1 Peter 2:1-13 Revised Standard Version
1 So put away all malice and all guile and insincerity and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation; 3 for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.
1 – What is your First Impression?
We are still unworthy although we have seen what to be forgiven is. As Paul tells us, all have sinned. These little words of wickedness show that being good enough is not enough as we all have this little bity issues that continue to trip us up.
2 – Explain the meaning and differences of malice, guile, insincerity, envy, slander
My idea here was to point out the myriad of ways in which we fall short. Working backwards, slander is even when we say something true about someone in a inappropriate context. Envy is wanting what others have and even if we do not want the same exact one, wanting one because they have one is wrong too. Insincerity is one I struggle with even when I am trying to be good, because sometimes I forget to get my mind right first. Guile is taking advantage because you are smarter than the other party. Malice is wanting to do wrong even in response done to us. These are so hard.
3 – What impression does newborn babes give you?
In this context, it is wanting something to the exclusion of all else not from conscious decision, but from the innate drive given by God.
4 – How do you describe pure spiritual milk?
I think of this as what even the youngest or simplest of mind can accept. Judas did bad by pointing Jesus out to those who were to arrest Him. Simple, easy. Was Judas possessed by Satan and unable to control Himself and can those who commit suicide go to heaven. Very deep and I do not think anyone can be sure.
5 – How do you defend Grow up to Salvation?
This is not growing up to earn salvation but continuing to learn and develop as you get closer to heaven. Other word choices seem clearer.
6 – How do you understand tasted the kindness?
When I was young and read about the talking donkey, I thought the act was cool. Now that I have matured, I see what lengths his owner went to that upset God so much. Tasting is like the easy stuff and knowing more and better is coming.
7 – Do you believe Peter was anti-semite or that Christianity supports that?
This was a trick question based on a novel I had just read. There is nothing in Christianity that justifies hating another person. There are aspects of protecting yourself and your family, but even then, in a spirit of love.
8 – How would you summarize the process described in these three verses?
The process is to put away the bad, long for the good, and to live in the moment. We have to pay attention to what is bad in order to put it away. We have to aspire to the better. We have to take action.