1-2 Peter: Chosen People in an Alien World

   Peter writes to the elect, those who are strangers in the world, but chosen and redeemed by God through his son. You are not like the world, he tells them.  You are chosen, and you are now aliens and strangers in the world. 

     But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. - 1 Peter 2:9-10

   Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. - 1 Peter 2:9-12 NIV

   Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, - 1 Peter 3:15 NIV

   Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name - 1 Peter 5:12-16 NIV

Don't be surprised if they don't receive the message.  In fact you should expect it.  Don't fight back on the worlds terms.  Instead be humble, commit yourselves to the faithful Creator and continue to do good, in due time God's mighty hand will lift you up. make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. - 2 Peter 1 5-8 NIV

For your part, Peter tells them, be on your guard, that you don't get carried away by the error of lawless men, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You belong to God.  He called you out of darkness, so walk in the light.