1 Peter 3:13–22
Cory DiCarro
Part of Small Groups—Questions
July 23, 2024

OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE

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

Main Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13–22


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

KNOW

Allow these questions to help you better understand what Scripture says contextually.

READ AND FOCUS ON 1 PETER 3:13–14
Although we can go to multiple Bible verses to define what is “good” and what is “blessed,” consider the current context of Peter’s writing for a definition of each.

  • How does Peter define “good” in Verses 10–11?
  • How does Peter define “blessed” in Verse 12?
  • Furthermore, how do Verses 8–9 help us know what “good” looks like and how we should go about practically living in such a way?

Peter says, “Have no fear of them (those who would harm you), nor be troubled.”

  • How may Peter’s personal experience with Jesus in Matthew 10:16–42 and Matthew 2818–20 influenced this statement?

READ AND FOCUS ON 1 PETER 3:15–18
The Bible mentions the heart almost 1,000 times. In essence, this is what it says: the heart is that spiritual part of us where our emotions and desires dwell. However, The Fall has affected us at the deepest level; our mind, emotions and desires have been tainted by sin.

  • In its natural condition what does Jeremiah 17:9 tell us about the human heart?
  • What does Jesus point out regarding the fallen condition of our hearts in Mark 7:21-23.
  • What do the following verses teach us about who knows the true condition of our heart: Psalm 44:21; John 2:24-25; Jeremiah 17:10?
  • Look up how the power of God in response to faith can change our hearts: Romans 10:10); Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26; Isaiah 57:15.

Once again, in Verse 18, Peter points us to the example of Jesus. He suffered unjustly, suffered righteously, and His suffering brought much fruit.

  • Look up the following verses to see just a few things Jesus’ suffering accomplished for us
    • Removal of sin and guilt… John 1:29; Psalm 103:12
    • Removal of God’s wrath… Romans 3:25-26; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 4:10
    • Reconciled to God… Romans 5:10-112 Corinthians 5:18–20; Ephesians 2:16
    • Redeemed us… Galatians 3:13-14; Romans 3:24; 1 Peter 1:18-19
    • Defeated our enemy… Colossians 2:13–15
    • Was our substitute…Romans 5:8; Galatians 2:20; Isaiah 53:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21


In the immediate context, the apostle Peter discusses suffering for doing good (1 Peter 3:13–14). Persecution and suffering are to be expected in the Christian life (John 16:33), but a believer’s response to suffering should point others to Jesus. Peter emphasizes that Christ suffered and died to provide eternal life for those who believe in Him, and His example of suffering for doing good should strengthen all of us (1 Peter 3:17–18).

  • How do the following passages support Peter’s instruction of sharing our faith in gentleness and respect with others: Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:15?
  • Read how the Apostle Paul lived out sharing his faith with boldness, gentleness, and respect in Acts 17:22–34. What can we learn from his example?

READ AND FOCUS ON 1 PETER 3:19–22
It’s easy to get lost in the weeds of these verses. Martin Luther said the following regarding verses 19–20, “A wonderful text is this, and a more obscure passage perhaps than any other in the New Testament, so that I do not know for a certainty just what Peter means.”

  • Zooming out, and staying within the context of what Peter is writing, how do these verses further point to Jesus’ ultimate victory?

GROW

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

Peter differentiates between believers suffering for doing good vs. evil.

  • Have you ever considered when you suffered “for righteousness’ sake,” that you were blessed?
  • Can you find Biblical examples of people who experienced blessing through their suffering? Are there any commonalities with how they responded to their suffering, responded to God, and/or in their character traits?

When it comes to suffering for Jesus…

  • It’s not wrong to pray for God to relieve our suffering. David often prayed for relief from unjust suffering. What thoughts, fears, or things come to mind when thinking about suffering for doing good… for righteousness’ sake… for Jesus’ name?
  • What if we prayed for God to do whatever He needs to do in my life to make me more like Jesus and to impact His Kingdom… even if it means suffering? What does this prayer evoke within you?

So much in our world today fights to sit on the throne of our heart.

  • What typically pulls your heart’s attention away from Jesus?
  • What pushes your heart back toward Jesus?

Peter clearly tells us to always be ready to give a defense or answer.

  • What does Peter specifically tell us to give a defense or answer for?
  • What two characteristics are always attached to how Peter tells us to make a defense?

We are to grow in knowledge and grace of who Jesus is (2 Peter 3:18) and God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). However, that knowledge is to help lead people closer to Jesus.

  • Why is it easy to miss the “gentleness” and “respect” instruction of Peter?
  • What do the terms gentleness and respect mean in this context?
  • Why would it be important to discuss our faith in this manner?
  • Have you seen some share their faith in such a way that lacks gentleness and respect? What was the result? Did it help the cause of the Gospel and the name of Jesus or hurt?
  • What does it look like to share about our hope in Jesus in a gentle and respectful way even when it’s contentious?

GO

Take a next step and put your faith into action!

This passage describes how Jesus died on the cross for our sins and was vindicated through His resurrection. Peter describes this beautifully in Verse 18. The finished work of Jesus is what saves, nothing of our works (Titus 3:4–; Ephesians 2:8–9). This means baptism is a step of obedience (after we are saved) and an outward display of salvation that has already occurred by putting our faith and trust in Jesus.

  • If you have been baptized, what caused you to want to do this? Share about your baptism experience: fears, doubts, joy, celebration, etc.
  • If you haven’t yet been baptized, what is preventing you from doing so?
  • If you have questions about baptism or want to take the next step of your faith and be baptized, please reach out to a pastor on staff.

PRAYER

Pray for one another and bring your requests to God.

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.