Reviewing Hope from 1 Peter
Sermon 1 – "Living Hope" – 1 Peter 1:3-5
Our hope is in a future inheritance that is founded on God’s mercy, secured through Christ’s resurrection, and kept by God’s power.
Application Questions:
- What are some things we tend to put our hope in that won’t last?
- How can you center your life on living hope?
Christians are elect exiles with sustaining faith that is tested and connected to the past.
Application Questions:
- How has faith in Christ sustained you through trials?
- What are some practical ways you can look to Christ to sustain you in these days?
Christians are called to three things as we follow Christ through hard times: set our hope on grace, imitate God’s holiness, and live in awe of redemption.
Application Questions:
- What are some ways the grace of God has changed you? Thank him in prayer.
- How does the grace of God motivate you to imitate his holiness?
- How can you live "knowing you were ransomed" in these days?
Christians have the new life that lasts, through the imperishable word of the gospel. We have a life that must be characterized by love, that will be demonstrated by a hunger for more of God and that will find expression in a community of love and worship. All for God’s glory.
Application Questions:
- What are some ways we can "love one another earnestly" in these times?
- How might God be calling you to show his mercy in your relationships?
To live honorably, Peter calls his readers to submit to governing authorities, silence ignorance with virtue, and use their freedom to serve.
Application Questions:
- How can you live honorably toward government authorities in these times?
- Take a moment now to pray for your civil leaders.
Wife, subject yourself to your husband’s leadership. Husband, live with your wife in an understanding way. And to both, do so for the Lord’s sake!
Application Questions:
- Where have you seen examples of 1 Peter 3:1-7 in your life or the lives of others?
- How can you apply the principles of this passage in your own life and relationship?
Even in the midst of opposition, we can love life and see good days by practicing Christian virtues, trusting Christ when suffering for righteousness’ sake, and especially trusting the Christ who suffered to bring us to God.
Application Questions:
- Of the virtues mentioned in 1 Peter 3:8, do any stand out as requiring attention or needing development on your part?
- Are there any situations you are currently facing in which you can return a blessing to someone undeserving?
Because our first allegiance in this world is to God and His Kingdom, we must stand together and be ready to stand apart for our faith.
Application Questions:
- What are the contexts where you are most often called to stand apart for your faith?
- How does this passage help you prepare yourself for those moments?
- How can you creatively do the "one anothers" in this season?
Suffering is a normal part of the Christian life and can bring blessing and lead to the glory of God.
Application Questions:
- What difficulties are you holding on to that you can express to God in prayers of lament?
- How can you actively "entrust your soul" to God in this season?
An elder’s chief work is to shepherd the flock of God in his care.
Application Questions:
- What does it mean that "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble?"
- What are some of the ways 1 Peter calls Christians to humble themselves?
- What anxieties are you carrying that you need to cast "on him because he cares for you?"
Those who follow Christ’s example of submission, even in the face of suffering, will be commended by God.
Application Questions:
- What aspect of the example of Jesus in this passage stands out to you?
- How can you follow his example in your life right now?
