LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
The Japanese are well-known for their pottery. Over the centuries, they have refined the craft of making beautiful, unique pottery that is also very durable. Early pottery was created from clay. The clay was broken up into smaller pieces, mixed with a small amount of water, and then beaten with a mallet until it was of the desired texture. The potter would then knead the clay continuously and allow the clay to sit for up to a week, after which it would go through an intense process to remove all air bubbles. Only then could the clay be kneaded and shaped into an object of beauty.

Many potters chose to shape their objects by hand. Rather than creating a flawless vessel, they desired to create unique, original objects. They would often leave their handprint or fingerprints on the objects as a way to identify the creation as their own. Even marks made by their tools were often left in order to create the asymmetry that many valued. Once the item was shaped, they would surround the object with fire and allow it to bake. Objects made at lower temperatures ended up being brittle and easily shattered, so they would bake them at high temperatures to ensure durability. Due to the high heat, stains from the ash would often be left on the item, each having its own unique coloring, depending on the fire or kiln used. When pottery was broken, rather than throw it out, the potter would fill the cracks with gold, increasing the uniqueness and value of the object.

In this week’s study, we will see that we are also like pottery, made of clay by the hands of the Master Potter. Through His molding and shaping process, He is able to take simple, earthly clay and create something beautiful and unique, bearing the mark of His image!

Passages we’ll review:
1 Peter 1:3-7; Job 23:8-14

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you? Have you ever had to share something that you really loved, something that had immense value to you?

Think of a time when you felt hopeless. How did you cope? Where do people turn to find help in crisis?

READ

Read 1 Peter 1:3-5

Our study opens with a doxology, or a hymn or expression of praise to God. While those to whom Peter was writing were in the middle of very difficult circumstances, the first thing we find is a passage that praises and worships God! Peter knew first-hand that being a follower of Christ was not for the faint of heart. He had been with Jesus during His ministry and had seen the opposition Jesus faced from the Jewish leaders. He had walked through His crucifixion, even denying Jesus himself. And he had experienced the Resurrected Savior and Lord who had called him to help change the world. In doing so, Peter had also faced much opposition himself. It is because of this that Peter could write with such hope!

Why is it so important that we make praise and thanksgiving a reflex response, despite the situations we encounter?

What characteristics of God does Peter describe in this doxology?

How does our hope as followers of Christ differ from the hope of those who don’t believe?

Why does Peter refer to this hope as “living hope?”

What is unique about the inheritance Peter writes about? How is it different from the inheritance we are left by a family member?

Sometimes, those who inherit much can become “lazy” and unappreciative. Can this happen with our heavenly inheritance as well? Explain.

Earthly inheritance is not always received all at once. Often, it is received in a trust, over a period of time or at a certain point. This is like our heavenly inheritance, as well! By following Christ, we have traded the fading glory of man for the eternal, forever glory of God! We no longer rely on our own strength to live as He desires, but we live by His strength! He now guides us and protects us through our lives as He molds us into the person He desires us to be. —Editor’s Note

Read 1 Peter 1:6-7

Hopelessness can stem from not knowing the truth. What are some false hopes that can leave people in a state of despair or hopelessness?

Why does Peter say that our trials are only for a “short time?” How does the promise of our inheritance affect our outlook when we face trials?

How do trials benefit us? Why is it risky to try and avoid trials and difficulties?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Job 23:8-14

In this passage, we find Job in the midst of all of his trials. While we know from the beginning of the book of Job that God saw Job as righteous, he had been accused of sin by his so-called friends. He had lost everything. And yet, in his despair, the only one Job called out to was God!

In this passage, what problem did Job have? How did he deal with this?

Have you ever felt distant from God? How did you work through that?

In verse 10, we see Job’s reference to gold. Gold is refined and purified under the extreme heat of a furnace or fire, allowing the impurities to rise to the surface and be skimmed off, leaving behind only the pure, bright gold. The gold is completely refined when the goldsmith can see his own image reflected in it.
—Editor’s Note

How did Job feel about being tested?

What can we gain from this?

How have you seen your faith tested and Christ glorified through trials in your life?

Satan uses trials to try and bring out the worst in us, but God uses them to bring out the best. The fire we face can either burn us or purify us. In these times, we must remember to follow Him, despite what we see or understand. Like Job, we can choose to rejoice IN our circumstances, even when we can’t rejoice OVER them!
—Editor’s Note

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. Everything we experience now prepares us for the future. Our trials are tools He uses to shape us and teach us. What do you need to do in order to strengthen your relationship with God so that when you face trials, you can stand firm in your faith?
   

2. Do you need to change your perspective on a trial you are currently experiencing? How would your life be different if you began each day believing in Christ as your Living Hope and relied on Him alone as you face trials and adversity?
   

3. Our trials are never without a purpose! God uses them for our good and His glory! What scriptures about hope give you confidence? Who can you share your own testimony of hope with this week?
   

“The Christian’s hope is sound because it is founded upon the character of God and the redeeming work of His Son Jesus Christ. For this reason, Peter could call it “a living hope.” It is living because it rests on reality and not on fancy. It is not wishful dreaming but vital expectation with the whole might of the Most High behind it.” (A.W. Tozer)