1 Peter 3:13-4:19.  Peter encourages believers to face the times they are in with complete devotion to Christ.

1. God may allow them to face challenges to their faith.  As living devotees, them must honor Christ the Lord as holy, and always be prepared to defend their faith with gentleness and respect (3;13-17).
2. Baptism is a reminder for living devotees that the challenges will be overcome by God’s power, not ours – as it was in the days of Noah – as it was in the resurrection of Christ (3:18-22).
3. Suffering is a reminder that the end is near.  It should spur us on to love as we should, and to use our spiritual gifts as stewards of God’s grace.  The judgment that begins at the household of God will soon come upon those who do not obey the gospel (4:1-19).

LORD,  help us to respond to suffering as those who are completely devoted to you.  May we entrust our souls to our faithful creator and continue to do good.