1 Peter 1:1-12 // A Sojourner's Guide to Hope

 

As followers of Christ, this world is not our ultimate and lasting home. We are strangers, exiles, sojourners here. What are the implications of this for how we live? How we suffer? What our purpose is on this earth? These are just a few of the questions Peter answers for a group of Christians in need of hope as they journey through a broken world. In chapter 1:1-12, he lays a foundation of our identity in Christ rooted in the resurrection hope of Jesus Christ.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.

  • Who does Peter write this letter to?

  • What does being “born again to a living hope” mean?

  • Compare the inheritance described in verses 4 and 5 to earthly inheritances (what is left by a wealthy man to his child).

HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD

  • Peter mentions each member of the Trinity in verse 2. What role does each member of the Trinity play in this verse? How does their work convey grace and peace? How does it give hope?

  • How does Christ’s sacrifice encourage you in difficult times and trials?

  • What is our rejoicing based on (v8)? How does this convict and.or encourage you?

HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)

  • Where do you find your joy? Where are you tempted to find joy outside the gospel? How does seeking joy outside of Christ affect you?

  • Think of a time when your faith was tested. How did these trials show the “genuineness” of your faith? How can these experiences help you encourage others in difficult times?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE - Video Overview of 1 Peter by The Bible Project