Peter tells us: "Sober up!" "Wake up!" "Resist the Devil!" He says these things not to frighten us, but to enlighten us and give us the strength we need to face what lies ahead in these last days.

God is calling His people not to imitate the world but to be imitators of Christ and of God. In these last days, we are to be awake, to be alert to what God has revealed, and to be consistent in our daily walk.

Christians should not be surprised when they suffer for the name of Jesus; rather, they should count it a privilege to participate in the suffering of Christ, and a reminder of the joy to come when His full glory is revealed!

1 Peter 4:1-11 reminds us that because of all Christ has done for us, we should leave sinful desires behind and live our lives according to God's will.

1 Peter 3:18-22 assures persecuted believers that just as Jesus' teaching, life, ministry, and sacrificial death were vindicated by His resurrection, so there will be vindication for those who hold fast to faith and life in Him!

When faced with persecution, we can give witness to the Lord Jesus Christ by refusing to return evil for evil, by answering questions in faith and humility, and by living such godly lives that false accusers are put to shame.

1 Peter 3:1-7 calls on Christian wives and husbands to practice what they believe. Everything in marriage is to done for the sake of Christ, following the example of His love for His church.

Why did Jesus compare some people to sheep and others to goats? Though these animals seem very similar, they are distinctly different, and the reasons are astounding! So which are you: A sheep? Or a goat?

Jesus, through His life's example, shows us how we are to relate to others, even those who misuse their authority over us. All of us are servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we are to willingly and wholeheartedly serve Him.

Rejoicing in the Lord -- Is it an empty exercise in futility? Or a source of strength found nowhere else?