Peter is writing to believers facing persecution under the Emperor Nero. They are called to live a different life in Christ while the Roman culture valued different ideals and philosophies. … Nero was one of the most feared and harshest rulers the world has seen. He killed some of his wives and his mother as well as many others in cruel ways. Under Nero, the persecution of Christians flourished.

1. Seek Holiness (1 Peter 1:13-16).

1. Prepare for action. … Preparing for action requires making a plan. We have plans for everything: TV, Internet, cell phones, etc. However, when it comes to our spiritual growth, we often lack a plan. With no plan, it is easier to backslide into sin. We have to plan to seek holiness and live righteous lives. … Our enemy, Satan, has a plan against us. We need one against him. Satan challenges the Truth of God’s Word and then we begin to question it as well. We need a plan to defend against that, and the strategy that helps the most there is knowing scripture and knowing what it means.

2. Our highest calling is to be holy. … Satan wants us to think that our highest calling is to be happy, but the Bible is clear that we need to be Holy.

2. Live Fearfully (1 Peter 1:17).

1. Have a reverential fear of God. … We should fear God out of respect as He is our King. This is a respectful and loving fear, not a terrified fear.

2. Knowing Christ is the path to living Holy (1 Peter 1:18-21). … Christ is the only reason we have a chance to live a holy life. Our Faith in Him is what can transform us into new creations.

3. Love Deeply (1 Peter 1:22-25).

1. Have sincere love. … Love purely and deeply. Have a love so sincere that you rejoice in helping each other.

2. Love differently. … We are called to love each other sincerely, to the point where we are different from the rest of the world. Love even those who do not show love in return. Love people even when it doesn’t help you.