Living As Exiles
Text: 1 Peter 1
Introduction
One significant event in the Old Testament is the Babylonian captivity, when Babylon conquered Israel and exiled its people. As exiles, they lived under the rule of an unrighteous government and amidst unbiblical systems. God’s Word was the standard in Israel, but in Babylon, they faced a foreign culture that followed its own ways. During this challenging season, God sent prophets to guide His people, instructing them to live faithfully as exiles. One such passage is found in Jeremiah:
“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:4-7).
Peter also takes up the theme of living as exiles in his letter. He refers to Rome symbolically as Babylon, writing, “She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son” (1 Peter 5:13). Addressing the “dispersion,” Peter speaks to Christians living as exiles under a pagan government. While there is debate about whether he wrote explicitly to Jewish or Gentile Christians, his audience likely included both, as believers from both groups were scattered throughout the regions.
Peter exhorts Christians on how to live faithfully as exiles in a world opposed to God’s ways. It’s important to remember the context—Peter likely wrote this letter during Nero’s reign, a time when Christians faced horrific persecution, including being used as human torches for Nero’s parties.
We must recognize that we, too, are exiles in our own culture. In America, we see corruption in government, injustice in the judicial system, the perversion of family, and financial systems that reflect greed and exploitation. Things are unraveling around us. Yet, Peter’s letter speaks directly to our circumstances, offering timeless guidance.
Peter calls believers to take up the challenge of living holy lives in a world that opposes them. As exiles, this is our mandate: to remain faithful, to pursue holiness, and to seek the welfare of the cities where God has placed us, trusting that in their welfare, we will find our own.
A Call to Holiness
Notice the word therefore in chapter one. Peter begins with the gospel, which we’ll explore shortly, and then says, therefore, in light of the gospel, gird up your mind. This call emphasizes the preparation of the mind: Prepare your mind for action. Be sober-minded. As exiles, live as obedient children, seeking to obey God in all you do.
It’s important to understand that civil disobedience is not an esteemed virtue for Christians. Disobedience should never be our goal. Our aim is always positive: to obey God. However, as we faithfully obey Him, we may find ourselves at odds with the rulers and systems of this age. Even so, disobedience is not our objective. Our posture must always be one of obedience to God, grounded in a pursuit of holiness.
In its Old Testament roots, Holiness carries the idea of being separated from what is defective and evil and set apart for God. For instance, the Sabbath is described as holy to the Lord: separated from the pursuits of ordinary days and dedicated to Him (Exodus 31:15). Similarly, priests were set apart from ordinary pursuits and dedicated to the Lord in a special way (2 Chronicles 23:6). Even objects could be made holy by being separated from ordinary use and consecrated to God.
As exiled Christians, we are called to holiness. This is not a call to separate ourselves physically from the nation but to separate ourselves from the evil that stains it. Holiness means recognizing that God Himself is the standard of what is holy. It is a call to be holy as He is holy.
God is holy—set apart from all that is evil, defective, and impure. This divine standard of holiness was reinforced for the New Covenant church. As persecution began, many believers sold their possessions and offered all or part of their resources to the church. Ananias and Sapphira were among those who participated in this voluntary arrangement. They sold their possessions and claimed to have given the full amount to the church. However, they lied, holding back part of the proceeds. While they were free to retain some of their resources, their deception was the issue.
The book of Acts records the consequences of their actions:
“But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things” (Acts 5:1-11).
God is holy; in light of this, He has called us to be holy. Throughout the rest of his letter, Peter outlines what it means to live as a holy people—those who are in the world but not of it. He calls us to live as people set apart, distinct from the world’s values, even while residing within it.
As we continue studying 1 Peter, we will primarily focus on what it means to live holy lives. Holy living is:
The Gospel
Peter grounds this call to holiness in the gospel. We don’t pursue holiness to earn God’s favor; we pursue holiness because, through the gospel, we already have His favor.
