TEXT: 1 Peter 4:1-11
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In this passage, Peter writes to Christians living in an extremely tumultuous time. The temptation to ignore the will of God and pursue the pleasures of this world was strong, but not an option for the Christian. Christ has died so that we may live no longer for human passions but for the will of God. As God’s people, we must live in light of the end, stewarding the grace he has given us for the good of others and the glory of his name.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: Questions aimed at our minds to help us understand God’s word.
Peter writes to Christians living through a tumultuous time. How would you sum up his message in this passage in one or two sentences?
According to 4:1–2, what is the connection between Christ’s suffering and our approach to sin? (See 1 Peter 2:24 to help you understand what Peter means when he says we have “ceased from sin.”)
HEART: Questions aimed at our affections to help us love God
Peter calls us to intentionally combat the ways of the flesh and to live for the will of God. In what ways do you need to repent of a passive stance toward sin in general or toward some fleshly behavior in particular? (Consider the list in Verse 3).
Why is it better to be maligned for Jesus than to experience the pleasures of this world? (v.3-4) In what ways are you tempted to think otherwise?
HANDS: Questions aimed at our hands to help us live for God (Personally, Communally, and Missionally)
With 4:7–11 in view, list the ways that living in light of the end should affect the community life of the local church. (Also see 1 Peter 1:5, 10–11 to discern what Peter is referring to as “the end.”)