1 Peter 2:1–3, Part 1

• Look at the Book by

John Piper

God is not done with his work when we first believe and are saved. He
intends day by day to make us into what we already are in Christ.
Spiritual growth is not optional or marginal in the Christian life.
Every person that truly believes in Christ is increasingly transformed
into his likeness.

Principle for Bible Reading

The Bible uses hundreds and hundreds of metaphors to help us
understand the Christian life. In these verses, Peter talks about
“spiritual milk” (1 Peter 2:2).
When you come across a word picture like this, press on it to see all
that the author wants you to see about the truth being depicted.

Study Questions

1. Explain the “So” (or “Therefore”) at the beginning of 1 Peter 2:1. How does this first verse of chapter two build on the last verses of chapter one?
2. Explain Peter’s milk metaphor in 1 Peter 2:1–3. What is the milk? And what role does it play in the Christian life?
3. Looking at 1 Peter 1:5, 9; 2:2,
   explain how Peter is using the word “salvation.” What seems different
   about the way he is using it, and how would you explain how it fits with
   other places in the Bible that talk about our salvation?

Piper: “Because you are already new in Christ, be about becoming what you are.”

Introduction/Prayer (00:00–02:48)

Become What You Are (02:48–04:19)

• You are new, and you have an unshakeable hope. (1 Peter 1:22–25)
• Therefore, you should obey (“put away”). (1 Peter 2:1)
• Because you are already new in Christ, be about becoming what you are. 

Introduction/Prayer (00:00–02:48)

Become What You Are (02:48–04:19)

• You are new, and you have an unshakeable hope. (1 Peter 1:22–25)
• Therefore, you should obey (“put away”). (1 Peter 2:1)
• Because you are already new in Christ, be about becoming what you are.

The End of the Christian Life (06:56–11:06)

• The one who tastes this spiritual milk grows up into salvation. (1 Peter 2:2)
• Salvation, for Peter, is mainly a future reality. (1 Peter 1:5, 9)
• We are saved now, but we are growing all the time unto a full and final salvation. (1 Peter 2:2)
• The Christian life is not mechanical or automatic. It’s an organic and dynamic process.
• Don’t ever think that growing through the word of God is optional or
  marginal in the Christian life. Spiritual growth is absolutely
  necessary for every believer.

SOURCE: Desiring God