“And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God” (1 Pet. 1:17-21).
Those who are drawn to this gospel message and pursue holiness are those who have experienced the new birth. They are people who have been born again.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet. 1:3-5).
“...since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Pet. 1:23).
Peter wanted the Christians living in exile to remember that they are people of the new birth.
But what does it mean to be "born again"? Jesus addressed this very question in a conversation with a religious leader of His time, Nicodemus, who was perplexed by the concept. Nicodemus approached Jesus, acknowledging that there was something extraordinary about Him and His works. While his exact motives for coming are not entirely clear, his curiosity was evident.
Jesus, however, went straight to the core issue, declaring, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). This statement left Nicodemus confused, as it seemed to introduce a new teaching. He asked, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (John 3:4).
In response, Jesus explained, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:5-8).
To be "born again" is to be “born of water and the Spirit.” This idea points to a truth taught by the prophet Ezekiel, as Jesus later rebuked Nicodemus for not understanding it. Ezekiel describes this new birth in Ezekiel 36:25-27.
“I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
This passage encapsulates what it means to be born again: a spiritual transformation brought about by the cleansing work of God and the indwelling of His Spirit.
Peter reminded the Christians that they had been given a new heart, and a new spirit had been placed within them. This new birth was made possible through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many people say, “Jesus died so that we can live.” However, that’s not how the Bible frames it. The Bible teaches that Jesus died so that we might die, and He rose again so that we might live.
Our new birth is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is why it is described as a new birth into a living hope—a hope anchored in the resurrected Christ, who is now the ascended King, ruling and reigning over all nations, including Rome in that time and America today.
As people of the new birth, our hope is in Christ and in our future inheritance. This inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us and guarded by God’s power. Exiles have hope because we have been born again and are guaranteed this future inheritance.
The new birth is intricately tied to the Word of God. This is why preaching is so vital and why we desire for people to sit under the proclamation of God’s Word. It is through this appointed means that God brings life to those who are spiritually dead.
Trials Will Come
People with a new heart, striving for holiness while living in a foreign land, will undoubtedly face their share of troubles. Trials are inevitable.
Peter wanted the exiles to understand that these trials would persist. Living in a land that rejects God and His Word brings suffering for those who follow Him.
“6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look” (1 Pet. 1:6-12).
Various trials had grieved the people, but Peter reminded them that these trials served a purpose: to test their faith and prove its genuineness. Just as gold is tested by fire, true faith is refined and shines brighter when exposed to the flames of adversity. In contrast, fake faith—like fool’s gold (pyrite) or alloys of brass, iron, or copper—darkens or changes under fire. Genuine faith, however, becomes radiant through trials, bringing praise, honor, and glory to Jesus Christ.
A vivid example of this is found in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three young Hebrew men, living as exiles, had been elevated to high positions in the Babylonian government. Despite their prominence, they remained steadfast in their obedience to God, which brought them into direct conflict with the ruling powers.
King Nebuchadnezzar erected a grand statue and decreed that everyone must bow down and worship it whenever music played. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused, as their allegiance was to the living God. Their defiance enraged Nebuchadnezzar, and he ordered them to be thrown into a fiery furnace as punishment.
Yet, these men trusted in God, and when they were cast into the furnace, the angel of the Lord came to their aid, protecting them from harm. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and they emerged unscathed. In that moment, the glory of God shone brightly, leading the foreign leaders to acknowledge and praise the true God.
29 Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon” (Dan. 3:1-30).
This illustrates how we are called to live: obeying God, rejoicing in the trials that come, and rejoicing even more when those trials strengthen our faith and testify to God’s glory before others.
Friends, as exiles, we are called to holiness.
Introduction
One significant event in the Old Testament is the Babylonian captivity, when Babylon conquered Israel and exiled its people. As exiles, they lived under the rule of an unrighteous government and amidst unbiblical systems. God’s Word was the standard in Israel, but in Babylon, they faced a foreign culture that followed its own ways. During this challenging season, God sent prophets to guide His people, instructing them to live faithfully as exiles. One such passage is found in Jeremiah:
“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:4-7).
