1 Peter 1:14

KJV

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

KJV (with Strong's)

As {G5613} obedient {G5218} children {G5043}, not {G3361} fashioning yourselves according to {G4964} the former {G4386} lusts {G1939} in {G1722} your {G5216} ignorance {G52}:

Complete Jewish Bible

As people who obey God, do not let yourselves be shaped by the evil desires you used to have when you were still ignorant.

Berean Standard Bible

As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance.

American Standard Version

as children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in the time of your ignorance:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 1:14 issues a profound call to believers, urging them to embrace their new identity in Christ by living lives characterized by willing obedience to God. This command necessitates a decisive break from the patterns of behavior and desires that defined their pre-conversion existence, which was marked by spiritual ignorance. It underscores the transformative power of the gospel, demanding a lifestyle that reflects their new status as God's beloved children, distinct from the world's corrupting influences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within Peter's broader exhortation to holiness, which begins following his majestic declaration of the believer's "living hope" through Christ's resurrection in [1 Peter 1:3](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - The Living Hope"). Having established the secure foundation of their salvation and heavenly inheritance, Peter pivots to the practical implications of such a glorious reality. Verse 14 serves as a crucial bridge, linking the theological truths of their new birth to the ethical demands of their new life. It directly precedes the explicit command to "be holy, for I am holy" in [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness"), grounding this divine imperative in the believer's identity as "obedient children." The flow of thought moves from the *privilege* of salvation to the *responsibility* of sanctification, emphasizing that a transformed heart naturally leads to a transformed life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter addresses believers scattered across various Roman provinces in Asia Minor, a diverse group likely comprising both Jewish Christians and a significant number of Gentile converts. These believers faced various forms of social pressure and, in some cases, overt persecution for their faith. Their "former lusts" and "ignorance" ([1 Peter 1:14](/1_peter/1-14 "1 Peter 1:14 - Obedient Children")) refer to the pagan lifestyles and moral standards prevalent in the Greco-Roman world, which often included idolatry, sexual immorality, and self-indulgence. For Gentile converts, this was a radical departure from their inherited cultural norms. Peter's instruction reminds them that their conversion was not merely a change of belief but a fundamental reorientation of their entire lives, demanding a distinct counter-cultural witness in a society hostile to Christian values.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Peter. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **New Identity**; believers are no longer defined by their past but are now "obedient children" of God, reflecting a familial relationship that implies both love and submission. This new identity is a direct result of their new birth, as discussed in [1 Peter 1:23](/1_peter/1-23 "1 Peter 1:23 - Born Again"). Secondly, the theme of **Sanctification and Holiness** is central, as Peter calls them to actively resist conforming to worldly patterns and instead pursue a life set apart for God. This pursuit of holiness is not optional but a necessary outworking of their salvation, mirroring God's own character as revealed in [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy"). Thirdly, the contrast between **Past Ignorance and Present Knowledge** is prominent. Their former lives were driven by a lack of spiritual understanding and truth, but now, having received the light of the gospel, they are accountable to live according to God's revealed will, as Peter emphasizes the preciousness of their faith in [1 Peter 1:7](/1_peter/1-7 "1 Peter 1:7 - The Testing of Your Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **syschēmatízō (Greek, _syschēmatízō'_):** This verb, translated "fashioning yourselves according to," means "to fashion alike" or "to conform to the same pattern." It implies a superficial, outward conformity, suggesting a molding of oneself to an external standard or shape. Peter warns against allowing the "former lusts" to continue shaping their lives, highlighting that such conformity is contrary to the inner transformation expected of God's children.
* **epithymía (Greek, _epithymía'_):** Translated as "lusts," this term denotes a strong longing or desire. While it can be used neutrally, in the New Testament, it frequently refers to an inordinate or forbidden desire, often associated with sinful passions and cravings of the flesh. Peter uses it here to describe the unholy desires that characterized their lives before conversion, driven by a self-centered pursuit of pleasure or power.
* **ágnoia (Greek, _ágnoia'_):** This noun, rendered "ignorance," signifies a state of not knowing or understanding, particularly regarding divine truth and moral standards. It describes the spiritual blindness and lack of awareness of God's will that defined their pre-conversion existence. This ignorance is not merely a lack of information but a fundamental spiritual darkness that led to their former sinful patterns.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As obedient children":** This phrase establishes the new identity and disposition of believers. Having been born again into God's family, they are now His "children" (_téknon_), implying a loving, filial relationship. The descriptor "obedient" (_hypakoḗ_) highlights the expected response to this new relationship: a willing and attentive hearkening to the Father's voice, leading to compliance with His will. This contrasts sharply with their former rebellious or self-directed lives.
* **"not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts":** This is a strong negative command, urging believers to cease conforming to the patterns of their past. The word "fashioning yourselves" (_syschēmatízō_) implies a continuous process of being molded by something. Peter warns against allowing the "former lusts" (_epithymía_), the strong, often sinful, desires that dominated their pre-Christian lives, to dictate their behavior or worldview. It's a call to actively resist the gravitational pull of old habits and sinful inclinations.
* **"in your ignorance":** This clause provides the context and explanation for their "former lusts." Their pre-conversion lifestyle, driven by these unholy desires, was rooted in a state of "ignorance" (_ágnoia_)—a profound lack of knowledge concerning God's truth, His righteous character, and His moral demands. This ignorance rendered them spiritually blind and morally adrift. Now, having received the light of the gospel, such a lifestyle is no longer excusable or permissible.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several effective literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is **Exhortation**, as the verse functions as a direct command and appeal to the readers to live in a particular way. This is reinforced by the **Contrast** drawn between their past state ("former lusts in your ignorance") and their present identity ("obedient children"). This stark juxtaposition highlights the radical transformation wrought by salvation. The phrase "obedient children" serves as a **Metaphor**, portraying the believer's new relationship with God as that of a child to a parent, implying intimacy, dependence, and a natural inclination towards obedience. Furthermore, the verse subtly uses **Ethos** by appealing to the readers' new moral character as God's children, and **Pathos** by reminding them of the regrettable state of their past "ignorance," thereby motivating them towards a higher standard of living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Peter 1:14 is a foundational text for understanding Christian sanctification, emphasizing that salvation is not merely a one-time event but initiates a lifelong process of transformation. It underscores the profound shift in identity from being enslaved to sin and ignorance to becoming adopted children of God, called to reflect His holiness. This verse teaches that true faith inevitably leads to a changed life, where believers actively choose to renounce the desires and patterns of their former unregenerate state. It highlights the ethical imperative that flows from theological truth: because God is holy, His children must strive for holiness, not out of legalistic compulsion, but out of filial love and a desire to honor their Father. This active pursuit of righteousness is a tangible demonstration of their new birth and their allegiance to Christ.

* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")
* [Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put Off the Old Self, Put On the New")
* [Colossians 3:5-10](/colossians/3-5-10 "Colossians 3:5-10 - Put to Death Earthly Desires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 1:14 serves as a timeless call to intentional living for every believer. It challenges us to critically examine our desires and behaviors, asking whether they align with our identity as God's children or if we are still subtly "fashioning ourselves" according to the world's patterns or the lingering "lusts" of our past. True obedience is not merely outward conformity but an inward disposition that actively resists the pull of sinful cravings, recognizing that our former "ignorance" has been replaced by the illuminating truth of the gospel. This verse encourages a proactive pursuit of holiness, where we consciously choose to put off the old self and put on the new, allowing the Spirit to transform our minds and desires. It reminds us that our salvation demands a visible distinction from the world, a life that testifies to the reality of God's transforming power and our loving submission to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I still be "fashioning myself according to former lusts" rather than living as an obedient child of God?**
* **How does my understanding of God's truth (which replaces my former "ignorance") empower me to resist sinful desires and cultivate a life of obedience?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more fully embrace my identity as an "obedient child" and demonstrate a clear break from worldly patterns?**
* **How does my pursuit of holiness reflect my love and gratitude for God's saving grace?**

### FAQ

**What does "fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts" mean for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, "fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts" means allowing the desires, values, and behavioral patterns that characterized our lives before Christ to continue to shape our choices and identity. This isn't just about overt sin, but also about subtle conformity to worldly mindsets, consumerism, self-centered ambition, or casual attitudes towards morality that are contrary to God's will. Peter warns against a superficial Christianity that professes faith but fails to demonstrate a transformed lifestyle. Instead, believers are called to be [transformed by the renewing of their minds](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind"), actively resisting the gravitational pull of the old self and embracing their new identity in Christ.

**How does "ignorance" relate to "former lusts" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "in your ignorance" explains *why* the "former lusts" were so dominant in their lives. Before conversion, these individuals lacked a true understanding of God, His righteous standards, and the spiritual consequences of sin. This spiritual "ignorance" was not merely a lack of information but a profound spiritual blindness that led them to pursue selfish desires and live according to worldly values without knowing any better or understanding the divine implications. However, upon receiving the gospel, that ignorance is dispelled by the light of God's truth, making a return to those former ways inexcusable for those who now know Christ. This highlights the transformative power of divine revelation, which brings both light and accountability, as seen in [Acts 17:30](/acts/17-30 "Acts 17:30 - God Overlooked Times of Ignorance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 1:14, while a direct command to believers, finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowering source in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "obedient child" of God, perfectly embodying the very obedience Peter calls us to. From His submission to His Father's will in the garden of Gethsemane ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")) to His ultimate sacrifice on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), Jesus consistently refused to "fashion Himself according to former lusts" or the desires of a fallen world. He lived a life entirely free from "ignorance" of God's will, perfectly revealing the Father to humanity ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). Furthermore, it is through Christ's atoning work that believers are redeemed from their "former lusts" and the spiritual "ignorance" that once enslaved them ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Dead in Sins, Made Alive in Christ")). We are made "obedient children" not by our own effort, but by being united with Him, receiving His Spirit who empowers us to walk in newness of life and progressively conform to His image ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled")). Thus, the call to holiness in 1 Peter 1:14 is not a burdensome law, but a joyful response to the liberating grace found in Christ, who enables us to live out the very life of obedience He perfectly modeled.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 Peter 4:2

That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

1 Peter 4:3

For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Ephesians 2:2

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

1 Thessalonians 4:5

Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: