Living as Chosen People Amid Suffering and Submission

Summary

Peter’s words in 1 Peter 2 come to a church under intense persecution, a people who were literally being martyred for their faith. Yet, God’s word to them—and to us—is not to promise an escape from suffering, but to call us to live as those who belong to another world, even as we walk through the pain and injustice of this one. Suffering, whether on a grand scale like the tragedies we see in the news or in the personal injustices we endure, is not outside of God’s sovereign hand. He allows it, sometimes for reasons we cannot understand, but always with the purpose of refining us, displaying His glory, and proving that He is worthy of our praise even when life is hard.

We are reminded that, just as Israel was chosen, so too are we—called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light, made a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Our identity is not in our suffering or our status in this world, but in our belonging to God. As priests, we offer spiritual sacrifices: our bodies, our praises, our good works, and our generosity. God sees us through the righteousness of Christ, not our failures, and welcomes us as His own.

Living as “aliens and strangers” in this world means we will feel out of place. The world may not understand why we don’t join in its ways, but our distinctiveness is a testimony. The spiritual battle is real—sinful desires and demonic strategies war against our souls. Yet, we are given authority in Christ to stand firm, to pray boldly, and to live lives that shine with goodness, even when misunderstood or maligned.

Submission is a recurring theme: to authorities, to employers, within marriage. This is not about blind obedience, but about honoring God above all, even when those in authority are unjust. The example is Christ Himself, who suffered without retaliation, entrusting Himself to the Father. Our calling is to endure hardship for doing good, knowing that God sees and commends such faithfulness.

Finally, the way we live—especially in our closest relationships—matters deeply. Wives are called to win over unbelieving husbands not by words, but by the beauty of a gentle and reverent life. Husbands are to treat their wives with consideration and respect, recognizing them as co-heirs of God’s grace. In all things, our lives are to be a living sacrifice, a testimony to the transforming power of Christ.

Key Takeaways

- Suffering is not a sign of God’s absence or displeasure, but often a stage for His glory and our growth. Like Job, we may not understand the reasons, but we are called to trust God’s character and sovereignty, knowing that He is working out a greater purpose even in our pain. Our faith is proven genuine not when life is easy, but when we praise Him in the fire. [04:50]

- Our identity as God’s chosen people—a royal priesthood and holy nation—means we are set apart for His purposes. This identity is not based on our performance, but on God’s mercy and Christ’s righteousness. We are called to offer spiritual sacrifices: our lives, our praises, our good works, and our generosity, knowing that God delights in these offerings from His people. [10:12]

- Living as “aliens and strangers” in this world is both a challenge and a calling. We will feel out of place, misunderstood, and even opposed, but this is evidence that we belong to another kingdom. Our distinctiveness is not for pride, but for witness—our lives are being watched, and our consistent goodness can silence critics and point others to God. [17:31]

- The spiritual battle is ongoing and strategic; sinful desires and demonic forces wage a lifelong campaign against our souls. We are not powerless—Christ has given us authority to pray, to resist, and to stand firm. Mature prayer engages the spiritual realm, not just the physical, and we are called to use our voices and Christ’s authority to push back darkness. [20:57]

- Submission, even in unjust circumstances, is a powerful testimony to God’s reality. Whether in society, at work, or in marriage, we are called to honor God by submitting as unto Him, not as doormats, but as those who entrust ourselves to the One who judges justly. Christ’s example—suffering without retaliation—shows us the way, and our willingness to endure for doing good brings glory to God and can win others to Him. [35:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:59] - God’s People and the Reality of Suffering
[04:50] - The Purpose of Suffering: Lessons from Job
[07:24] - God’s Faithfulness to Israel and the Church
[09:24] - Our Identity: Chosen People and Royal Priesthood
[10:12] - Spiritual Sacrifices and Living as Priests
[12:05] - Mercy and Belonging to God
[14:15] - Aliens and Strangers: Living Set Apart
[15:58] - The Spiritual Dimension and Authority in Prayer
[17:31] - Distinctiveness and Witness in the World
[18:40] - The War Against Sinful Desires
[20:57] - Engaging in Spiritual Warfare
[22:25] - Living Good Lives Among Unbelievers
[24:45] - Submission to Authority and God’s Order
[35:34] - Christ’s Example in Suffering and Submission
[41:00] - Marriage: Mutual Respect and Godly Beauty
[47:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: 1 Peter 2 – Living as God’s People in a Suffering World

