Peter does not give detail of these “passions” in the present passage (but does hint at some examples in 1 Peter 4:3). The fact is that before Peter’s readers were “born again” (1 Peter 1:3) they followed a manner of living that kept them in step with what was socially acceptable in their community. As being outside the womb places different expectations and opportunities upon a child than being inside the womb, so too being born again invariably leads to different patterns of behaviour than when you still embraced “your former ignorance.” Expectations pre-birth had one conform to an ungodly lifestyle, while expectations post-birth require you to conform to a God-centered lifestyle. That difference, obviously, sets you apart from the community and makes you a sojourner and exile (1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 2:11).
14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,