins up on the tree so that we, being dead to sin, may live unto righteousness. By his stripes (suffering) we are healed. We have returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. Therefore, we have a supreme Master who is above the world, and we can live above the world with his leadership.
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