Peter also takes up the theme of living as exiles in his letter. He refers to Rome symbolically as Babylon, writing, “She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son” (1 Peter 5:13). Addressing the “dispersion,” Peter speaks to Christians living as exiles under a pagan government. While there is debate about whether he wrote explicitly to Jewish or Gentile Christians, his audience likely included both, as believers from both groups were scattered throughout the regions.
Peter exhorts Christians on how to live faithfully as exiles in a world opposed to God’s ways. It’s important to remember the context—Peter likely wrote this letter during Nero’s reign, a time when Christians faced horrific persecution, including being used as human torches for Nero’s parties.
We must recognize that we, too, are exiles in our own culture. In America, we see corruption in government, injustice in the judicial system, the perversion of family, and financial systems that reflect greed and exploitation. Things are unraveling around us. Yet, Peter’s letter speaks directly to our circumstances, offering timeless guidance.
Peter calls believers to take up the challenge of living holy lives in a world that opposes them. As exiles, this is our mandate: to remain faithful, to pursue holiness, and to seek the welfare of the cities where God has placed us, trusting that in their welfare, we will find our own.
A Call to Holiness
Notice the word therefore in chapter one. Peter begins with the gospel, which we’ll explore shortly, and then says, therefore, in light of the gospel, gird up your mind. This call emphasizes the preparation of the mind: Prepare your mind for action. Be sober-minded. As exiles, live as obedient children, seeking to obey God in all you do.
It’s important to understand that civil disobedience is not an esteemed virtue for Christians. Disobedience should never be our goal. Our aim is always positive: to obey God. However, as we faithfully obey Him, we may find ourselves at odds with the rulers and systems of this age. Even so, disobedience is not our objective. Our posture must always be one of obedience to God, grounded in a pursuit of holiness.
In its Old Testament roots, Holiness carries the idea of being separated from what is defective and evil and set apart for God. For instance, the Sabbath is described as holy to the Lord: separated from the pursuits of ordinary days and dedicated to Him (Exodus 31:15). Similarly, priests were set apart from ordinary pursuits and dedicated to the Lord in a special way (2 Chronicles 23:6). Even objects could be made holy by being separated from ordinary use and consecrated to God.
As exiled Christians, we are called to holiness. This is not a call to separate ourselves physically from the nation but to separate ourselves from the evil that stains it. Holiness means recognizing that God Himself is the standard of what is holy. It is a call to be holy as He is holy.
God is holy—set apart from all that is evil, defective, and impure. This divine standard of holiness was reinforced for the New Covenant church. As persecution began, many believers sold their possessions and offered all or part of their resources to the church. Ananias and Sapphira were among those who participated in this voluntary arrangement. They sold their possessions and claimed to have given the full amount to the church. However, they lied, holding back part of the proceeds. While they were free to retain some of their resources, their deception was the issue.
The book of Acts records the consequences of their actions:
“But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things” (Acts 5:1-11).
God is holy; in light of this, He has called us to be holy. Throughout the rest of his letter, Peter outlines what it means to live as a holy people—those who are in the world but not of it. He calls us to live as people set apart, distinct from the world’s values, even while residing within it.
As we continue studying 1 Peter, we will primarily focus on what it means to live holy lives. Holy living is:
- Resisting evil (1 Pet. 2:1-11).
- Submitting to authority (1 Pet. 2:13-25).
- Wives submitting to husbands (1 Pet. 3:1-6).
- Husbands honoring wives (1 Pet. 3:7).
- Not render evil with evil (1 Pet. 3:8-22).
- Being stewards of God’s grace (1 Pet. 4:1-11).
- Rejoicing in suffering (1 Pet. 4:12-19).
- Elders shepherding the flock (1 Pet. 5:1-4).
