Peter acknowledges the enemy behind our suffering - Satan. He helps us to understand how to endure suffering victoriously. We find that it is not so much about our efforts, as it is our hope in the precious promises of God.

In this passage we see that God heals His flock through humility. Each of us must put on humility in order to fully experience God's help through our trials, for God gives grace to the humble.

Peter, an elder himself, makes it abundantly clear that God cares for hurting people through the local church, and specifically through elders who minister like Christ. Elders serve as shepherds and overseers under the authority of Christ - the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.

Peter summarizes much of his teaching about suffering for being a Christian. This succinct verse provides memorable advice for those situations in which God may allow us to suffer - even when we did the right thing!

Suffering is a normal part of life on a fallen earth, yet it often surprises us. Peter reminds us, in 1 Peter 4:12-18, not to be surprised by it, but rather to rejoice in it and use it as an opportunity to glorify God!

In light of the fact that the end of this earthly life is near, Peter gives some timely instruction about how we should live. We find that the closeness of Jesus' return dictates the way we live from day to day, in light of His coming!

Here we learn why the mindset of Jesus Christ arms us - fully prepares us - to face the hurts of this life. As we adopt His thinking we find ourselves equipped to walk in the will of God - doing good - even if we have to suffer for it! To live as God's people in this world, we must arm ourselves with Jesus' mindset.

Christ walked in God's will and proved that God's will results in good. He suffered - the just for the unjust - and provided salvation and is exalted above every creature as a result! The pathway to glory involves suffering, and there is great hope for us as we follow in His steps.

From this passage we will consider the ways that hope helps us to do what is right, even when we suffer. Suffering is a reality of this life, but with a living hope in Christ we can continue to do what is right - we can honor the Lord Jesus Christ. As we do what's right, even when we suffer, we have the opportunity display our hope and bring praise to Christ.

This passage reminds us who we are called to be in our character, in our actions - returning blessing even when treated poorly, and that all of this is accomplished in and through us with God's help.