1 Peter 4:1-2
1 Peter 4:1-2 (ESV): 1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
Song Recommendations:
There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood
Turn Your Eyes
Discussion Questions:
What does Peter want Christians to arm themselves with? How does this help?
How does it help to know that Jesus suffered too? Look to Heb. 4:15.
Why should we actually be encouraged when we “suffer in the flesh”?
1 Peter 3:21-22
1 Peter 3:21-22 (ESV): 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
Song Recommendations:
Isaiah 43
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
Discussion Questions:
Peter says baptism corresponds to this. What is he referring to?
What are some of the ways Jesus is like Noah’s ark? What are some of the ways He’s different?
What happens in your baptism? What do you say to God? What does God say to you?
How does your baptism give you hope in trying times?
1 Peter 3:18-20
1 Peter 3:18-20 (ESV): 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.
Song Recommendations:
Christ Is Risen
All Must Be Well
Discussion Questions:
When you are hurting, what truths can help you be patient and endure the pain?
Seeing what Peter says about Jesus, should we always expect for life to be fair? Why not?
Peter uses Jesus and Noah as examples of why we should wait patiently when suffering. What are things you experience that will not always be this way? What are things that you need to face with patience and with hope?
1 Peter 3:13-17
1 Peter 3:13-17 (ESV): 13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
Song Recommendations:
Jesus Paid It All
I Know whom I Have Believed
Discussion Questions:
Why are Christian punished and persecuted for obeying God?
How should you respond when people make fun of or attack you for living according to God’s word?
What does Peter mean when he writes, “in your hearts honor Christ as holy”?
What is the hope all Christians have within them?
Why will Christians not be punished for their sins in eternity?
1 Peter 3:10-12
1 Peter 3:10-12 (ESV): 10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Song Recommendations:
Holy Spirit Living Breath of God
O Great God
Discussion Questions:
What are some versions of the “good life” or the “blessed life” that are very commonly portrayed in our culture? What versions are often the most appealing to you?
Why does Peter appeal to David as an example of someone who did not return evil for evil? Talk about some examples from the life of David.
Outside of 1 Peter 3:10-12, what are some other ways that the Bible portrays the truly blessed person?
1 Peter 3:8-9
1 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV): 8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
Song Recommendations:
Jesus I Come
O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus (traditional-ish)
O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
Discussion Questions:
Look at the 10 Commandments in Exodus 20 and choose one. Discuss what the floor and the ceiling would be for that commandment. Repeat as time and attention spans allow.
According to Peter, what’s the opposite of doing evil to others? What are some ways we can practically do this? How does the gospel of Jesus enable us to do the opposite of evil?
1 Peter 3:7
1 Peter 3:7 (ESV): Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Song Recommendations:
May the Mind of Christ My Savior
O Church Arise
Discussion Questions:
What does the husband/wife relationship look like in the movies and TV shows we watch?
For Peter, telling Christian husbands to "honor" their wives and that their wives were "heirs" with them was a radical thought. In what ways does the Bible call us to be radically different in how we treat each other?
Our relationship with God is connected to our relationships with other people. Why is it so important to God that we are loving to the people he puts in our lives? Why is it harder sometimes to love the people closest to us?
1 Peter 3:1-6
1 Peter 3:1-6 (ESV): Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
Song Recommendations:
Happy the Home When God Is There
Discussion Questions:
Are both men and women created in God’s image? What does it mean to be created in his image?
Why is it difficult for all people, whether men or women, to submit to authority?
What does it mean that God gave Adam a helper fit for his needs?
Does having a different role mean having a less important role?
Why is Sarah such a good example for wives and mothers today?
Read Ephesians 5:21-33. What does that passage teach Christian about marriage?
1 Peter 2:22-25
1 Peter 2:22-25 (ESV): He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Song Recommendations:
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
I Will Glory in My Redeemer
Discussion Questions:
Who is someone that you grew up always trying to imitate because you looked up to them? Who is someone that you want to imitate now?
In situations where you have been mistreated or been the object of a verbal jab or attack, what was your instinctive response toward that person? What would be the Christlike response?
Why is it so important to know that Christ is not just our example but He's also our Substitute?
How does reflecting on Christ’s death for us motivate us to want to imitate Him in our life?
1 Peter 2:18-21
1 Peter 2:18-21 (ESV): Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Song Recommendations:
Come, Ye Souls by Sin Afflicted
Man of Sorrows, Lamb of God
Discussion Questions:
Name some of the ways Jesus suffered. Why do you think He had to suffer?
How does knowing that there is something glorious waiting for us in heaven help us to endure suffering here on earth?
