Erlo Stegen emphasizes the real danger facing the Church, which is not external persecution like that from Nero, but rather the internal threat of disunity and false teachings. He highlights how Peter's letters address both the comfort needed during external trials and the more insidious dangers from within the Church. Stegen points out that lack of unity among believers hinders the Church's testimony to the world, as Jesus prayed for His followers to be one. He stresses that true unity and love among brethren, made possible by Christ living within us, is essential for a powerful witness. The sermon calls for self-examination and repentance for any role in fostering disunity.