While urging pastors to live humbly as patterns to others, and to be forward to preach and to watch, the apostle speaks of being partakers now - in some measure - in the glory of Christ to be revealed at the end. Here are the glories we taste even now.

'He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.'

We are not to think that bad treatment of believers is abnormal, says the apostle. It is bound to happen if our lives show Christ and salvation. Here is counsel for tried believers and how assurance is strengthened and God's promises are gloriously fulfilled.

In the light of the approaching end, the apostle gives duties to churches: (1) safe-mindedness; (2) watchfulness for prayer; (3) fervent love in the fellowship; (4) the exercise of all talents; (5) the earnestness and authority of preaching and teaching.

Peter here brings out the new mentality of believers through conversion, and how they have done with sin and the world, to conduct their precious remaining years to God's glory. Here is the distinction between today's worldly evangelicalism and a truly godly lifestyle.

When subjected to unreasonable and hostile acts, we pray. If God does not immediately relieve us, or there is no means of redress provided for us, then endurance is our calling. Here is love for enemies, and the example of the Saviour and of Noah.

The Lord's famous words to Martha, 'I am the resurrection and the life,' are required by him to be believed for salvation. Here are the life-giving features of the resurrection, and how these revived the flagging faith of doubting disciples.

'Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.'

To have a high view of Christ, and His divine attributes, in our heart is the greatest spur and personal preparation for making Christ known. Here is the duty of readiness, the manner of witness, and what is meant by giving 'a reason'.

A very striking and unusual exhortation commands our special attention. How do we 'sanctify' God in the heart? Is it Christ who is to be hallowed? What is meant by the 'heart'? Here is the believer's essential preparation for securing blessing in trials or witness.