Thursday 3 September 2026
- Bible Book:
- 1 Peter
Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. (v. 11)
Background
Peter reminds us that, as Christians, we are 'aliens [foreigners] and exiles' (v. 11) and instructs believers to live honourably as temporary residents in a secular world. He tells us that we belong to God, and our lives should reflect that identity. It doesn’t mean withdrawing from society, rather it means living differently within it, knowing that our true home is in heaven.
Peter encourages believers to resist sinful desires that can damage our relationship with God and our witness to others. Instead, we are called to live such good lives that even those who don’t believe can see something in us that is noticeably different because of our faith.
He then speaks about how we should respond to authorities and other people. Christian freedom is not an excuse to live selfishly. We are free in Christ, but that freedom should lead us to serve others, respect people, love fellow believers, and honour God rather than serving ourselves. Thus, we should obey human rules and the leaders who make them. In doing so, this will help silence the claims of those who do not understand faith.
Peter concludes the verses by suggesting that how we behave every day matters. The way we speak, work, treat people, respond to authority, and handle difficult situations can all point people towards Jesus, calling us to honour everyone, love our Christian family, respect God and submit to those who govern us.
To Ponder:
- What does it mean for me to live as a 'foreigner and exile' in today’s world?
- How do I normally respond when I disagree with or dislike those in authority?
- What is one practical way I can honour God through my actions this week?
Prayer
Lord, help us to remember that our true identity is found in you. Give us strength to resist the things that pull us away from you and help us live in a way that reflects Jesus. Teach us to use our freedom to serve others, to respect people, and to honour you in everything we do. May our lives be a good witness to those around us. Amen.
Bible notes author: Cara Macdonald
Cara lives with her husband and five children in Glasgow. She works for the charity Mary’s Meals, which provides over three million of the world’s poorest children with a meal in school every day. She attends Newton Mearns Baptist Church and is also involved with the work of Reigate Methodist Church in Surrey, where she came to faith.