Hope - Week 5: Following His Example
Small Group Discussion Guide
For the week of September 29th
Connecting
Upcoming Grace Calendar (Aim for 2 minutes)
• Women’s Retreat (Oct. 18-20, Twin Oaks Ranch) - Register at gracelaredo.org/events
• Preschool Parent Social (Sat 10am-12pm, Oct 5 @Grace Campus) – Sign up at gracelaredo.org/events
Breaking the Ice/Think Time (Aim for 12 minutes)
• What do you think it means to be submissive?
• Review: Looking back at your notes from this Sunday’s sermon, what caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Understanding the Truth (Aim for 30-40 minutes)
Read 1 Peter 2:11-25
In Peter 2:11-12 he calls us “sojourners and exiles” among Gentiles. Peter’s speaks of Gentiles not referring not to race, but those who do not know Christ. Why does Peter remind us to “keep our conduct” among unsaved people?
As a Christ follower our real battle is not with people but with the passions within us (1 Peter 2:11). What are common “fleshly” responses to challenges we face with others at work, home, etc.?
What does verse 12 tell us our motivation should be for “keeping our conduct”?
What is God’s command to us in 1 Peter 2:13-14? What is our responsibility according to these verses to our government, or authorities, we do not always agree with or find easy to follow?
What does 1 Peter say the reason is for our submission to authority (vs. 15)?
God has placed people in authority (Read Rom 13:1). Knowing this, how does it dishonor God and our witness when as Christians we are petty, disgruntled or complaining?
Read 1 Peter 2:16-17. Notice Peter’s instruction to live “as servants of God”. What does it look like to honor and serve our government, employers, and other authorities? (Even though these systems or people are imperfect or unjust.)
Read 1 Peter 2:18-25. What impresses you about how Jesus submitted to God’s will and suffered for us? How does His obedient example as a suffering servant encourage us to live in this same way?
Seeing Our Savior (1 Peter 1:21-25, Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12)
The Bible promises us that one day Jesus will return for His children and we will live under perfect authority. (1 Thess. 4:15-5:4, Rev 21:1) Until that day, others are watching as believers how we conduct ourselves. Although the purpose of today’s God-ordained authorities, such as our government, is to punish those who do evil and praise those who do good, this ideal is not always reached. Jesus Christ was a suffering servant and perfect example to us of how to serve God and be a witness. He’s now our watchful shepherd in heaven, who cares for us as we seek to live justly in an unjust world. He invites us as His children to follow His example and confidently serve God by suffering well for the glory of God and witness to others.
Living the Truth (Aim for 20 minutes)
1. Think of a recent moment in life where you succumbed to sin and didn’t allow people to see God in you? What attitude or action could you have displayed in this moment that would’ve given people around you a chance to see Christ in you?
What are some practical ways to submit to authorities such as employers, teachers, and government officials?
Reflect on recent injustice or suffering you’ve experienced. Has your response honored God? How can you respond differently in light of 1 Peter 2:11-25 to honor God and point others to Christ?
God not only hears, but loves to answer prayers that are “according to His will.” (1 John 5:14-15). We can pray confidently when we pray obediently to this truth. You have just spent time discovering God’s will for you. Now, ask God for what you need to fulfill His will in your life, your friends & family, neighbors, church & community. Don’t be afraid to ask forgiveness where you have blown it, strength where you are weak, courage where you are afraid.
Prayer Requests (Aim for minimum of 10 minutes)
Pray that God reveals to you who He truly is