Just because we do the right things doesn't mean the world will readily accept us, in fact, in today's world the opposite might just be true.  How should we handle it when we suffer for Jesus' sake?

How are Christian spouses supposed to treat their spouses, especially when their spouse is not a believer?  What can stand in the way of answered prayer?  Peter addresses these issues - all relative to how we live our lives in Christ, especially in regards to our spouses.

How is the Christian supposed to respond to authority, especially when that authority is abusive and even stands against Christian values?  Peter answers this question in today's passage. 

In Christ, God has a design for what we are to become in this world.  This isn't speaking to specific calling for each of our lives, but it is speaking of the general calling for all Christians.

Because of all that Christ has done for us, we are called to live in the fullness, in the holiness that God has for us in Christ.  Christ paid the extreme price, and we are called to action as a result.

Peter was familiar with trials, but he also knew Jesus.  Who better to inspire our faith by reminding us of the outcome of our faith?  May your faith result in expressible and glorious joy, even in the midst of life's trials.  Your one job - Trust God!  It is God's part to work on your behalf as you trust him!

Today we gain a little historical background into the book of 1 Peter.  To whom did he write?  What was their situation?  What encouragement does the opening salutation of an Apostle bring? 

Acts abruptly ends, at least the recorded record of the Acts of the Apostles; however, God's Acts continue today.  How is God at work in your life and around the world?  How will you join with God in what He is doing?

All the way up the court system of Rome, Paul's constantly kept his trust in Christ and his witness was consistent - Jesus is the Christ, the only means of salvation.  How do we do on trial?  In the midst of life's storms (in Paul's case a literal one), we must keep our eyes on Jesus.  One other key practice of life is to turn to view things circumspectly.  Don't know what I mean?  Listen.

The Apostle Paul presents an amazing example of staying cool under pressure and presenting a solid case.  In the midst of it all, he continues to uphold in his life and unfold with his lips his testimony of Jesus.  May we always be prepared to do the same.