Following Christ in the New Birth
1 Peter 2

Following God through the new birth–1 Peter 2:1-3
“Seeing that ye are born again of an incorruptible seed, be not again entangled in evil, which “has no substantial being, but is an acting in contrariety to the being formed in us” [Theophylact].
Put away the old lifestyle–1 Peter 2:1
Galatians 5:13-17
Ephesians 4:20-24
Desire the pure spiritual milk–1 Peter 2:2
2 Timothy 3:14-17
2 Peter 3:18
Remember the kindness of the Lord–1 Peter 2:3
Psalm 34:8
Hebrews 6:1-6

Following God in the new building–1 Peter 2:4-8
Build on the foundation of Christ–1 Peter 2:4-5
Isaiah 8:14
1Corinthians 3:11
Christians are both the spiritual temple and the priests of the temple. There are two Greek words for “temple”; hieron (the sacred place), the whole building, including.the courts wherein the sacrifice was killed; and naos (the dwelling, namely, of God), the inner shrine wherein God peculiarly manifested Himself, and where, in the holiest place, the blood of the slain sacrifice was presented before Him. All believers alike, and not merely ministers, are now the dwelling of God (and are called the “naos,” Greek, not the hieron) and priests unto God (Rev 1:6). (New American Commentary: 1 Peter).
“Among spiritual sacrifices the first place belongs to the general oblation of ourselves. For never can we offer anything to God until we have offered ourselves (2Co 8:5) in sacrifice to Him. There follow afterwards prayers, giving of thanks, alms deeds, and all exercises of piety” [Calvin].
Stand or Stumble on the corner stone–1 Peter 2:6-8
Isaiah 28:16
Psalm 118:22
Romans 10:11
Matthew 21:42
they are given up to “the fruit of their own ways”
Seek to be built up in Christ; not loose stones lying round the one Corner-stone, but resting upon it, joined as living stones to the one Foundation.

Following God in the new kingdom–1 Peter 2:9-10
Be God’s special people–1 Peter 2:9
Acts 20:28
Hebrews 10:19
Hebrews 13:16
Appreciate your national privileges–1 Peter 2:10
Hosea 1:6-10
Hosea 2:23
The Christian must ever strive to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things, seeking always the glory of God.

Following God in the new conduct–1 Peter 2:11-25
A good walk does not make us pious, but we must first be pious and believe before we attempt to lead a good course. Faith first receives from God, then love gives to our neighbor [Luther].
Pliny, in his letter to the Emperor Trajan, acknowledges, “I have found in them nothing else save a perverse and extravagant superstition.” The recognition in the long run mitigates persecution (1Pe 3:13).
Jesus is more than our Example; he is our Strength He bore our sins. He gave us power to die unto sin and to live unto righteousness. We can do all things (if we abide in him) through him that strengthens us.
New conduct among outsiders–1 Peter 2:11-12
Galatians 5:19
New conduct with authorities–1 Peter 2:13-17
Romans 13:5
New conduct in the workplace–1 Peter 2:18-25
Ephesians 6:5-9