In 1 Peter 2, Peter encouraged the persecuted believers by explaining to them their purpose in society. One reason for their suffering was that they as believers were not of the world. We as Christians are “strangers and pilgrims” (1 Pet 2:11) in this world. We are to be different from the world.

1) Our identity as strangers and pilgrims (1 Pet 2:11a)

We must have a biblical mind-set, i.e. the way we think of ourselves in this world must be in accordance to God’s Word. As “strangers and pilgrims,” Christians will feel uncomfortable in this world’s alien surrounding. There is a yearning to go home, which is heaven. We must see this difference between us and unbelievers. We must always have this “strangers and pilgrims” mind-set and mentality. We must never follow the world and its ways. Our lives on earth are just for a season. Our permanent dwelling place is in heaven (Heb 11:13). We are not to take root here, not be fully satisfied or contented during our time here because the world is full of sin. Or are we enjoying the sins of the world?

2) Our conviction as strangers and pilgrims (1 Pet 2:11b)

Inwardly, we must have the full conviction that this world is not our home. We must guard our hearts and be discerning to what is going on around us. We must be convicted that we are different from the world. We must abstain from freshly lusts. We are to have spiritual desires. Fleshly lusts are all around us. Galatians 5:16-21 gives us a list of these lusts. These are what the world proclaims as what life is all about. But these are not for believers, because they replace God’s place in our lives. We must keep warring against them. There must be no let up.

3) Our witness as “strangers and pilgrims” (1 Pet 2:12)

Just as it is easy for Christians to see the world as different, the world also finds it easy to distinguish Christians. This can be noticed from the Christian’s speech, conduct and thinking. The world may not like how we live. They can even see us as evildoers. For example, Daniel’s only “fault” was his prayer life. If the world cannot see this difference in Christians, then we have lost our Christian witness to the world. The church must never become like the world or promote a form of living that seeks to compromise with the world. The world can see and know Christ through our witness. If we as Christians fail in our witness, then we have failed Christ.