Even though we are persecuted, poor, and despised in the sight of others for following Christ, in reality we are rich because of what God has done for us in Christ. Peter started his letter by emphasizing the true wealth of all followers of Christ:

THE WEALTH GOD HAS GIVEN US

A Second Birth (1:3)

An Undying Hope (1:4)

A Guaranteed Inheritance (1:4-9)

An Awesome Rescue (1:10-12,17-21)

A High Honor (2:4-12)

An Inspiring Teacher (2:21-23)

A Life-Changing Lord (2:24-25)

A Pre-Announced Victory (3:18-22)

THE DISTINCTION GOD WANTS FOR US

Then, in the light of all God has done for us, Peter urged his readers to distinguish themselves as God’s people. We are to be identified in the world by these distinctions:

A Family Love (1:22–2:1; 3:8-12)

A Spiritual Thirst (2:2-3)

An Enlightened Submission (2:11-18)

An Admirable Endurance (2:18-20; 3:13-17)

A Healthy Home (3:1-7)

An Eternal Perspective (4:1-19)

A Unifying Relationship (5:1-11)