1 Peter 2–3

“Ye Are a Chosen Generation”

A group of young woman sit outside and socialize.

Have you ever been asked why you believe in certain gospel truths? The Apostle Peter encouraged the Saints to always be ready to testify of truth and reminded them of their divine heritage (see 1 Peter 2:9; 3:15). This lesson can help you understand the importance of being a faithful example of Jesus Christ and provides opportunities to practice responding to others about your faith.

Words that describe followers of Jesus Christ

Has anyone ever noticed that you do things differently because you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
What are your experiences with this?
How do you feel about being different from many other people in the world?

As you study today, ponder why and how the Lord wants His followers to stand out and be different.

A peculiar people

Read 1 Peter 2:9, looking for how Peter described the Saints in his time.

What stands out to you?
What do these words suggest about how Heavenly Father feels about you?

Today, the word peculiar often means “different” or “distinct.” Although the Lord desires His followers to be different from the world, in Peter’s day peculiar may have had a different meaning.

President Russell M. Nelson taught:

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term from which peculiar was translated is segullah, which means “valued property,” or “treasure.” In the New Testament, the Greek term from which peculiar was translated is peripoiesis, which means “possession,” or “an obtaining.”

Thus, we see that the scriptural term peculiar signifies “valued treasure,” “made” or “selected by God.” For us to be identified by servants of the Lord as his peculiar people is a compliment of the highest order.

(Russell M. Nelson, “Children of the Covenant,” Ensign, May 1995, 34)

How do you feel knowing that God sees you as a distinct and valued treasure?

Read 1 Peter 2:9–12, looking for insights into how you can be different from the world.

What did you find?
According to verse 12, how can we influence others?

One truth that we can identify from these verses is that God calls His Saints to be distinct from the world so others can see their example and glorify God.

Silently ponder the following statements and rate yourself from 1 to 5, with 5 meaning that you fully agree.

Others easily recognize me as a follower of Jesus Christ.
As a follower of the Savior, I am okay with being different from the rest of the world.

Why is it sometimes difficult to be different from those around you?
What are some things we can do to help us feel more comfortable being peculiar and distinct from the world?
What are some examples from your life or the scriptures that show how being different from the world helped others come closer to God?

If available, watch the video “Unto All the World: Despoina’s Story” (3:12) or “Something Different About Us: Example” (2:51), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, to see how a young person helped others come closer to Jesus Christ by being distinct from the world.

Always be ready

Peter wrote his epistle during a time of severe persecution and apostasy. It was difficult to be a Christian back then, just as it can be difficult to be a follower of Jesus Christ today. However, we can help others feel the joy of living the gospel when we are willing to share what we know and feel. Using the following two statements, assess your preparation to share your faith with others. Use the same scale of 1 to 5.

I want to share my faith in Jesus Christ and testimony with others.
I am confident in my ability to explain my faith and answer questions about the Savior’s gospel.

Read 1 Peter 3:14–15, looking for Peter’s counsel on sharing our faith with others.

How would you summarize Peter’s teachings in your own words?
How do Jesus Christ and His gospel give you hope?
How can being ready and willing to talk about the Savior and His gospel bless others?

One effective way to “be ready always” (1 Peter 3:15) is simply to practice how you might respond to questions and observations about your behavior, beliefs, or the Church itself.

Writing on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil.

Optional: Want to Learn More?

1 Peter 2:9. How do Peter’s teachings relate to members of the Church in our dispensation?

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) shared how Peter’s teachings relate to Church members in our dispensation. Watch “A Chosen Generation,” available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, from time code 13:47–17:37.

Sister Becky Craven of the Young Women General Presidency taught:

We do not lower our standards to fit in or to make someone else feel comfortable. We are disciples of Jesus Christ, and as such we are about elevating others, lifting them to a higher, holier place where they too can reap greater blessings. …

Can others easily see His image in our countenance and know who we represent by the way we carefully conduct our lives?

As a covenant people, we are not meant to blend in with the rest of the world. We have been called “a peculiar people” ( 1 Peter 2:9)—what a compliment! As the influences of the world increasingly embrace the evil, we must strive with all diligence to stay firmly on the path that leads us safely to our Savior, widening the distance between our covenant living and worldly influences.

(Becky Craven, “Careful versus Casual,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 10)

How can I prepare and respond effectively when asked about my beliefs?

President Russell M. Nelson taught:

As followers of Jesus Christ, each of you can live in accord with His teachings. You can have “a pure heart and clean hands”; you can have “the image of God engraven upon your [countenance].” Your good works will be evident to others. The light of the Lord can beam from your eyes. With that radiance, you had better prepare for questions. The Apostle Peter so counseled, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).

Let your response be warm and joyful. And let your response be relevant to that individual. Remember, he or she is also a child of God, that very God who dearly wants that person to qualify for eternal life and return to Him one day. You may be the very one to open the door to his or her salvation and understanding of the doctrine of Christ.

(Russell M. Nelson, “Be Thou an Example of the Believers,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 48)

What if I am embarrassed about standing up for my beliefs?

In the video “Dare to Stand Alone” (4:20), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) shares an account from his military training about having the courage to stand up for his beliefs, even when he felt alone.