Drink Devotional Method: Abstain from Fleshly Lusts (1 Peter 2)

Abstain from Fleshly Lusts

Today, we turn to 1 Peter chapter 2, where the Apostle Peter reminds believers of their identity as God's chosen people and exhorts them to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. Let us walk through this powerful chapter using the DRINK Devotional Method to examine our hearts and respond to God's call to holy living.

D – Devotional Reading

1 Peter 2 (KJV)

1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

R – Reflection

When I read that I am part of a chosen generation and a royal priesthood, my heart fills with gratitude and responsibility. God did not just save me to escape judgment—He saved me to live a holy life that brings Him glory. Yet, verse 11 convicts me: "abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." I often overlook the spiritual battle happening inside me. Lusts don’t simply distract me; they war against my soul. Every time I give in to pride, selfishness, envy, or impure thoughts, I lose ground in the spiritual house God is building in me.

The reminder that I am a stranger and pilgrim in this world helps reset my perspective. I’m not meant to blend in with the world’s values. I’m called to stand out by living honorably, even when misunderstood or maligned. Christ left me an example—to endure suffering, avoid retaliation, and trust the righteous Judge. He bore my sins so that I can now live unto righteousness.

I – Instruction

Peter commands me to abstain from fleshly lusts—not tolerate, excuse, or hide them, but completely turn away from them. These lusts may include anger, envy, sexual impurity, pride, or anything that satisfies my flesh instead of my spirit. They actively war against my soul, and indulging them weakens my spiritual vitality. As part of God’s holy nation and spiritual house, I must live in a way that reflects my new identity in Christ, doing good works not to earn favor, but to point others to God’s glory.

N – Now Live It

Today, I will intentionally examine my habits and attitudes to identify areas where I must abstain from fleshly lusts that may still be active in my life. I will replace those desires with the sincere milk of the Word by meditating on Scripture and seeking accountability in my walk. I will remind myself that I am a pilgrim—not home yet—and every action I take should reflect the values of my true homeland: God’s kingdom. Whether I’m at work, at home, or online, I will choose to live righteously and speak honestly so that my conduct glorifies the Lord.

K – Kneel in Prayer

Gracious loving Father, thank You for calling me out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. I confess that I sometimes entertain the very things that war against my soul. Help me to take Your Word seriously and to abstain from fleshly lusts. Strengthen my resolve to live as a pilgrim in this world, reflecting Your holiness in both private and public life. Thank You for the example of Christ, who suffered with grace and obedience. May I follow His steps and honor You in all that I do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

You may also read our 1 Peter Chapter 1 Devotional.

🌿 About the DRINK Devotional Method

The DRINK Devotional Method is a structured personal devotional approach designed to help believers engage with Scripture to intentionally walk and grow daily with Christ.

• D – Devotional Reading: Read the selected Bible passage slowly and reverently (preferably at least 1 chapter).

• R – Reflection: Meditate on the truths revealed and how they apply to our walk with God.

• I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.

• N – Now Live It: Commit to a specific action or change based on what God has shown to you today.

• K – Kneel in Prayer: Close with a sincere prayer, asking the Lord Jesus Christ for grace to live out His Word.

Whether you're just starting a daily devotional habit or seeking a more meaningful Christian devotional routine, DRINK offers a simple yet powerful guide to draw closer to God and let His Word shape your life.

You may also read more of my Daily Devotions here.

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