Small Group Notes 1 Peter 13-21
January 15, 2023

Rest and Response

How should Christians respond to their wonderful identity in Christ?

Introduction: Priming the pump for tonight’s discussion.

  • Let’s begin with our own observations. Was there a moment where God spoke to you, showed you something new, or reminded you of a familiar truth through the message this week?

  • Pastor Joel reminded us that we’re not saved by our performance, but that we can rest in the finished work of Jesus at the cross. This is where our peace comes from! Let’s take a moment to make sure that we’re understanding this gospel truth, and not caught in the trap of performance based religion. We serve God because we love Him, but not to earn HIs love.

Exploration: Questions to guide our group discussion.

  1. Our Christian identity should impact how we think. If we’re saved then our first response to our identity in Christ is that we should submit our minds to the Lord. What are some practical ways that we can “gird up” our minds to guard and protect our thoughts? What are some practical things that we can do when we have thoughts or attitudes that shouldn’t be in a Christian’s mind?

  2. Our Christian identity should impact what we do. In the same way that our thoughts should be yielded to Christ when we’re saved, Jesus also wants to be in control of our actions. He wants to be both our savior and our Lord. We summarized this principle by simply saying that Jesus wants us to be holy in ALL our conduct. Why do you think so many believers today compartmentalize their faith in Christ, and what would Jesus say to us about that?

  3. Our Christian identity should impact our gratitude. We know the intellectual facts about the cross, but what value is there for us in allowing the cross to hit us emotionally…to make an emotional impact? How does it impact your gratitude in every area of life to know that God sent His only son as a gift to you?

Additional Scriptures for Deeper Study:

  • Philippians 2:5-8
  • 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
  • Hebrews 12:14
  • 1 Corinthians 5:16-18

Application: How can I apply this to my life this week?

  1. Perhaps the Lord would bring to mind a pattern of thought, or an action that needs to be submitted to the Lord. Is there a specific one or two areas of your Christian life that the Spirit of God would have you to lay down tonight?

  2. Gratitude is such an important part of our successful Christian life. The Bible tells us to give thanks in every circumstance. Would you make a commitment today to be a person of gratitude, and to be thankful even for the hard things in your life?