OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE
Prior to group, get a better understanding of the overall biblical text with these resources.
Main Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3–7
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 1:3. Peter tells us that God has given us a living hope.
- According to or because of what has God given us a living hope?
- How does Ephesians 2:4–5 expound on 1 Peter 1:3 and God’s motivating factors behind the gift of eternal life in Jesus?
The Greek word for mercy used in Verse 3 is “eleos” and means “compassion towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them.” We often interchange mercy with grace, yet the two mean different things. Grace (charis) means “goodwill, loving-kindness, favor.”
- What are the main differences between these two words and why should we keep them distinct?
- Why is the use of “mercy” significant when used here in 1 Peter 1:3.
1 Peter 1:3 says, “he (God) has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
- Even the prominent Jewish leader, Nicodemus, didn’t understand what it meant to be “born again” (John 3:1–21). How would you explain to an unbeliever, in understandable terms, what it truly means to be born again?
- This world offers us only dying hopes. Contrast 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 1 John 2:17, Matthew 24:35, 1 Corinthians 7:31, James 4:14 with what Peter calls our “living hope” by looking up Philippians 3:20-21, 1 John 3:1-3, Revelation 21:4, and Revelation 22:3-5.
- What does our living hope entail and what do we have to look forward to?
Read 1 Peter 1:4. Inheritance by definition means “wealth passed down or a legacy one receives as a member of a family.” Peter tells the believers that because of Jesus, we as believers are privy to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, unfading, and kept in heaven for us.
- Have you ever thought of your salvation as an inheritance?
Looking at Verse 4, “imperishable” means, not corruptible, not liable to death, or not subject to destruction. “Undefiled” means, unstained or unpolluted. “Unfading” means a flower that will not wither or die. “Kept in heaven” means, guarded or watched over.
- What does Matthew 6:20 teach us about things kept in heaven?
- How do the words Peter uses in Verse 4, and their definitions speak to the fact that a believer cannot lose their salvation.
- According to 1 Peter 1:5, Who is it that secures, guards, and keeps our salvation? See Jude 24, John 10:28–29, and Romans 8:38–39 for supporting Scripture.
In 1 Peter 1:6–7, Peter sums up how and why we must go through trials in the here and now. Though they were grieved by various trials, Peter tells the scattered believers to “greatly rejoice.” This term comes from the Greek word “agalliao” meaning “to be supremely and abundantly happy, exceedingly glad.” In the new testament, this word always refers to spiritual, not temporal, continual joy, and it usually references a relationship to God.
- According to John 14:16–17 how are believers to accomplish such a thing considering their present circumstances?
Read Romans 8:16-18, 2 Corinthians 4:17, and 1 Peter 5:10.
- What do all of these verses have in common with 1 Peter 1:6–7 and how can they encourage us as believers?
GROW
These questions are geared towards application of Scripture and Sunday’s message.
1 Peter 1:3–7 tells us that we will have trials. We’re also reminded that they are temporary (for a season… although it might last an earthly lifetime), sometimes necessary (serving a purpose), distressing (physically and mentally), and diverse (different for all).
- Have you experienced this to be true in your own life? Share.
- How have your own personal trials served to test, stretch, and grow the genuineness of your faith?
- Why do you think God allows these difficulties instead of just making everything better for us while here on earth? (Romans 5:1–5)
In thinking about the “living hope” we have in Jesus…
- Would those closest to you say you live your life as though you have a living hope through Jesus?
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
- How can or how does praising God reeling our hearts to God’s will, purpose and glory in our lives?
- How does or how can praising God help ease the pain of suffering?
When we face suffering and trials, what’s inside of us comes out.
- Although we won’t be perfect, what are ways we can ensure Jesus pours out of us during the difficult moments, circumstances, and seasons of life?
- Why is the presence of God during these times so vital?
GO
Take a next step and put your faith into action!
In the week ahead…
* What can you do personally to remind yourself that in Christ, you are a victor and have a glorious living hope beyond this world?
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: This year, from June 17–21, Vacation Bible School (VBS) gallops through the wide-open West, where our friends at Wonder Junction will teach us about the grandest wonder of all–Jesus Christ.
- Pray for the immense preparations leading up to VBS
- Pray for the kids who will be attending
- Pray for the salvation of kids who don’t know Jesus
- Pray about jumping in as a volunteer prior to, during, or after VBS