1 Peter 3:8–12
Anthony Fusco
Part of Small Groups—Questions
July 21, 2024

OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE

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

Main Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8–12


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 3:8
In this section of verses, Peter has completed his instruction on submission and now addresses all believers as a whole. He concentrates on how we are to act and think regardless of our circumstances, whether we are gathered or scattered, or if we are living in a hospitable or hostile environment. Peter provides and instructs us to have five clear characteristics to follow in order to possess a God-honoring attitude.

  • Review and discuss the following greek definitions for each word/phrase Peter tells us to possess. Also look up the cross references to gain a deeper understanding of each one. (Note: the exact versions of the first three words/phrases are used nowhere else in Greek scriptures.)
    • ”unity of mind”: homophrones–same think; of one mind: Philippians 1:27-28, Ephesians 4:4-6, 1 Corinthians 10:17
    • “sympathy”: sympatheis–sharing the same feeling; mutually commiserative: 1 Corinthians 12:26, Matthew 9:36
    • “brotherly love”: philadelphoi–fraternal; to love like a brother: Romans 14:19, Romans 15:2
    • “tender heart”: eusplanchnoi–deeply felt compassion: 1 Thessalonians 2:8
    • “humble mind”: tapeinophrones–lowliness of mind; modesty: Philippians 2:3, Luke 14:11, 1 Peter 5:5

READ AND FOCUS ON 1 PETER 3:9
As recipients of God’s great mercy and forgiveness, our godly attitudes must be followed up with godly actions, even when we are mistreated.

  • It goes against our natural instinct to “not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling.” Why is Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:38-48 (the Sermon on the Mount) so radical and counterintuitive to our sinful ways?
  • What do the following verses have to say regarding taking things into our own hands: Leviticus 19:18, Romans 12:19, and 1 Corinthians 4:12?

Not only are we to not repay evil for evil, but we are told to even bless those who do us wrong.

  • What are some specific ways that we can bless others?
  • Read the following verses and summarize the various types of blessings we can offer to those around us: John 13:34 and Romans 12:9-10; Matthew 5:44 and 1 Timothy 2:1; Mark 11:25 and Colossians 3:13

By blessing others, we aren’t looking for an earthly, physical blessing for ourselves in return.

  • So why exactly should we do it? Reference John 10:28 and Ephesians 1:7.

READ AND FOCUS ON 1 PETER 3:10
We are told to follow the instructions provided in the verses both above and below if we “desire to love life and see good days.”

  • Peter is quoting directly from Psalm 34:12-14 when he states this. What exactly does he mean by utilizing this particular phrase?

King Solomon found out the hard way the consequences of being disobedient to God in his life’s pursuits.

  • Read Ecclesiastes 2:11 and 2:17. Contrast his final outlook on life with the mindset and hope that we are meant to have as followers of Christ.

GROW

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

In the text from today, Peter calls believers to “be of one mind” and have compassion, be tenderhearted, and courteous to one another.

  • Are some of these easier for you to live out more than others? If so, why do you think that is?
  • Why is how we treat other believers important? What do our actions reveal about our hearts?
  • Do you exhibit these characteristics towards those inside and outside your church community?

Reflect on the characteristics from Verse 8.

  • Discuss how these characteristics connect to the overall theme of submission we’ve been reading about in 1 Peter so far.
  • What is the significance of submission to the Christian walk?
  • How does our example of submission influence or impact non-believers around us?

Peter provides us with four specific actions to take in response to the amazing gift of grace that we have been given. We are told to keep our tongues from evil (James 3:6-12), to keep our lips from speaking deceit (Colossians 3:9-10), to turn away from evil and do good (Isaiah 1:16-17), and to seek peace and pursue it (2 Corinthians 13:11).

  • Are any of these categories a challenge for you specifically?
  • What can you do today to change this and follow God’s call for your life?

Peter quotes Psalm 34:15-16 in the final verses of this segment as both an encouragement and also a warning for us to be aware of. Read Psalm 34:15-16. We can view these verses and those in 1 Peter as both motivating and cautionary. We know that God knows all (Romans 11:33), sees all (Job 28:24), and is aware of every detail of our lives (Psalm 139:1-6).

  • How should this incentivize us towards living a life pleasing to the Lord?
  • How does it relate to our prayer life? Reference Hebrews 4:16 and Romans 8:26-27.


Peter references the Old Testament concept of the “face of the Lord” which refers to judgment of those who do evil (which are those who do not believe). Read Revelation 6:15-17.

  • Knowing that this will one day occur to those who “do evil,” how can it provide us with forbearance when we are hurt or treated unfairly?
  • How can it motivate us towards making sure our primary goal is spreading the good news of the gospel to a world that desperately needs to hear it?

GO

Take a next step and put your faith into action!

Peter calls Christians to “seek peace and pursue it,” (Verse 11).

  • What does it look like in your life to practically do this?
  • Is there anyone that you need to pursue peace with this week? If yes, how can you walk in humility to be a peacekeeper in this relationship?
  • What does it look like to bless someone who doesn’t know Jesus this week?

Reflect on the characteristics shared in Verse 8. These are lived out in the open with others. They don’t happen through mere words, rather life on life. It’s showing up in times of need, walking through life during tough seasons, it’s praying and showing up!

  • Who do you need to live these out with this week?

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.