This homily was originally preached to the saints at Harbinger Gospel Church. May it encourage you in your faith. Learn more about our community at HarbingerGospelChurch.org.

Introduction

We previously discussed the virtues we should embrace to pursue holiness: love, compassion, forgiveness, integrity, honesty, peace, kindness, generosity, contentment, purity, fidelity, and uprightness. In chapter 2, Peter lists the opposites of these virtues and urges us not to indulge in them. This can be seen as shedding the old self and embracing the new one, as described in Ephesians 4:22-24 and Colossians 3:9-10.

The Old Man vs. The New Man // Repentance

The old self is characterized by malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. In contrast, the new self is generous, has integrity, is selfless, humble, and pure. Repentance is not merely about turning away from sin; it involves a transformative change of mindset. The new self acknowledges Jesus as Lord and King of the new kingdom, submitting to His rule and forsaking the earthly kingdom’s culture of selfish ambition, materialism, and oppression. Instead, we should embrace the heavenly kingdom’s culture of humility, selflessness, and service (Philippians 2:3).

Gospel Message

The good news is that the Kingdom of God is at hand! This kingdom overturns and flips upside down every twisted, oppressive, and perverse tenant of our worldly kingdoms. In this new kingdom:

—The weak find strength (Isaiah 40:29)

—The last will be first (Matthew 20:16)

—The homeless have a home (Psalm 68:6)

—The voiceless have a voice (Proverbs 31:8-9)

—The oppressed are dignified (Psalm 146:7)

We have been invited not only to be citizens of this kingdom but also to help build it. One day, we will experience the full benefits of this kingdom, which has been the deepest longing of our spirits (Revelation 21:4).

Desiring the Pure Milk of the Word

Peter urges us to desire the pure milk of the word, so that we may grow up into our salvation (1 Peter 2:2). The “word” is the gospel, which encompasses the beautiful message of the Kingdom of God. As we journey through this broken world, we should long for the milk of this word, the fruit of this gospel. We long to be with Jesus, where:

—Injustice is undone (Isaiah 1:17)

—Everything wrong is made right (Revelation 21:5)

—Every tear is wiped away from our eyes (Revelation 7:17)

Living Stones and a Holy Priesthood

We are not just passive observers in the construction of this new kingdom; we are living stones, actively participating in building this spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). This involves preaching the gospel and making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20) and loving our neighbors, granting them a glimpse into the new kingdom’s culture.

As a holy priesthood, we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5). Our lives should be an offering to God, a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to Him (Romans 12:1). This involves pursuing holiness, shedding the old self, and embracing the new one.

Our Sacrifices are Acceptable to God

The Jewish people’s sacrifices made by the priests were actually acceptable to God and effectual in pleasing Him. Now, because of Jesus, we are all priests, and our sacrifices are acceptable to God. Our pursuit of holiness, however clumsy, is a pleasing aroma to the Triune God (Hebrews 13:15-16). Praise God for the riches of His glorious grace that we find freely in Jesus Christ!