In America, the primary place to which people are looking to find their identity is their inner feelings and desires. They are then compelled to live out whatever they find. Society is embracing what one author called “expressive individualism.” Inner feelings are seen as authoritative. Authenticity means these feelings must be expressed in society and society is expected to embrace and celebrate the result. This is a spiritual crisis into which today’s text from Peter speaks urgently about identity.

Contrary to culture, Peter commands that we are to abstain from the inner passions which wage war against our souls (verse 11). So where should a person look to find his or her identity? We learn about an important work in which Jesus is laboring.

Jesus is building a spiritual house with his people who are living stones and himself as the cornerstone.

Peter is writing to Christians, who find their identity in Christ. To be a Christian, one must come to him and be made alive (see 1 Peter 1:3). Chapter 2 of Peter’s letter tells a lot about the new identity Jesus gives to the believer.

1. Christians are chosen, not “choice.” Through no special merit of our own, God has chosen us as his own special possession. This means we are treasured.

2. Christians are a royal priesthood. God’s people are to offer spiritual sacrifices. This is “spiritual worship” as Paul says in Romans 12:1. It’s living a life of praise and thanksgiving for all that God has done.

3. Christians are essentially prophets, meaning they are to speak a word about the excellencies of him who called them out of darkness (v. 9). This is a word of hope to all those still in darkness.

Taking It Home: Start noticing the cultural trend of idolizing inner passions. Don’t be afraid to be bold and speak an alternate word of identity that is available from Jesus.