Peter continues to describe the way these sojourners - the people of God - should live in a hostile world. Here he addresses the home. He instructs both wives and husbands - and by extension all men and women - to 'follow in His steps' and display their hope in God, even when life hurts.

We see Jesus' example as the One who suffered for doing good, and took it patiently. We are to "follow in His steps" when we suffer for doing good.

Here we see God's grace to help us submit and endure suffering, even when we are treated wrongfully! God sees and gives grace - both now and in the future.

It's the age-old question for Christians: "How do we live in in the World, but not of the world?" Peter has just explained that when we believe in Jesus, we become God's children. We become His people, with access to Him, and a call to holy living. We have a new home. This is all wonderful! But when the rubber meets the road - how do we live today among people who are not God's children? Live out the New Life in the midst of the Old.

Peter continues to help hurting believers by turning their focus to Christ. In this specific passage, he teaches about Jesus Christ the living stone. When believers come to Jesus the living stone, we gain stability and grow in our new life in Christ.

The Word is God's tool to grow us. So, no matter what we face in this life, we must crave the Word. We must long for the life-giving Word of God so that we can grow!

Peter continues to explain how a child of God lives in a hostile world, with hope. Because they have been born again, they are to love one another with a pure and fervent love. A love that is grown from the eternal Word of God through the gospel. Only the Word of God can produce this kind of love and give hope when life hurts.

This passage is the closing section of Peter's description of what it means to live as children saved by the Father. We will consider together what it means to honor the Father with reverent fear and how we live that way.

Peter explains how to live in light of our salvation - this new birth that has made us children of the Father. As His children we should have confidence (hope) in his grace, and imitate His holiness.

Consider the glory of God's salvation - the incredible design of God's plan to pour out his grace. It has captivated prophets and angels through the ages. Join us as we marvel at God's salvation of sinners.