Building a Temple of Faith and Obedience

What does it mean to live as pilgrims in a world filled with earthly temptations? Join Christie as we explore this profound question through the teachings of the First Epistle of Peter, Chapter 2, with In the Field Audio Bible. This episode promises to guide you through the spiritual journey of distancing oneself from earthly desires and embracing a life of love and submission, mirroring the actions of Christ. We reflect on the challenge of obeying authority while remaining true to moral integrity and discuss the significance of being a royal priesthood and holy nation called to shine God's light.

Experience a vivid depiction of Christ as the living stone, chosen by God despite human rejection, and discover how we, too, are like living stones, constructing a temple of worship. As outsiders navigating a complex world, we're encouraged to resist sinful desires and demonstrate God's glory through our conduct. Join this heartfelt reflection on obedience, respect, and living as faithful servants of God, and be inspired to align your daily walk with the teachings of Jesus, considering the eternal question of "What would Jesus do?"

Thank you for joining us in this episode of In the Field Audio Bible, where we explore the richness of God’s Word, one chapter at a time. We hope today’s reading brought insight, comfort, or inspiration to your journey of faith.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and questions! Feel free to send us a text to let us know how In the Field Audio Bible is impacting your faith journey. Until next time, may God’s Word guide and bless you.

Transcript

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Welcome to the reading of the First Epistle of Peter, Chapter 2, with In the Field Audio Bible.

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My name is Christie, your host for this episode.

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In this chapter, Peter acknowledges that pilgrims, or Christians, are to distance themselves from fleshly lusts, earthly wants or tangible items that may cause one to sin.

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As the pilgrim pulls away from these sinful ways, he must also conduct himself lovingly.

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This way, he presents himself before believers and unbelievers, representing how Christ would submit himself before others.

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There are two types of submissions.

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First, obedience to authority must be followed, according to the Bible, unless this authority turns to immoral or bad behaviors.

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Therefore, we must submit to one's master but not suffer due to another's wrongdoing.

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Second, we must submit to the government as loyal subjects to authority, not ungodly behavior.

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Peter reminds us to keep in the front of our minds the question of where our daily walk is heading and whether we are in stride or step with Jesus.

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Remember the bracelets we used to wear with WWJD.

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What would Jesus do?

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Now you know where it is in the scriptures.

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So let us review.

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As pilgrims, we must pull away from sinful acts while conducting ourselves in a way that Jesus would expect.

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There are two types of submission.

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First, we are to submit to one's master and second to submit to the government.

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Even though we try to be faithful to an enduring, loving God, we must still know the difference between right and wrong, keeping ourselves closer to Him.

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I hope you are in your quiet place with your favorite coffee or tea while enjoying this reading of the First Epistle of Peter, Chapter 2.

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The First Epistle of Peter, Chapter 2.

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So get rid of every kind of evil and stop telling lies.

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Don't pretend to be something you are not.

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Stop wanting what others have and don't speak against one another.

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Like newborn babies, you should long for the pure milk of God's word.

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It will help you grow up as believers.

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You can do this now that you have tasted how good the Lord is.

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Christ is the living stone.

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People did not accept him, but God chose him.

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God places the highest value on him.

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You are also like living stones.

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As you come to Christ, you are being built into a house for worship.

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There you will be holy priests.

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You will offer spiritual sacrifices.

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God will accept them because of what Jesus Christ has done.

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In scripture it says this stone is very valuable.

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It is the most important stone in the building.

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The one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.

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This stone is very valuable to you who believe, but to people who do not believe, the stone the builders did not accept has become the most important stone of all, and it is a stone that causes people to trip.

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It is a rock that makes them fall.

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They trip and fall because they do not obey the message.

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That is also what God planned for them, but God chose you to be his people.

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You are a royal priest, you are a holy nation.

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You are God's special treasure.

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You are all these things so that you can give him praise.

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God brought you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

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Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God.

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Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

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Dear friends, you are outsiders and those who wonder in this world.

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So I'm asking you not to give in to your sinful desires.

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They fight against your soul.

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People who don't believe might say you are doing wrong.

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But lead good lives among them.

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Then they will see your good deeds and they will give glory to God on the day he comes to judge.

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Follow the lead of every human authority.

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Do this for the Lord's sake.

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Obey the emperor.

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He is the highest authority.

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Obey the governors.

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The emperor sends them to punish those who do wrong.

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He also sends them to praise those who do right.

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By doing good, you will put a stop to the talk of foolish people.

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They don't know what they are saying.

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Live as free people, but don't use your freedom to cover up evil.

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Live as people who are God's slaves.

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Show proper respect to everyone.

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Love the family of believers.

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Have respect for God.

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Honor the emperor Slaves.

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Obey your masters out of deep respect for God.

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Obey not only those who are good and kind, obey also those who are not kind.

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Suppose a person suffers pain unfairly because they want to obey God.

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This is worthy of praise.

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But suppose you receive a beating for doing wrong and you put up with it.

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Will anyone honor you for this?

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Of course not.

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But suppose you suffer for doing good and you put up with it.

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God will praise you for this.

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You were chosen to do good, even if you suffer.

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That's because Christ suffered for you.

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He left you an example that he expects you to follow.

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Scripture says he didn't commit any sin.

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No lies ever came out of his mouth.

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People shouted at him and made fun of him, but he didn't do the same thing back to them.

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When he suffered, he didn't say he would make them suffer.

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Instead, he trusted in the God, who judges fairly.

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He himself carried our sins in his body on the cross.

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He did it so that we would die as far as sins are concerned.

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Then we would lead godly lives.

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His wounds have healed you.

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You are like sheep wandering away, but now you have returned to the shepherd.

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He is the one who watches over your souls.

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Thank you.