God is forming us into a morally transformed - and therefore countercultural - community.

In the face of hostility, the church is to be a community that does not fear, that trusts the Lord, and gives voice to the hope that they have. They can do this because Jesus himself has already defeated all evil and hostile forces and thus assured their victory and vindication as well.

Peter encourages the church living in exile to respond to mistreatment as Jesus did—instead of repaying evil for evil or reviling for reviling, we should bless those who mistreat us.

Based on the pattern of the cross, Peter encourages the church to lay aside their power and submit to others with respect and honor.

As we taste and see that the Lord is good, our desires get overhauled and renovated and God builds us up together, like living stones, into a spiritual house of worship.

What does it mean to live as a Holy people in exile? What does it mean to be a Holy people? Peter is writing the church to help them understand what it means to be a set-apart community who is living out the mission of God. In a age of hyper individualism, Peter shows us a new way in our new birth.

God is creating a community that lives in light of its future hope—an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. This living hope gives us a new perspective and a unique resiliency in the face of trials and difficulties.