1 Peter 5:10–14
Anthony Fusco
Part of Small Groups—Questions
September 8, 2024

OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE

Prior to group, get a better understanding of the overall biblical text with these resources.

Main Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10–14

Biblical Summary Click here for a brief summary on the Book of 1 Peter.

KNOW

READ AND FOCUS ON 1 PETER 5:10
To our “human” minds, it may seem contradictory at times that “the God of all grace” would allow and even appoint us to suffer.

  • How can we know for certain that even through our suffering, God is there with us and can be trusted? Reference Romans 8:31-39.

Based on all we have learned from 1 Peter…

  • How would you describe godly suffering to an unbeliever who wonders why God doesn’t just take all the pain away right now?
  • How do we reconcile our understanding that God has the power to remove our pain, but sometimes He chooses to leave it for the time being? Reference Romans 5:3-5, 1 Peter 4:1-2, James 1:2-4, and Psalm 119:71.

Like Paul…

  • Have you ever personally experienced or possessed a “thorn in your side” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)?
  • How did God, or how is God utilizing this “thorn” in your life and in the lives of those around you?
  • Have you fully accepted this trial and allowed it to transform you? If not, how can you change your outlook from one of resistance to one of trust and reliance?
  • Instead of fighting this suffering by attempting to just get “back to normal,” how can you allow God to work in and through it?

Even if our trials may not come to an end this side of heaven, we have the hope and assurance of eternal glory in Christ (Romans 8:18, 1 John 3:2-3, and Philippians 3:20-21). Meanwhile, while we are here on earth, we will continue to be sanctified. Read the greek definition of each word Peter uses along with the following verses to gain a deeper understanding of this sanctification:

  1. restore - katartisei: to bring to wholeness
  2. confirm - sterixei: to set fast
  3. strengthen - sthenosei: to make sturdy

  4. establish - themeliosei: to lay as a foundation

    • What do you see as the common thread running through the above words? Reference 1 Corinthians 15:58 and 16:13.
    • Do you feel that God is performing the above actions in your own life right now? What does Ephesians 3:17-19 promise us as we walk this path?

Even if our trials may not come to an end on this side of heaven, we have the hope and assurance of eternal glory in Christ (Romans 8:18, 1 John 3:2-3, Philippians 3:20-21). Meanwhile while we are here on earth, we will continue to be sanctified (restored, confirmed, strengthened, and established) through Jesus.

  • What has this process looked like in your own life?
  • What does Ephesians 3:17-18 promise us as we walk this path?

READ AND FOCUS ON 1 PETER 5:11
The word “dominion” (kratos) signifies God’s ability to have everything in the universe under His sovereign control.

  • Read Isaiah 48:13, Jeremiah 23:24, and 1 Corinthians 15:27-28. How should this knowledge provide us with both godly fear and peace amidst the chaos?

GROW

These questions are geared towards application of Scripture and Sunday’s message.

Over the past 19-weeks we have worked through the entire letter of 1 Peter…

  • What would you categorize as the main theme of this book?
  • How does your knowledge of the background and context of whom this letter was written to and when this letter was written enhance your understanding of the text?
  • What stood out most to you over the past several months of digging into 1 Peter? How has this impacted you personally?
  • Has this series changed how you see suffering, difficulty, and even disappointment? Share.
  • Going forward, what changes will you make in your life as a result of what you have learned through 1 Peter?

GO

Take a next step and put your faith into action!

So many times we lose sight of God’s eternal glory and His Kingdom in our suffering.

  • Considering all that we’ve talked about and learned through this series, what application steps need to be taken this week to help keep your eyes on the Lord, His eternal glory, and His Kingdom?

PRAYER

Pray for one another and bring your requests to God.

Northwest Prayer Highlight: Pray for opportunities to:

  1. Have Gospel conversations (with gentleness and respect)
  2. Show hospitality
  3. Invite unchurched to dinner, coffee, church event, Sunday morning service, etc.

Small Group Prayer Requests: Take some time to gather prayer requests from the group. Have someone write these down to see how God moves and answers prayer.