This letter is written by Peter, one of Jesus’ followers, to Christians living in various regions of what we call Turkey today. The people Peter is writing to are suffering because they are Christians. Since they are suffering, they may be considering abandoning their faith and returning to the way they used to live. That would allow them to fit in with everyone else and avoid suffering. Peter reminds them they have a future hope in heaven, and they would be foolish to abandon their faith because of temporary suffering.
All Christians have suffered for their faith at some level. Suffering could be anything from insults to death. Most, in a moment of weakness, have tried to fit in to avoid being singled out. In light of how long eternity is compared to this life, it doesn’t make sense to try to fit in now by denying our eternal relationship with Jesus. How can you stand for Jesus today without regard for the consequences?