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This verse is taken from:
1 Peter 2. 1-3
“search the scriptures” John 5:39
The word ‘therefore’, RV, at the beginning of the chapter naturally reminds the reader of the truths developed in the opening chapter, namely the glories of our salvation, and the obligations that necessarily flow from it. Already in that chapter, ‘unfeigned love of the brethren’ has been encouraged, 1. 22, indicating a change of focus towards the consideration of the collective privileges of the people of God.
In view of our high calling, Peter indicates that there are habits characteristic of the old pre-conversion life which must now be put away. ‘Malice’ is literally wickedness, a broad term denoting the manifold evils of the pagan world. ‘Guile’ means lack of straightforwardness, deviousness in our dealings - how unlike our blessed Lord, 2. 22! ‘Hypocrisies’ is a theatrical word and means acting a part, giving an outward impression at odds with inward reality. ‘Envies’ proved disruptive even among the twelve apostles, Matt 20. 24, and perennially so for the church of God. ‘And all evil speakings’ - the repetition of the significant word ‘all’ is noteworthy here. How easily we rationalise our indulgence in disparaging tittle-tattle and gossip, whilst roundly condemning it in others! On the contrary, God desires us to be radical and thorough in rejecting every harmful manifestation of our old nature.
It is important to notice that the unworthy things to be put away are not restricted to the blatant evils of the world. Deviousness and envy are likewise injurious to true Christian fellowship. Neither is Peter fixated on prohibitions. New life initiated by the word of God, 1. 23, must be nourished, so these urgent imperatives must be balanced by the positive, wholesome desire for the ‘sincere milk of the word (of God), that ye may grow thereby’. If in the case of envy we may recognise an evil desire, here is a positive objective: ‘long for’ that pure, unadulterated spiritual milk.
May we learn to examine ourselves to discern and reject what God hates, whilst constantly feeding upon the word of God, and thereby reflecting the joyful fact that we have, indeed, tasted that the Lord is gracious.
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