THE BATTLE FOR THE SOUL. 1st Peter 2:11-12 It is not uncommon for new believers, when under the pressure of suffering, to yield to the desires of their fleshly nature. Those around us accept "sinful living" as natural and act according to their sensual inclinations, hoping to find some kind of satisfaction. But those to whom Peter wrote were more than friends and more than "dear friends." Those saints of God were "dearly beloved" to Peter. His personal love for them reflects God's love and serves as the strongest appeal to them to act on his exhortations.
When someone becomes a child of God, their citizenship is in heaven. We are aliens from another world and foreigners passing through this world as ambassadors for our Lord Jesus Christ. As strangers, our stay is very temporary. We haven't settled down and moved in to be part of this corrupt world system. Even though we are here on a temporary assignment, we remain detached from the world system and its pleasures because they are inconsistent with what is righteous and holy.
As pilgrims, our relationship with the people of the world is that we are among them but not one of them. A holy nation is one set apart unto God. We are here to represent God by testifying to our Lord and by displaying His characteristics in the way we live. In response to the love shown to us and to the fact that we are only temporarily here, we have an obligation to demonstrate Christ- likeness to those around us. We remain loyal to our Lord, to the truth of God, and to His people, while we make our appeal to others to "be reconciled to God."
Even though we may feel like strangers, because we are strangers, our conduct should be above reproach. Others may be attracted to sin and live dishonorably. It is incumbent upon us to be honorable in all of our contact with the world. Honorable living is our responsibility in our personal and family life. In business dealings and social events, there is a dignity that accompanies righteous living that unbelievers will not like nor appreciate because it exposes sinfulness. Even though a hostile attitude exists, when the critical eye "beholds" the good works that support a believer's witness, God will be glorified in the future.
Strangers and pilgrims in a foreign country are not only visitors who have no say in what goes on there, but also represent their own country, its citizens, and its leaders. There is a certain type of behavior expected of visitors: they are to conform to the country's laws, but they do not have to adapt to things we know are wrong that are accepted there. We need to accept the rules and limitations imposed by the country we are passing through, but not compromise the standards and expectations of our citizenship.
Believers in our Lord Jesus Christ are foreigners passing through on our way home to heaven, our eternal home. So, we cannot get involved in worldly things that “war against our souls.” We must be separated from the sinful desires, activities, and corruption of the world. This world is alienated from God – the system does not like God, His holy standards, the holiness of His people who belong to heaven, or the expectations He has of all His creatures. Pride, selfishness, the desire for power and fame, and even many physical activities of worldly people are exposed as sinful.
I was born here, but now I am an alien. I have lived here all my life, but I am a stranger. I have citizenship, but this is not my home. I live peaceably here, but to many I’m a danger. There is a reason I am different. There is a cause to which I owe myself. I am now a citizen of heaven, living here where lusts war against my soul. I have to say “Yes” when others say “No” to God's call to follow Him. And I have to say “No” when others say “Yes” because I am called to be separate from sin.
Life in heaven is lived according to God’s rules, principles, and values. These do not change; they are unshakable and eternal. We get a glimpse of God’s order and glory when we read about the Tabernacles. When Jesus came to earth as God with us, we learned what it means for a citizen of heaven to live on earth among sinful people. When the Holy Spirit came, the citizens of the world should see the difference between living to please God and living to please ourselves and others.
When some go down to enjoy sin’s pleasures, I go up to be in the house of God. When I go down to rescue the lost and perishing, others go up to bow before the idols of the world. There is a part of me that wants to be accepted by all who live in “Vanity Fair,” but as a stranger and a foreign pilgrim, I must turn from it, even though I live here. This nation will pass, but God’s kingdom is forever. All of this will fail, but heaven is for sure. None of this will bring real satisfaction, but I will be satisfied when, like Christ, I am pure.
Like Peter, Christians love others and want the best for them. Strangers in a foreign country are glad to see others from the same country. We can help each other avoid the dangers, problems, and consequences of wrongdoing in the country we are passing through. “Fleshly lusts” are not only sexual sins but also any indulgence in sinful things or overindulgence in anything that hinders our communion with God.