Suffering of all kinds have become badges of honour in our society. Enduring oppression on many fronts so you can live your truth is the narrative to partake in, even if we're not entirely sure what that means. Yet, according to 1 Peter, suffering for our faith is not so much our badge of honour, but an opportunity to honour God. How can we commend this strange suffering to a world that faces God's judgement for honouring themselves and not Him?

In light of the example of Christ's suffering, and the victory he has won for us that we saw last week, we see how Jesus' example shapes how we live for God in an unbelieving world that pushes back against us. We also see how Jesus' victory should give us an eternal mindset, and we see how Jesus' example shapes how we live in Christian community.

What happens when we are mistreated because of our good works? Peter takes up this question and points us to Christ who we are to follow as our example, and to fear as the Lord over all.

As we live as God's elect exiles in the world, what is the best strategy for making an impact on the world around us? In today's passage, Peter writes to those lacking power in the world, encouraging them to follow the example of Christ who did not sin, who did good to all, and who entrusted himself to God through all circumstances.

As we continue in 1 Peter, we are shown how God is building his church on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. As we come to Jesus we are given a new life and a new purpose to bring glory to God's name.

In the Christian life, knowing where you are going helps you to know what to be doing. As we began our series in 1 Peter last week we saw clearly that our destination is an imperishable inheritance, being kept for us by God in heaven. This week Peter spells out how we should live as God's elect exiles as we look toward our inheritance.

In 1 Peter, Peter writes to believers scattered in the world to remind them of their true home with God. Though we may often feel vulnerable or out of place in the culture around us, the status God has given us is chosen, secure, heirs of God's promises, and all of this is ours through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the last chapter of Thessalonians, we find a faithful fellowship of believers who will prayerfully support evangelism, obey the Apostles warnings to those who are idle and busybodies, and will not lose heart as they trust in the peace of Christ.

Today we continue in our series in 2 Thessalonians, knowing that the Thessalonians face trials from both outside the church and from within. Paul gives thanks to God for his great love, which has saved them, and urges them to stand firm in what they have so graciously received.

As we continue in our series in 2 Thessalonians, Paul addresses the believers' concern that they will miss out on the Day of the Lord. This is certainly a day not to be missed, and we hear how we can be certain about being there with the Lord.