- Members submitting to the elders (1 Pet. 5:6-11).
The Gospel
Peter grounds this call to holiness in the gospel. We don’t pursue holiness to earn God’s favor; we pursue holiness because, through the gospel, we already have His favor.
“And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God” (1 Pet. 1:17-21).
Those who are drawn to this gospel message and pursue holiness are those who have experienced the new birth. They are people who have been born again.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet. 1:3-5).
“...since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Pet. 1:23).
Peter wanted the Christians living in exile to remember that they are people of the new birth.
But what does it mean to be "born again"? Jesus addressed this very question in a conversation with a religious leader of His time, Nicodemus, who was perplexed by the concept. Nicodemus approached Jesus, acknowledging that there was something extraordinary about Him and His works. While his exact motives for coming are not entirely clear, his curiosity was evident.
Jesus, however, went straight to the core issue, declaring, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). This statement left Nicodemus confused, as it seemed to introduce a new teaching. He asked, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (John 3:4).
In response, Jesus explained, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:5-8).
To be "born again" is to be “born of water and the Spirit.” This idea points to a truth taught by the prophet Ezekiel, as Jesus later rebuked Nicodemus for not understanding it. Ezekiel describes this new birth in Ezekiel 36:25-27.
“I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
This passage encapsulates what it means to be born again: a spiritual transformation brought about by the cleansing work of God and the indwelling of His Spirit.
Peter reminded the Christians that they had been given a new heart, and a new spirit had been placed within them. This new birth was made possible through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many people say, “Jesus died so that we can live.” However, that’s not how the Bible frames it. The Bible teaches that Jesus died so that we might die, and He rose again so that we might live.
Our new birth is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is why it is described as a new birth into a living hope—a hope anchored in the resurrected Christ, who is now the ascended King, ruling and reigning over all nations, including Rome in that time and America today.
As people of the new birth, our hope is in Christ and in our future inheritance. This inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us and guarded by God’s power. Exiles have hope because we have been born again and are guaranteed this future inheritance.
The new birth is intricately tied to the Word of God. This is why preaching is so vital and why we desire for people to sit under the proclamation of God’s Word. It is through this appointed means that God brings life to those who are spiritually dead.
Trials Will Come
People with a new heart, striving for holiness while living in a foreign land, will undoubtedly face their share of troubles. Trials are inevitable.
Peter wanted the exiles to understand that these trials would persist. Living in a land that rejects God and His Word brings suffering for those who follow Him.
“6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look” (1 Pet. 1:6-12).
Various trials had grieved the people, but Peter reminded them that these trials served a purpose: to test their faith and prove its genuineness. Just as gold is tested by fire, true faith is refined and shines brighter when exposed to the flames of adversity. In contrast, fake faith—like fool’s gold (pyrite) or alloys of brass, iron, or copper—darkens or changes under fire. Genuine faith, however, becomes radiant through trials, bringing praise, honor, and glory to Jesus Christ.
A vivid example of this is found in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three young Hebrew men, living as exiles, had been elevated to high positions in the Babylonian government. Despite their prominence, they remained steadfast in their obedience to God, which brought them into direct conflict with the ruling powers.
King Nebuchadnezzar erected a grand statue and decreed that everyone must bow down and worship it whenever music played. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused, as their allegiance was to the living God. Their defiance enraged Nebuchadnezzar, and he ordered them to be thrown into a fiery furnace as punishment.
Yet, these men trusted in God, and when they were cast into the furnace, the angel of the Lord came to their aid, protecting them from harm. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and they emerged unscathed. In that moment, the glory of God shone brightly, leading the foreign leaders to acknowledge and praise the true God.
29 Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon” (Dan. 3:1-30).
This illustrates how we are called to live: obeying God, rejoicing in the trials that come, and rejoicing even more when those trials strengthen our faith and testify to God’s glory before others.
Friends, as exiles, we are called to holiness.
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