1. 1 Peter 3

2. The point of this lifestyle of holiness is that it is the mark of the foreign values of God’s Kingdom people in this worldly context. Holiness indicates that something is different (Hebrew Qodesh, Greek Hagios, Latin Sanctus), when used of God it is because He is naturally different than everything else in the universe, when used of us it is because we are His.

3. Peter continues his encouragement to the readers in reminding them that holiness is special- it will create certain difference in their naturally occurring relationships as well as totally redefine them when they interact with each other according to God’s ways and priorities. We have been changed by Him, therefore we bring that change everywhere. “People don’t change,” is a binding lie.

4. Peter once more cycles back to his main theme of suffering well- there is no pity party thrown, no “woe is me,” no Porky Pig “I hate my life,” but rather the encouragement that the eternal hope outweighs any present distress and people will take note of a lifestyle like that!

5. Lastly we are reminded of the tremendous victory that is ours in Christ. All present hardship is given meaning by opening doors to share the Christian hope. The fear of suffering for the wrong we’ve done dissipates in God’s forgiveness. The anxiety about death that costs many people peace of mind and the wonderment that surrounds a post-death existence are both answered in the resurrection of Christ Himself. God withholds nothing from His people.