We continue in 1Peter in our discussion of faith and the living a Christian life in a sinful world.

Peter continues to talk on how it will not be easy to put your faith out there and there will be trials set forth through persecution because of your faith. In his day their faith in Christ and God led to their own persecutions and martyrdom. In our own day these trials are just as present, even the death part, maybe not in the United States but there are many countries that restrict or outlaw Christians and yes some will even maim and murder. Peter points out that these trials are something to gain joy out of, as they are the lesson that is provided by God as we continue down our path of righteousness and that we should not deviate no matter how hard the trial may be. 

1Peter 3:17  For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.