Scattered

We have been saved by the grace of Christ and given new life in Him. Sometimes life seems unbearably hard, yet we have an unfading hope in Christ that strengthens us in the midst of it all. Peter wrote this letter to the exiled first-century church encouraging them to remember what Christ had done for them, and reminding them of their position in Christ.

[quote]Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
– 1 Peter 1:13
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Life Group Questions

[expand title=”A Hopeful Generation”]
19.April.2020
1 Peter 1:1-7

Conversation with your Life Group:

Take a few minutes to read aloud the Scripture from 1 Peter 1:1-7. What truths about God can be understood from these passages? What observations can be made about people? What questions come to mind?
If you are a follower of Jesus, Peter says you have been “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God.” How does it make you feel to know that God knows (and has always known) every single detail about you, and He still decided to choose you?
How is God (through the Holt Spirit) using present circumstances to grow you in character and holiness? In what ways are you being called to a deeper level of obedience in your life of faith?
Peter says there is an “inheritance” that awaits all followers of Jesus. What is that inheritance? Peter calls our inheritance “imperishable,” “undefiled,” “unfading,” and “kept in heaven.” Look up the definitions of those words, and discuss their significance with your group.
In our present circumstances, what / who have you seen people turning to in order to find hope? How about you? Where is your hope? Take some time together as a group to thank God for the “living hope” we have through the resurrection of Jesus.

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[expand title=”Ready For Action”]
26.April.2020
1 Peter 1:8-13

Conversation with your Life Group:

Take a few minutes to read aloud the Scripture from 1 Peter 1:8-13. What truths about God can be understood from these passages? What observations can be made about people? What questions come to mind?
What is Biblical joy? How is this joy different from happiness? Read I Peter 1:8 again. What is the key to living a life characterized by “inexpressible and glorious joy?”
Read James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5 and I Peter 4:13. How are suffering and joy related?
Describe the state of your mind these days. Are you more scattered or focused in your thinking? Is your mind ready for action? Are you sober-minded? What are the things that typically distract your mind and take your focus off eternal things?
Where are people going to try to find hope in our culture today? What people/places/things (other than Jesus) are you personally tempted to turn to for hope? What steps can you take this week to set your hope “completely” on the grace that one day will be revealed through Jesus Christ?

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[expand title=”Love Is The Work”]
3.May.2020
1 Peter 1:14-25

Conversation with your Life Group:

Take a few minutes to read aloud the Scripture from 1 Peter 1:14-25. What truths about God can be understood from these passages? What observations can be made about people? What questions come to mind?
What is the Gospel? Read I Corinthians 15:1-8 and describe the core truths of the Gospel message.
In 1 Peter 1:14 we are called to live as obedient children of God. What are some specific desires of your former ignorance that you are tempted to conform to? Why is it difficult to choose to be holy and reverent in your conduct?
Considering 1 Peter 1:22, are you ranking others above yourself in this shelter in place season? Are you showing sincere and constant love? What are some additional ways you can love others sincerely this coming week?
1 Peter 1:23-24 says that God’s Word is living and enduring. What impact has the Word of God had in your life? What is your plan to read and study God’s Word for the coming week?

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[expand title=”You Guys Are God’s People”]
10.May.2020
1 Peter 2:1-10

Conversation with your Life Group:

Take a few minutes to read aloud the Scripture from 1 Peter 2:1-10. What truths about God can be understood from these passages? What observations can be made about people? What questions come to mind?
Peter implores his readers to rid themselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. What do those five words mean? What do they have in common? Which one do you struggle with the most?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you desire the pure milk of the Word of God? What are some specific areas where you’ve seen growth in your life that resulted from interaction with the truth of the Bible?
Peter uses vivid pictures (spiritual house, royal priesthood, holy nation) to emphasize the power of unity within the church. Why is it important for Christians to live in unity with one another?
What are some specific ways you can proclaim the praises of Jesus this week? Who are you praying for that needs to hear about Jesus? Who will you interact with? Take some time as a Life Group to pray for the people in your life who may be walking in darkness.

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[expand title=”The Honor of Submission”]
17.May.2020
1 Peter 2:11-24

Conversation with your Life Group:

Take a few minutes to read aloud the Scripture from 1 Peter 2:11-25 and Romans 13:1-6. What truths about God can be understood from these passages? What observations can be made about people? What questions come to mind?
What is your typical response to authority? Are you more of a rule keeper or a contrarian? What attitudes toward authority have you noticed within yourself recently?
What does it mean to submit to authority? Why is it sometimes difficult to yield to certain people in authority?
What are some places in your life where you are the person in authority? How do these Biblical truths about authority impact your perspective on how you exercise authority over others?
Based on the passages we read today, why is submission to authority (particularly when we disagree) such an important issue for Christians? Talk about how our posture toward authority is related to our ability to trust God and to proclaim the Gospel to those who do not follow Jesus.
Read I Timothy 2:1-4. Take a few minutes with your Life Group to pray for the people in authority in your life, specifically for our governing authorities, your boss, or anyone else who holds a position of authority over you.

