Dave Rich explores how believers can engage critics through godly living that demonstrates their identity in Christ. The passage reveals that Christians, though beloved by God and united in Christ, live as sojourners and exiles in a world that opposes them. By abstaining from fleshly lusts and maintaining excellent conduct among unbelievers, Christians adorn the gospel message. This approach to converting the critics involves internal warfare against sin while displaying observable righteousness that may lead to the salvation of those who initially slander believers as evildoers.
The process of converting the critics requires consistent Christian character that flows from union with Christ, ultimately glorifying God when former opponents respond positively to the gospel. Through this faithful witness, believers participate in converting the critics by demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel through their conduct.

In this sermon on 1 Peter 2:9, Dave Rich emphasizes the Christian's identity and calling to proclaim His excellencies. He explains that believers are a chosen family, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God's own possession. This new identity empowers and obligates believers to proclaim His excellence in word and deed. Rich reminds us that who we are in Christ determines what we do for Christ.

God is fully sovereign, ordaining all that comes to pass—including every human action and thought, even sinful ones. In this passage, Peter reassures his readers by showing that their persecutors' actions are not beyond God's sovereign will. This all-encompassing sovereignty offers profound comfort to the suffering believer's soul.