Series Summary:

This world is suffering filled with uncertain hopes, sold hopes, false hopes, and shattered hopes. Is there anywhere that you can SET YOUR HOPE? How? Join us in 1 Peter for 7 weeks as God tells us, like He told His people nearly 2000 years ago, where and how to SET YOUR HOPE! #1peter #2025

Starter

What is an area of suffering for you in your life? (could be self imposed or just life)

Pray

Lord this world, while beautiful, is suffering filled with uncertain hopes, sold hopes, false hopes, and shattered hopes. It often lead us and others to be uncertain on where to set our hope. However, you came to give us a clear picture of the person and a place we are to set our hope. Help us as we live as exiles waiting for you our living hope. Over the next several weeks, may we learn better how to set our hope on You, and tell others, “SET YOUR HOPE” on Jesus. Amen

Study Questions

READ: 1 Peter 4:1-19

  1. What are some observations you notice when reading this passage? (key words, repetition or parallels, vivid descriptions, connecting thoughts, mentions of God, or themes)
  2. Discuss what it means to arm yourself with the same attitude that Jesus had during His earthly suffering “in the flesh”. (4:1)
    1. What does this look like for believers?
  3. In the midst of suffering and the culture around us, how can we support one another to better “equip ourselves with the same resolve”? (4:1)
    1. If we are not careful, how can that support turn into enabling or compromising the faith?
  4. Discuss the balance between separating from the world and befriending lost people in the world. (see: 4:3-6) How does this play out specifically in your life?
  5. Why is 4:7 critical for us to be reminded of over and over and over?
  6. Peter’s command is to continue to love one another (4:8).
    1. Why can this be a challenge for believers especially in the midst of suffering and persecution?
    2. What does it look like for love to cover a “multitude of sins”?
  7. Why is verse 4:9 a critical command for the chruch?
  8. Why does God give us gifts? (4:10-11)
    1. What does it look like to use our gifts for God’s glory rather than for our glory?
  9. What are some simple things that we can obey based on this passage (4:7-11) as we live to “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20)?
  10. Why should we not be surprised by suffering or persecution according to this this text, and other txt’s in the Bible? (helps: Psalm 34:19, 119:71, Matthew 5:10-12, 10:39, Luke 14:27, John 16:33, Romans 5:3-5, 8:18, Philippians 1:29, 3:10, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 4:8-10, 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Peter 2:21, James 1:2-4)
  11. How should sharing ”in the sufferings of the Messiah” give joy to the Christian?
  12. What might it look like to embrace walking through suffering with Jesus rather than only getting past it?
  13. How have you experienced loss, insult, exclusion, or persecution specifically because of your faith in Jesus? If not, why not when it is promised?
    1. What are practical ways you can allow loss, insult, exclusion, or persecution to refine your faith so that you grow closer to Jesus?