Throughout this sermon series, we have taken a deep dive into the book of 1 Peter, a book written by Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples who walked alongside Him throughout His earthly ministry and saw Him be crucified and rise from the dead. Today, we will finish our study of 1 Peter together and, once again, be reminded to put our faith into action by our obedience.
If you were finishing an important letter to friends or family members whom you love, what would you want to say?
1. Read 1 Peter 4:7-9. How are Christ followers called to live in this passage of Scripture? Why are we called to live this way?
1 Peter 4:7-9
7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
2. In your own words, what does it mean to “be earnest and disciplined” in our prayers?
3. Read 1 Peter 4:10-11. What is the purpose of spiritual gifts, and how have you been impacted by the gifts of other followers of Christ?
1 Peter 4:10-11
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
4. Read 1 Peter 5:8-11. Compare and contrast the suffering we will face on this earth now versus eternity with Christ, according to this passage of Scripture.
1 Peter 5:8-11
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. 10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.
1. How does understanding that your time on earth is short impact how you live today?
2. How has God gifted you to serve those around you?
3. How does the Scripture we have studied today give you hope amidst the trials we face?
During the weekend message, we were reminded of the importance of prayer, which Peter emphasizes in 1 Peter 4. Divide into groups of 2 or 3. Within your group, share prayer requests. Then, pray together. Pray boldly and specifically. Commit to praying for each other throughout the next week.
In light of the truth that this world is fading away day by day, we must take our words very seriously. We must speak with care, purpose, and intentionality. Let's take a few moments to dive into Scripture to see how we can make the most of our words so that we point others to Christ.
Speak as if God Himself were speaking through you:
1 Peter 4:11 encourages followers of Christ to "speak as if God Himself were speaking through you." This instruction reminds us of the importance of speaking our words thoughtfully and carefully, knowing we represent Christ with our words as His followers.
1 Peter 4:11
Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you.
2. Summarize the instruction we are given in this passage of Scripture.
3. Why do you think it is important to take this instruction in 1 Peter seriously?
4. What steps can we take today to obey the instruction in 1 Peter 4:11?
Speak life-giving words:
As followers of Christ, we have the opportunity to speak words of life. These are words that point others to Christ rather than away from Him. Imagine the impact of every single Christ follower committing to speaking only words that bring life to those around them.
1. Read Proverbs 18:21.
Proverbs 18:21
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
2. Give examples of words that bring death.
3. Give examples of words that bring life.
4. When was a time someone spoke words of life over you?
Speak encouraging words:
Finally, Scripture instructs us to speak words that encourage those around us. When we speak encouraging words, we remind people of their value and worth in Christ. These kinds of encouraging words can have a profound impact.
1. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
2. How is encouraging others equivalent to building others up?
3. How have you personally been impacted by words of encouragement?
4. How can we develop a habit of encouraging others on a regular basis?
Take a few moments to look back at the different ways Scripture teaches us to use our words well. Which of the three areas would you like to grow in? Share that with your group, along with one small step you can take to grow in that area.
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