1 Peter concerns Christians living in a non-Christian world during a time of great persecution. Apostle Peter encouraged them to persevere in the midst of severe persecutions for they have Jesus as an example. Jesus was persecuted and suffered greatly. These Christians faced the temptations of returning to their old ways of sin. Persecutions must not be an excuse for unholy living (1 Pet 1:15). Hence, Apostle Peter encouraged them to continue to live a holy life. It is not only important to understand doctrinal principles, Christians have also to put these into practice and live holy lives.

Christians live in a difficult and dangerous world that is getting from bad to worse. The world will make it difficult for us in both active ways (cause inconvenience to us or even take our lives) and passive ways. We are in the world but not of the world. We need to be distinct and separated from this hostile world.

Our comfort is in the following:

1. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God : God elected us before the foundation of the world and is personal and intimate. “Foreknowledge” means that God knows us even before we are born and He chose us out of His own purpose. The scattering may be out of persecutions but it is for the gospel’s sake.

2. Elect through sanctification of the Spirit : The world will try to seduce us (through money, position, etc). Our comfort is in our continuous sanctification by the Spirit. “Sanctified” has the idea of being set apart for holy use and is an ongoing process of separating us from sin and unto God. There will be oppositions and temptations, but we overcome them by yielding ourselves to the sanctified work of the Spirit.

3. Elect unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ : There is no sin that Christ’s blood cannot cleanse. We are to live as “strangers” (foreigners) in this world. We are just sojourners/pilgrims in this world. Do not get attached to the things of this world. There must be a difference in the way we live. We can be a testimony for Christ if the world sees this difference. We are to be obedient to God. Our will and desires must be in accordance to the will and desires of God. We must be prepared to give up what is most important to us if that is God’s will. As we obey, God grants multiplied grace and peace.