Can you name an experience you’ve had with an unjust “master”? What would’ve been the ideal way to handle it? What effect do you think that might have had on your “master” and all those around you?
1 Peter 2:13-17
1 Peter 2:13-17 (ESV): Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Song Recommendations:
Arise, My Soul, Arise
Holy Spirit
Discussion Questions:
Why might we think that servants of God don't need to obey anyone else?
Are there any "human institutions" that you don't want to obey? Why?
What reason does Peter give for our obedience to earthly rulers? Is this helpful to you?
What does it mean to honor someone? Peter says we should "honor everyone" and "honor the emperor." Why is it sometimes hard to honor people?
1 Peter 2:11-12
1 Peter 2:11-12 (ESV): Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
Song Recommendations:
Fight the Good Fight
Take My Life and Let It Be
Discussion Questions:
Why are Christians sojourners and aliens even in their hometowns?
Read Galatians 5:19-21. What are some desires of the flesh?
Read Galatians 5:22-24. How is the fruit of the Spirit different from the desires of the flesh?
How can we point others to Jesus – by what we say, what we do, or both?
When others ask why Christians live differently, what should we tell them?
1 Peter 2:9-10
1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV): But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Song Recommendations:
How High and How Wide
Come People of the Risen King
Discussion Questions:
What are other things that people live for - purposes in life other than the one God gives us?
Why do we sometimes find it hard to remember God's goodness to us?
How can we remind ourselves daily of what God has done for us?
In what ways can you tell people about the goodness of God?
1 Peter 2:4-8
1 Peter 2:4-8 (ESV): As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
Song Recommendations:
Cornerstone
Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted
Discussion Questions:
If someone asked you “who is Jesus?” how would you answer?
What is the gospel? Can you think of something about the gospel that might be offensive to those who don’t believe it?
Why does Peter call us “living stones”?
What are some of the implications of God’s Spirit dwelling in us?
1 Peter 2:1-3
1 Peter 2:1-3 (ESV): So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Song Recommendations:
Speak, O Lord
Show Us Christ
Discussion Questions:
What food item or food place do you have the strongest cravings and appetite for?
Look at the poisonous food menu items that Peter lists in verse 1. Pick one and discuss why that item is particularly tempting and tasty to our sinful nature.
What things often get in the way and hinder us from having a healthy appetite for God’s Word?
What are some specific ways that God’s Word feeds and nourishes us so that we grow as followers of Christ?
What are some things you can do to ensure that you continue to get a healthy serving of God’s Word?
1 Peter 1:22-25
1 Peter 1:22-25 (ESV): Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
Song Recommendations:
Blest Be the Tie that Binds
How Firm a Foundation
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to be born again into God's family?
What sins can prevent believers from loving God's people as they should?
In what ways can believers "love one another earnestly from a pure heart"?
Why should Christians begin loving their brothers and sisters in Christ right now on this earth?
Can a person truly love God without loving others? Can a person truly love others without first loving God?
Why will our earthly family relationships pass away? Why will our relationships with other Christians never pass away?
1 Peter 1:17-21
1 Peter 1:17-21 (ESV): And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
Song Recommendations:
Trust and Obey
This is My Father's World
Discussion Questions:
When we think of God as our Father, what does that mean?
Is it unkind of God to judge our deeds, or is it loving? Why?
What is the problem with other ways of living – ways that are not obedient to God?
When can fear be a healthy thing? Not just the fear of God, but in everyday life, how does fear help us?
1 Peter 1:13-16
1 Peter 1:13-16 (ESV) Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
SONG RECOMMENDATIONS:
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
What are other things we set our hope in, other than God's grace? Things we look forward to, things that we expect will make us happy, things we adjust our lives to prepare for?
Why is it difficult to set our hope on what God has promised?
Peter tells us to prepare our minds and to be sober-minded (focused, undistracted). What happens to us if we don't do this?
What habits can help us do this?
Peter says to be holy in all our conduct. What parts of our lives do we often neglect in our pursuit of being holy?
1 Peter 1:10-12
1 Peter 1:10-12 (ESV) Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
SONG RECOMMENDATIONS:
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
If you were living during the days of the Old Testament, what are some places in the Bible that would have given you the clearest pictures of who Christ was going to be and what He was going to accomplish?
How does living on this side of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ help us look back and read the Old Testament even more clearly?
In what ways did the lives of people like Job or Joseph or David play out the “suffering then glory” storyline that we ultimately see played out in the life of Christ?
Why is it that “angels long to look” into the salvation that we have experience in Christ? How do we uniquely experience and relate to the Gospel in a way that angels don’t?