1 Peter 2:11
11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul
The recipients of the letter are described as ‘foreigners and exiles’ (aliens and strangers in this world, Amplified). The idea of temporary residence in this world is portrayed very vividly here. Christians are pilgrims progressing towards a celestial city made by God himself (Hebrews 11:10). Our true citizenship is in heaven. That is why a born-again Christian have different values and principles of living. They no longer live to please their sinful self but seeks to please their Lord and Master.
Notice the fact that the battle is not exclusively from outside but within. The sinful desires of human still lingers on. A born-again Christian is still prone to temptations and sins. Therefore, Peter urges the believers ‘to abstain’ (not to surrender, CEV), to the passions of worldly desires. Christian life is a battle. It is a battle of putting our sinful desires to death by the power of the Holy Spirit. If there is no striving and no efforts put in the crucifixion of our flesh, then we remain slaves to our sinful behaviors.
Prayer: Lord, I desire to please you but I can't do it on my own. Empower me to overcome the sinful desires that wage war against my soul. In Christ name, amen.
