1 Peter 2:11 KJV
[11] “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;”
I like how this verse begins with the phrase, “Dearly beloved.” It shows the heart of Peter as he wrote to the saints and how deeply he cared for the brethren. We need to have the same affection for our brothers today. When I read this text, I ask myself, Do I have the love for my fellow brethren that I should have? Are they dear to my heart? And do I see the saints in the church as beloved? This attitude would surely dissolve any backbiting and gossiping in the church. We should never forget the privilege of having brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Peter immediately reminds us who we are in this world. We are strangers because we do not fit in this world. We no longer think or live like this world. We see the world as strange, and they view us in the same way. They do not accept us as their own, and we should not want to be accepted by them. Salvation draws a distinctive line between us and the world. We will forever be strange to them.
We are also pilgrims in this world. A pilgrim is someone who is on their way home. They are someone who is just passing through. Each day, we are one step closer to home! We are so glad this world is not our home. What a blessing to know that we have more to look forward to than this life!
However, we must heed the warning given in this text. There is a battle that rages in the heart of every believer. Peter declares it to be a war against the soul. The word “war” is the word for an encamped army. Peter gives us the picture of the flesh carrying on a sustained military campaign against the soul. We know that the word “lust” means strong desire, and the word “fleshly” can be translated as carnal. The flesh will combat against the soul, attempting to rob the believer of victory. That causes the believer to live a defeated life.
Remember, the old nature in the believer coexists with the new nature. We read about this in Romans chapter seven. We must abstain from strong carnal desires that rob us of our victory in Jesus. Dear reader, be on the alert and determine to abstain from fleshly lust.