Hope - Week 7: My Passion
Small Group Discussion Guide
For the week of Oct. 13th
Connecting (Aim for 15 minutes)
• Breaking the ice/Think Time
• Who is the most gentle and respectful person you know?
Quick 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 3:8-17
Who is Peter speaking to in v. 8?
Throughout his letter Peter has spoken about living in trails, submission and suffering for doing right, what 5 characteristics in v. 8 does he give for this type of living?
How do we see these characteristics lived out in our community?
The word bless in v. 9 means to ask God to bestow divine favor on someone. How does this challenge you and why is it difficult for us to have this type of attitude toward others?
What reason does Peter give in v. 9 for our blessing of those that do evil against us?
Peter quotes Ps. 34 in vv. 10-12. What three things must we be willing to do in order to see good days?
What thought must be present in a believer’s mind so that he/she would not be afraid of what someone can do to them in this life v. 14? Eternal or temporal? Why is this important to know? Discuss
What is the outworking of “honor Christ the Lord as holy”? see v. 15
V. 15 states that we should be prepared to defend when asked. What should be our attitude in doing so?
How does being gentle and respectful during persecution keep the believer in good conscience? And for what purpose should we have this attitude? V. 16
Why should we be willing to suffer for doing good? V. 17
Together as a group summarize 1 Peter 3:8-16
Seeing Our Savior
Read Mt. 27:19; 1 Peter 2:22-23; Rom. 3:23-24
Jesus is the greatest example of living a God honoring life in the midst of injustice. His testimony was seen by many and everyone knew that he was a person that had no wrong in him. Even Pilate’s wife encouraged Pilate to not have anything to do with the righteous man Jesus. But Jesus knew he no need to defend himself because he trusted in his Father. He was sentenced as a righteous man, died an unjust death, to give a justifying gift. He is our example and Lord.
Living the Truth (Aim for 20 minutes)
In v. 8, Peter spoke about having “unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love”. What are some ways in which you are doing this now with other believers? Is there an area in the church that you could commit to serve in as an act of the brotherly love we are called to?
What is your go to response when you feel wronged or challenged? Now as a group talk about what would need to change in your heart (patience, insecurities, lack of Godly assurance, trust in God) so that you could respond to these moments with gentleness and respect that glorifies God.
Pray for the change needed from question 2.
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