1 Peter 1:22–2:3
Anthony Fusco
Part of Small Groups—Questions
June 16, 2024

OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE

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

Main Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22–2:3


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 1 Peter 1:22–25. This passage tells us that through obedience to the truth, our souls are purified thus rendering us capable of the sincere brotherly love we otherwise would be completely incapable of. Peter is saying this love for one another is not and cannot be possible without first being saved.

  • Read Romans 6:17-18, 1 Corinthians 2:14, and Ezekiel 36:25-27. What do these verses make clear regarding our capacity and ability to obey God’s statutes once we are saved compared to when we were unsaved?

Peter uses two different words to describe love in Verse 22. “Phileo” which is brotherly affection, the kind evident in a closely knit family, and “Agape” which is the love Jesus demonstrated for us on the cross.

  • Look up the following sets of verses…
    Set 1: 1 John 2:9, 11; 1 John 3:10; 1 John 4:20
    Set 2: John 13:35; 1 John 2:10; 1 John 3:14; 1 John 4:7

  • What are the distinct differences between those described in Set 1 and those described in Set 2?
    What does this tell us about the importance God places on loving one another and what does it prove about us?

In Verse 22 when Peter speaks of purifying our souls, he uses the Greek word “hegnikotes” which is a perfect participle describing a past action with continuing results. This particular word was used historically to describe cleansing both ceremonially and morally.

  • Why do you think Peter (inspired by the Holy Spirit) chose this exact word to describe the cleansing of our souls?

After telling us that we should love our brothers, Peter follows through by telling us WHY we should do so. See 1 Peter 1:23.

  • Once we are saved, why exactly is it so imperative that we love our brothers and sisters in Christ? Reference 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 6:3-4.

  • Have you ever witnessed the Godly love of a believer alter the course of another’s life? Share with your group.

In Verse 23, Peter tells us the seed we have been born again from is imperishable (James 1:18).

  • Compared to our earthly father’s corruptible seed from which we were made, how does this new birth differ and contrast?
  • What does Romans 8:16-17 tell us will come along with this imperishable inheritance and how does it relate back to the scattered believers Peter was writing to?

In Verses 24–25, Peter references Isaiah 40:6-8 and contrasts how human life, though intense and beautiful in many ways, comes and goes in a season. While we may come and go on this side of eternity, one generation after another, God’s truth remains the same throughout all of time. It never changes.

  • Read Matthew 24:35; John 1:1–2, 14; John 17:17. and Hebrews 13:8. Discuss the importance, power, and soberness of God’s Word enduring forever.

The verb that Peter uses in Chapter 2 and Verse 1 is telling us to put aside all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander is “apothemenoi” which often referred to the casting off of soiled garments.

  • How does the descriptive nature of this analogy increase our understanding of exactly how God wants us to remove these sins from our life?
  • Why do you think Peter mentions these 5 sins in particular as the antithesis to brotherly love?

GROW

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

Thinking about the love Peter calls us to have toward one another in 1 Peter 1:22…

  • What are tangible ways to show the un-hypocritical, fervent, and clean love that Peter tells us we should have for one another? Discuss ideas with your group and reference Philippians 2:1-5, 1 John 3:18, and 1 Corinthians 10:24.
  • What are we to do when someone (even a brother) makes it extremely difficult to love them? Have you ever experienced this? If so, how did you handle it? What do 1 Peter 3:8-9, Colossians 3:12-14, and Galatians 5:14 say about it?

In 1 Peter 2:2, Peter uses the Greek words “artigenneta brephe” which are literally translated into “born just now.” A brand new baby emerging from the womb and crying for its mother’s milk doesn’t just denote strong desire… It is desperate, all consuming, and relentless because it is their greatest need for life.

  • What does this tell us about the type of longing we are meant to have for the Word of God?
  • Currently, how would you describe your longing for the scriptures? How can we increase our desire for God’s Word?
  • Why do you think Peter did not focus on reading, teaching, studying, searching, preaching, or memorizing the Word (all good things of course), but specifically on our longing for the Word of God?
  • What can we learn from Job, Jeremiah, and Jesus regarding this topic? Read Job 23:12, Jeremiah 15:16, and Matthew 4:4.

Peter exhorts us to possess an intense longing for God’s Word so that ultimately we may grow in our salvation (Philippians 2:12-13).

  • Why is growth so important and how can we be sure we are moving forwards and not backwards?
    How can our longing for the Word act as a litmus test in this arena?

Read 1 Peter 2:3. Peter states that the instructions provided in the previous two verses should be followed “if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

  • How have you personally tasted that the Lord is good?
  • Why is it imperative to remember our salvation, His goodness, His blessings, and the many answered prayers in our lives?
  • How can this help us in times of pain or trial?

God has given us emotions, feelings, dreams, etc.

  • Why should the Word of God guide us over our emotions, ideas, dreams, peers, conscience, and heart?
  • In what ways do we/you struggle with this?

GO

Take a next step and put your faith into action!

Reflect on 1 Peter 1:22. Think about the aspects of brotherly and agape love.

  • How and with whom does this love need to be lived out this week?

Reflect on 1 Peter 2:1.

  • Is there anything that needs to be laid aside or put away in your life this week?

Reflect on 1 Peter 2:2.

  • Share with a group member where you’ll be in God’s Word this week. Allow them to check in and keep you accountable not just for reading but longing for God’s Word.

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.

Northwest Prayer Highlight: Vacation Bible School (VBS) gallops through the wide-open West, where our friends at Wonder Junction will teach kiddos about the grandest wonder of all–Jesus Christ. VBS starts this week!

  • Pray for life change in kids, parents, and even our volunteers
  • Pray for the kids who will be attending
  • Pray for the salvation of kids who don’t know Jesus