| 1. Suffering is a standard part of Christian experience. | 1:8, 12; 2:3, 9; 3:11–12; 4:5, 14–18 |
| 2. The Christian response to suffering is faithful perseverance by God’s power. | 1:8; 2:1, 11–13; 4:1–8 |
| 3. The gospel is the ground for the Christian’s endurance. | 1:9–11; 2:8–10 |
| 4. The Scriptures have power to save and preserve. | 2:15; 3:15–17; 4:1–2 |
| 5. True believers will persevere; failure to persevere proves one is not converted. | 2:11–13, 19; 3:14; 4:7, 10 |
| 6. False teaching is deadly and must be dealt with firmly. | 2:16–18, 23–26; 3:1–9; 4:3–5 |