1 Peter 1:14
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Peter addresses predominantly Gentile readers (see references to former pagan lifestyle in 1:18; 4:3-4). Before conversion, they lived according to pagan culture's values—sensuality, materialism, idolatry, self-gratification—in spiritual ignorance. Paul similarly describes Gentiles' pre-conversion state in Ephesians 4:17-19. Peter's prohibition counters cultural accommodation—believers must not conform to surrounding paganism despite social pressure. In Roman Asia Minor, Christians faced intense pressure to participate in civic religious festivals, trade guild ceremonies involving idol worship, and popular entertainment (games, theater) celebrating immorality. Refusing participation brought economic loss and social ostracism. Peter insists: Christ-followers cannot be shaped by culture's sinful patterns. This requires conscious resistance, active non-conformity—Rom 12:2's "be not conformed to this world." Early Christian counter-cultural lifestyle attracted both persecution (from those offended by Christian rejection of pagan practices) and converts (attracted by Christian moral purity and love).
Questions for Reflection
- What specific 'former lusts' or sinful patterns from your pre-Christian life still tempt you to conformity, and how are you actively resisting them?
- How does your identity as a 'child of obedience' rather than 'child of disobedience' motivate pursuit of holiness?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter develops the holiness theme, first addressing identity: "as obedient children" (hōs tekna hypakoēs, ὡς τέκνα ὑπακοῆς)—literally "children of obedience," a Hebraism indicating those characterized by obedience. This contrasts with former identity as "children of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2). Believers' new nature as God's children produces obedient response to Father's will. The negative command follows: "not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance" (mē syschēmatizomenoi tais proteron en tē agnoia hymōn epithymiais, μὴ συσχηματιζόμενοι ταῖς πρότερον ἐν τῇ ἀγνοίᾳ ὑμῶν ἐπιθυμίαις). The verb syschēmatizō (συσχηματίζω) means to conform to a pattern, fashion oneself according to a mold. Believers must not let "former lusts" shape their lives. "Former" (proteron, πρότερον) emphasizes pre-conversion lifestyle's pastness—it's over, finished. These desires characterized "your ignorance" (tē agnoia hymōn, τῇ ἀγνοίᾳ ὑμῶν)—the state of not knowing God or His truth that preceded salvation. "Lusts" (epithymiais, ἐπιθυμίαις) encompasses all sinful desires, not merely sexual—greed, pride, selfish ambition, revenge, idolatry. Peter's point: regeneration changes not just standing (justification) but character (sanctification). Former desires shouldn't control those born again.