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1 Peter 2:11 - Abstain from Sinful Desires That War Against the Soul.TRANSLATIONS1 Peter 2:11 (NIV) Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 1 Peter 2:11 (NLT) Dear friends, I warn you as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 1 Peter 2:11 (AMP) Beloved, I implore you as aliens and strangers and exiles [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges (the evil desires, the passions of the flesh, your lower nature) that wage war against the soul. WORD STUDY Abstain. Christians are to remain without "spot" or "blemish" (Eph. 5:27) in the midst of a morally degenerate world. They are to avoid every contact with evil habits and practices. This is what sets them apart as "strangers" and "pilgrims" in this world. They stand aloof from its degrading pleasures and devote themselves to things of the spirit. [SDA Bible Commentary] COMMENTARY PEARL As believers, we are "temporary residents and foreigners" in this world because our real home is with God. Heaven is where God lives, not the cloud-and-harp existence popular in cartoons. Life in heaven operates according to God's eternal and unshakable principles and values. Heaven came to earth in the symbolism of the Jewish sanctuary (the Tabernacle and Temple) where God's presence resided. It came in a fuller manner in the person of Jesus Christ, God with us. It spread through the entire world as the Holy Spirit came to live in every believer. Someday, after God judges and destroys all sin, the Kingdom of Heaven will rule every corner of this earth. John saw this day in a vision, and he cried out, "Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them" (Revelation 21: 3). Our true loyalty should be to our citizenship in heaven, not to our citizenship here, because the earth will be destroyed and then renewed as the new earth, a physical place where Jesus will live with us. Our loyalty should be to God's truth, his way of life, and his dedicated people. Because we are loyal to God, we will often feel like outsiders in a world hostile to or ignorant of God. But there will come a day when we won't feel that way anymore. [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY Strangers In the World Aliens from other countries are rarely shown the "welcome mat." They are often accepted reluctantly or with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. They may even find themselves victims of discrimination, rejection, or intolerance. The Bible says that we are "aliens and strangers in the world." Our citizenship is in Heaven and there is our real home. As long as we live on this earth, we don't quite fit in. Our customs are different, our goals are different, our ways of living are different, our concerns are different. And as Christ's followers (instead of followers of this world), we may find ourselves scorned, rejected, or even persecuted. If so, we shouldn't be surprised. Jesus warned, "If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20), But never forget: You are a citizen of the Kingdom of God. And someday you will be Home! If we are strangers in the world and are meant to stand out, what does it say about us if we blend right hand? Shouldn't we be concerned if we feel comfortable and at home? [Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham] ONE LINERS There is danger in amusement that is sought merely for self-gratification. All habits of indulgence that weaken the physical powers, that becloud the mind, or that benumb the spiritual perceptions, are "fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2:11. COL 53 Whatever attracts the mind from God, whatever draws the affections away from Christ, is an enemy to the soul. COL 53 LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY 1 Peter 2:11 - Strangers in The World. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221007-0820.html 1 Peter 2:11 - Holy Spirit Power Defeats Sin. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2004/20041122-0759.html Romans 13:14 - Putting On Christ. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250411-1311.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220208-0932.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20191215-1146.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2016/20160520-1729.html Galatians 3:27 - Clothed With Christ! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190910-1037.html Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting on the New Nature. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240620-0855.html Colossians 3:9-10 - Putting On The New Nature. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250324-1440.html Ephesians 4:30 - Living a Spirit-Controlled Life. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230809-1011.html Galatians 5:16 - Live by the Spirit. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221002-0835.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |