About This Guide: This weekly groups guide, “Living Hope: Words of Life for Challenging Days — Eight Weeks in First Peter,” is designed as a companion to Living Hope, our Fall 2021 teaching series, fostering discussion, study, and prayer, especially in a group setting. Join a group for a meaningful way to connect to our community.
How to not be surprised by fire
Teaching Text: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Themes
Consider these themes and ask your group what else they see in the passage:
Do not be surprised by the fiery ordeal
We are united to Jesus
Gods faithfulness and our hope
Presence
Share your favorite thanksgiving family practices.
Take a minute and meditate on one of the following scriptures.
Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path”
Ephesians 5:26: “to make us holy, cleansing us by the washing with water through the word”
John 6:68: “Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Share what it did in your heart / mind / soul to meditate on it. What comes to mind in light of this text? What can I be thankful for? How can I change my practices to live even more in the specific reality this scripture is pointing towards?
Formation
Thoughts and notes you can use for discussion:
No matter what, you are going to face suffering. And it's not because God is mean. It's because the world and our lives need repair.
The question is what are you willing the suffer for?
GOD without THE KINGDOM
Honor God as King but don’t seek his kingdom to be established
THE KINGDOM without GOD
Want the benefits of his kingdom without being under his authority.
Peters advice for suffering for bearing the name of Jesus:
DO NOT BE SURPRISED: Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12)
He is not inviting some kind of worn out hopeless cynicism, not at all, but he is asking followers of Jesus to remember we are in CONTESTED SPACE.
We are living in a world of spiritual conflict. There is a real war going on for people’s hearts and souls
REJOICE: But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (1 Peter 4:13-14)
PAY ATTENTION TO THE SOURCE OF SUFFERING: If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. (1 Peter 4:15-16)
BEAR THE NAME: So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. (1 Peter 4:19)
The passion of Christ: what you are willing to endure for the sake of something?
What are you willing to suffer for? What are you willing to suffer for in order to birth something you desire in the world?
Invitation: Commit yourself to your faithful creator and continue to do good.
Love
Read these notes and discuss the questions below:
What could you do this week for others to show the love of Jesus?
What potential reputational risks might you need to take in light of the scripture to carry the name of Jesus courageously?
Ways to love community this holiday season:
Christmas Momathon - care for single moms in partnership with YoungLives. Contact Genevieve.
Donate or volunteer for our Winter Coat Drive.
Serve with Recovery House of Worship Thanksgiving Community Feast
Who could you ask to join your thanksgiving dinner who may be away from family or alone this holiday season?
Pray for one another in the group.
