Key Verse. “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”

Because Jesus is raised from the dead, Peter asserts, their hope in Jesus is not a wish—it is as alive as He is. Their inheritance as God's children is eternal, full of glory, and secured forever. God Himself is guarding them! Even in their suffering, which is all too real and causes sadness, Christians benefit.

In verse 1, Peter describes the ways in which we fail to give love to each other. He writes that we must get rid of these five attitudes and actions which oppose love. In every case, they represent a choice to focus on my benefit over and above the interests of someone else.

First Peter focuses on the importance of believers bearing up under unjust suffering yet continuing to live well (1 Peter 2:20). In this way, 1 Peter might be called the Job of the New Testament, providing encouragement for the true believer to continue on in the way that Jesus has laid out for all His followers.