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[expand title=”Coheirs of Grace”]
24.May.2020
1 Peter 3:1-7

Conversation with your Life Group:

Take a few minutes to read the Scripture from 1 Peter 3:1-7 and Ephesians 5:22-33. What truths about God can be understood from these passages? What observations can be made about people? What questions come to mind?
What is Biblical submission? Why can it be difficult to yield?
Why is the particular command for wives to submit to their husbands so controversial in the church and in our culture? What is God’s purpose behind creating submission within the marriage relationship?
If you are a husband, do you live with your wife in an understanding way that honors her? Sit down with your wife this week and ask her for specific ways you can show understanding and honor to her.
If you are not currently married, how do the verses in 1 Peter 3:1-7 apply to your life?

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[expand title=”A Gospel Rabbit Hole”]
31.May.2020
1 Peter 3:8-13

Conversation with your Life Group:

Take a few minutes to read aloud the Scripture from 1 Peter 3:8-13. What truths about God can be understood from these passages? What observations can be made about people? What questions come to mind?
Peter exhorts his reader to be like-minded, sympathetic, compassionate, humble, and to love one another. Try to come up with a short definition for each of these words. What do each of these qualities have in common? Why are they important qualities in the context of 1 Peter and in our world today?
If you didn’t get a chance to hear the sermon, take some time to read Psalm 34:12-16 and I Samuel 21:10-15. Why do you think Peter quotes this Psalm and references David’s story?
What is the blessing Peter refers to in 1 Peter 3:9? How does a person know for certain they will inherit this blessing? How can we offer this blessing to others?

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[expand title=”Suffering for the Gospel”]
7.June.2020
1 Peter 3:13-4:1

Conversation with your Life Group:

Begin by reading 1 Peter 3:14-4:1 out loud and praying for God’s wisdom as you study God’s Word.
1 Peter 3:18 is considered to be one of clearest and most concise Gospel summaries in the New Testament. Take a few minutes to break down 1 Peter 3:18. What are they key components of this Gospel statement? Which part of this verse means the most to you?
Why does faithful Gospel proclamation often lead to unjust suffering? Have you experienced this?
Are you ready at any time to give a defense for the hope you have in Christ? What hinders your readiness? How can you become better prepared?
Peter challenges his Christian readers to tell others about Jesus with gentleness, respect, and a clear conscience. How well (or how poorly) do you think this is happening in our culture today? What is the impact when gentleness and respect are lacking?

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[expand title=”The End Is Near!”]
14.June.2020
1 Peter 4:1-11

Conversation with your Life Group:

Begin with prayer. Ask God for His wisdom as you study His Word. Read 1 Peter 4:1-11 out loud.
Have you had a season of unrestrained behavior in your life? Why do you think you were pulled in that direction? What are the consequences of unrestrained living?
Peter says the end of all things is near. What does that mean? Do you live as though that is true, or do you tend to live as though you have plenty of time to make needed changes in your life?
Peter challenges us to maintain constant love for one another in the midst of the sin and chaos of our world. Think of one specific way (word, deed, or attitude) you want to choose to be more loving toward others.
Are you alert and sober minded for prayer? What’s on your prayer list right now? Take some time to pray.

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[expand title=”The Fiery Normal”]
21.June.2020
1 Peter 4:12-19

Conversation with your Life Group:

Begin with prayer. Ask God for His wisdom as you study His Word. After you pray, read 1 Peter 4:12-19 out loud.
Do you idolize comfort? What are some of the specific comforts of this world that you can’t live without?
Have you experienced any fiery ordeals in your life? Were you surprised by this? What impact did these experiences have on your life and faith?
Peter says a person who suffers in the name of Christ should rejoice, should consider themselves blessed, and should not be ashamed. Why? Read Philippians 4:7-11 and John 15:18-21. How can you change the way you think and life in light of these truths?
Peter prays that those who suffer according to God’s will (would) entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good. Spend some time praying that you would trust God more deeply and represent the Gospel through doing good.

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[expand title=”Final Words”]
28.June.2020
1 Peter 5:1-14

Conversation with your Life Group:

Begin with prayer. Ask God for His wisdom as you study His Word. After you pray, read 1 Peter 5:1-14 out loud.
On a scale of 1-10, how exhausted have you felt over the past few months? Why? Is the fatigue you are feeling mental, physical, emotional, or all of the above?
What is pride? Why can pride be sinful? Describe your personal struggle with pride, and the difficulties you face in choosing humility.
Read 1 Peter 5:7. What are the causes of anxiety in your life? How much do you think your anxiety is rooted in a failure to trust God and believe His promises?
How has the book of 1 Peter impacted your life? What are some of the specific application points in your life? How can you think and live differently as a result of the truths you’ve encountered in Peter’s letter?

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