Peter has already mentioned our "stay" or sojourn in this world (1Pe 1:17). Now he comes back to that idea, describing us as "sojourners and pilgrims" (1Pe 2:11). A sojourner is a stranger on a journey who passes through a certain place. A pilgrim is a sojourner whose journey moreover is for a holy purpose and to a holy place. Peter is making a very strong point here, that we do not belong in this world. We are only passing through. We belong in another place, our holy and heavenly home. This is how we should see ourselves.
Of course, as Peter points out, while we are in this world we should...
Not get caught up in the practices of the world but "abstain from fleshly lusts" which are opposed to the purpose of our journey (1Pe 2:11).
Set an "excellent" example to the people of the world we are passing through (1Pe 2:12) even though at first they may oppose us and not make us welcome among them.
Obey the laws and authorities of this world order, so that the world will have nothing to accuse us of (1Pe 2:13-15,17). We should refuse to obey a law only when we know it is against "the will of God" and not "doing right" (1Pe 2:15).
Peter now balances what he has just said, and introduces what he is going to say to slaves. He calls us "free men" (1Pe 2:16). In this world others beside ourselves have rights over our bodies. Our bodies are severally owned.
God owns them, because he is their creator (Rom 12:1-3).
We own them, because they are our tents for our sojourn (2Co 5:1-9).
Our spouses own them because they are intimate sharers with us (1Co 7:2-5).
Our masters own them (1Pe 2:18). (This principle applies especially to slaves. In Australia we are not slaves. However, if we are employees, then our employers own our bodies to the degree that they pay us for their use).
Our spirits, however, are free. The power and truth of this concept has been demonstrated in that it has helped many people survive and overcome the worst abuses and deprivations at the hands of cruel masters. At all times we regard ourselves as free spirits under God and bound only to him. However we do not let that fact make us arrogant or rebellious. Rather, we submit to every legitimate institution of this world "for the Lord's sake" (1Pe 2:13).
Part 1 (first three things)