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### Bible Reading

1 Peter 2:9-25 (ESV)

> 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
> 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
> 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
> 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
> 13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,
> 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
> 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
> 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
> 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
> 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.
> 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
> 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.
> 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
> 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
> 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
> 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
> 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Peter, what is the purpose of God calling us “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation”? (v. 9)
2. What does Peter say about how Christians should respond to unjust suffering or mistreatment? (v. 19-21)
3. How does Peter describe the way Jesus responded to suffering and injustice? (v. 22-23)
4. What are some of the “spiritual sacrifices” mentioned in the sermon that believers are called to offer as priests? [[10:12]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says suffering is not a sign of God’s absence, but a stage for His glory and our growth. How does this perspective challenge the way people usually think about hardship? [[04:50]]
2. What does it mean to live as “aliens and strangers” in this world? How might this affect the way Christians interact with culture and society? [[17:31]]
3. The sermon talks about spiritual warfare and the reality of demonic strategies. How should this awareness shape the way Christians pray and live? [[20:57]]
4. Submission is a recurring theme in this passage. How does biblical submission differ from being a “doormat,” and what is the ultimate goal of submitting even to unjust authorities? [[35:34]]

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### Application Questions

1. Think about a time when you faced suffering or injustice. Did you see it as an opportunity for God’s glory or just as something to escape? How might your response change if you believed God was using it to refine you? [[04:50]]
2. The sermon says our identity is not in our suffering or status, but in belonging to God. Are there areas in your life where you let your pain or your achievements define you more than your identity in Christ? What would it look like to live out of your identity as God’s chosen person this week? [[09:24]]
3. As “aliens and strangers,” Christians are called to live differently. Are there specific situations where you feel out of place because of your faith? How do you usually respond—do you hide your distinctiveness or let it be a witness? [[17:31]]
4. The sermon mentions that sinful desires and demonic forces “strategize” against us. Are there particular temptations or patterns where you feel under attack? What practical steps can you take to stand firm and use the authority you have in Christ? [[18:40]]
5. Submission to authority, even when it’s unfair, is described as a powerful testimony. Is there a relationship or situation where you struggle to submit or show respect? What would it look like to “entrust yourself to God” in that area? [[24:45]]
6. In marriage, Peter calls wives to win over unbelieving husbands by their conduct, and husbands to treat their wives with respect. Whether you’re married or not, what are some ways you can show Christlike love and respect in your closest relationships this week? [[35:34]]
7. The sermon says our lives are to be a “living sacrifice.” What is one area where you can offer your time, resources, or praise to God in a new way this week? [[10:12]]

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Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to pray for strength to live as God’s people in a world that often misunderstands or opposes faith, and for courage to offer their lives as spiritual sacrifices, trusting God’s goodness in every circumstance.

Devotional

Day 1: Suffering as a Testimony to God’s Worthiness
God allows His people to suffer, not as a sign of His absence, but as a means to display His glory and our faithfulness. Even when we do not understand the reasons behind our pain or the tragedies that befall us, we are called to trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty. Like Job, who endured unimaginable loss and hardship, we are invited to prove through our endurance that God is worthy of our praise—not just when life is easy, but especially when it is hard. Our steadfastness in suffering becomes a powerful testimony that our love for God is not dependent on our circumstances, but on His unchanging character. [04:50]

Job 1:20-22 (ESV)
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

Reflection: When you face suffering or injustice, how can you intentionally choose to worship and trust God today, even when you don’t understand His reasons?


Day 2: Living as a Chosen People and Royal Priesthood
Believers are called a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, set apart to declare the praises of God who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. This identity is not based on our own merit, but on God’s foreknowledge and mercy. As priests, we are to offer spiritual sacrifices—our bodies, our praises, our good works, and our giving—unto the Lord. Our lives are meant to reflect the holiness and purpose God has given us, and we are to live in the joy and security of being His people, recipients of His mercy and grace. [10:12]

1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV)
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Reflection: What is one way you can offer yourself as a “living sacrifice” to God today, demonstrating your identity as part of His royal priesthood?


Day 3: Abstaining from Sinful Desires in a Spiritual Battle
As aliens and strangers in this world, Christians are called to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. These desires are not random; they are part of a strategic, ongoing campaign by spiritual forces seeking to undermine our faith and witness. We are not powerless, for we have been given authority in Christ to resist and pray against these attacks. By living differently from the world and relying on God’s strength, we can stand firm and avoid the traps set by the enemy, remembering that our true home is in God’s kingdom. [19:36]

1 Peter 2:11-12 (ESV)
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Reflection: What is one specific sinful desire or habit you need to resist today, and how can you actively seek God’s help and authority in overcoming it?


Day 4: Submitting to Authority for the Lord’s Sake
God calls His people to submit to every authority instituted among men, not because earthly rulers are always just, but because submission is ultimately an act of obedience to God. Even when those in power are harsh or unjust, as was the case for many early Christians under Roman rule, believers are to honor and respect authority unless commanded to disobey God. This attitude silences critics and demonstrates the transforming power of the gospel, as we live as free people who use our freedom to serve God and others, not to cover up evil. [24:45]

1 Peter 2:13-17 (ESV)
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Reflection: Is there an authority in your life (at work, in government, or at home) that you struggle to respect? How can you choose to honor them today as an act of obedience to God?


Day 5: Following Christ’s Example in Enduring Unjust Suffering
Jesus Christ suffered unjustly, yet He did not retaliate or threaten, but entrusted Himself to God who judges justly. He bore our sins in His body so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness, healing the deepest diseases of our souls. When we endure unfair treatment or suffering for doing good, we follow in Christ’s footsteps, displaying His character to the world. Our response to injustice—gentleness, patience, and trust in God’s justice—can be a powerful witness that draws others to Him and brings glory to God. [35:34]

1 Peter 2:21-24 (ESV)
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Reflection: When you are treated unfairly, what would it look like for you to respond as Jesus did—entrusting yourself to God and choosing not to retaliate?

Quotes

It's not just that he makes things go well for us, or real smoothly in our life, or make us prosperous. Oh yeah, we'll praise you for that. But that was the accusation of Satan, you let me get at him, it's just that you're so good to him, now he's praising you, but you let me afflict him, you let me take everything he has, he'll curse your name. And so God took Satan up by that, through this righteous man, and through his great suffering. [00:05:31] (32 seconds)  #FaithThroughSuffering Edit Clip

There's been many times in my unbelieving life that I received what I deserved. And it wasn't fun. And I think in such a deep way that God has given me mercy in that way that nobody else on this planet knows except for me. And maybe I don't even know it completely, but God knows it. And he's forgiven me for all those things. Isn't it? Praise the Lord. Hallelujah. [00:13:34] (31 seconds)  #MercyBeyondMeasure Edit Clip

We're actually the aliens. We're the aliens. We're the ones that are of another world. That's where we belong. And until we go to be in that world, we're always going to be aching and moaning and a little bit, you know, a bumpy ride here and a little bit, you know, not feeling settled in and fighting fights that we don't want to fight. And all that stuff until we get to be in that spiritual realm and on that new earth that God is giving to us, that new kingdom. [00:16:29] (37 seconds)  #AliensOnEarth Edit Clip

We don't want to do the things that others do. We're weird, you know. How come you're not laughing at that filthy joke? It was really, really funny, you know. How come you're not participating? How come you don't go out and get roasted with us at the bar after work? How come you don't want to do that? How come you don't want to participate in certain things that we say and laugh at the things that we laugh and mock at the things that we mock? You're weird. Yeah, we are. We're weird. Praise the Lord for that. He has changed us, hasn't he? And the world has no explanation for it. [00:17:26] (43 seconds)  #ProudlyDifferent Edit Clip

May I say that you are a subject, if you're a Christian, you are a subject of study to the unbeliever. They will watch you. And usually what they're trying to do is figure out some way, because they see your good, your life changing. They see your good works. They see these things. But they don't want, that's convicting them of Jesus. It's glorifying God, even though you didn't say anything. And they don't like that. Their sinful nature doesn't like that. And so they're watching you to find fault. So that they can dispel the conviction that might be upon them. You've got to understand that. They're looking to figure you out. [00:22:57] (50 seconds)  #LivingAsWitnesses Edit Clip

God is a God of order. God has designed everyone to submit in various ways. We all submit. Every one of us, man, woman, child, grandpa, son, you know, everybody, mom, everybody. We all submit. [00:24:19] (18 seconds)  #GodsOrderInSubmission Edit Clip

We give those men above us honor, we submit to them because it's out of fear of God. God is the one that said we must and we do it because of him. And so now where's the the exception is when he they are officials tell us to do something that God says not to do or they tell us not to do something that God tells us to do then we are to what we're to believe or we're to obey God rather than men and so that's the exception to that but we're to be long you know lawful people we're to be people that are improving society we're not to be out demonstrating and doing a bunch of things like that. [00:28:52] (46 seconds)  #ObeyGodOverMen Edit Clip

For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God that is another one of those that's that's Job right unjust suffering all that kind of stuff that Satan did to him I mean destroyed his family other than his wife just destroyed his kids and you know all of that the family that was there took away ever all of his material wealth and then struck at his own body with disease he says for it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God what a powerful glory to God that is if we can if we will do that. [00:32:23] (52 seconds)  #EndureUnjustSuffering Edit Clip

Let your inner inward beauty be something that shows even before that you know just become more and more uh in that way like jesus christ and in in having notice a gentle and quiet spirit that's an unfading beauty it won't matter if you're uh you know 20 years old you'll be beautiful with a gentle quiet and spirit or whether you're a hundred you know you'll still have that inward beauty that comes that is notice god says that's of great worth in god's sight. [00:40:42] (37 seconds)  #InwardBeautyShines Edit Clip

Treat her with respect or look at the last thing it says so that nothing will hinder your prayers if you are god's watching how we treat our wives he's watching it and uh oftentimes you know we can we we have the big demands and the temper and all that kind of stuff and we can boss the wife wife around god's watching that and you think you're going to need him and you're going to ask him in your prayer life for something he's not going to going to answer you you need to get it right and i believe that goes the other way around also with women we need to all be right with the way we're treating uh our spouses. [00:47:54] (44 seconds)  #PrayerHinderedByDisrespect Edit Clip