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.
1 Peter 1:1 tells us Peter is the one the Holy Spirit enabled Peter to author this letter. Peter had come a long way from the simple fisherman he once was to the apostle of Jesus he now was. In the gospels, we catch various glimpses of the highs and lows in Peter’s life. We see his obedience in response to Jesus’ command to cast down his nets (Luke 5). We read about him sinking in the sea due to his lack of faith (Matthew 14). Later, we see Peter act out brashly “defending” Jesus by cutting off the ear of a soldier (John 18). And only a short while later, he is lying, cowering in fear, and denying his savior despite claiming he would do the exact opposite only hours prior (Luke 22). But it all culminates in John 21 when he is restored and charged with caring for Jesus’ flock and is set to become a foundational block of the church (Matthew 16).
Read Matthew 16:15-19. Now skip ahead a few verses and read Matthew 16:21-23. Within the same chapter, Peter is very highly esteemed by Jesus and then subsequently very harshly rebuked by Him.
- Do you ever feel like this in your christian walk? One minute, strong and confident in your faith, the next, weak and focused on worldly things?
- How do we remain focused on the prize when we have so many things vying for our attention? Ironically, Peter tells us a few verses later in 1 Peter 1:13-15.
In Luke 22:31-34, Jesus tells Peter that Satan specifically asked to test him (yikes!). Jesus knows that Peter will fail, and yet tells him “and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
- How is Peter a perfect example of how Jesus can use us for great things despite our failings and shortcomings?
- How did Jesus use even the not-so-glamorous experiences in Peter’s life to strengthen his faith and prepare him for the work He had set out in advance for him to do?
- Has God ever used a difficult lesson in your life to mold you, shape you, and prepare you for something that was to come? Share with your group.
- Knowing a little bit about Peter’s background, how do you think it will influence his writing to the believers who are scattered, weary, and about to face harsh persecution?
1 Peter 1:1 tells us Peter is an apostle of Jesus Christ.
- What is the definition of an apostle? (For help you can click here to learn “What is an apostle?”)
1 Peter 1:1 tells us Peter is writing to those who are elect exiles. “Elect” means chosen. “Exile” means stranger, foreigner, alien, pilgrim, or sojourner. This means God, in His foreknowledge (1 Peter 1:2) and omnipotence, elected/chose these specific Christians that Peter is writing to, at this specific time in history to be exiles.
Peter’s description of these chosen exiles, he’s writing to, has a very real application. However, it also has deeper spiritual application for all believers.
- The Greek word used here for exile is “parepidemos” and is also used in Hebrews 11:13. Based on it’s usage in Hebrews, what do you think Peter truly means by using this word to describe these scattered ones?
- Read 1 Chronicles 29:15, John 15:19, Philippians 3:20, and 1 Peter 2:11. How does the fact that Christians are exiles directly tie into our identity in Christ?
1 Peter 1:1 tells us Peter is writing to those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion. Nero was the Roman Emperor at this time. In A.D. 64 a massive fire broke out in Rome that most believe Nero started. Nero needs a scapegoat and decides to blame the fire on this new group of people called “Christians.” The result is extreme persecution of Christians.
- How do you think the political climate of the day and the increasing persecution these believers were facing increased their feelings of displacement?
Read 1 Peter 1:2.Peter summarizes the Christian life in one simple sentence with great meaning.
- How does Verse 2 summarize how God works in our lives?
- If an outsider looked at you, would they see grace and peace as the dominating characteristics in your life? If not, what needs to change in your life and how can the truth of James 1:22-25 help?
GROW
These questions are geared towards application of Scripture and Sunday’s message.
Read John 16:33; Romans 5:3, 8:18; 2 Timothy 3:12; James 1:2, 12; 1 Peter 4:12.
* According to the Bible, what should Christians expect when it comes to facing trials, struggles, persecution, etc.?
In 1 Peter we will consistently see themes of hope and endurance in the midst of struggle.
- How does the truth of what we learned from 1 Peter 1:1–2 help us to see that Christians are not going through what they’re going through (trials, struggles, persecution, etc.) by accident?
One of the most comforting things that you will ever hear in your life is, your suffering and your trials do not take God by surprise. God, being omniscient (all knowing), knows the names of believers before the foundation of the earth (Ephesians 1:4) and knows the challenges believers will face. God is with you during that time; at work, for good.
- How should this truth provide extreme encouragement and comfort to endure in the midst of trials to a hope beyond this world?
- What do the following verses teach us? Read Hebrews 13:5–6; Deuteronomy 31:6; Romans 8:37–39.
Think about you, as a Christian, spiritually being a chosen exile in this world. Read John 15:19; Philippians 3:20.
- Do you ever feel like an “alien” here on earth? How so? If not, do you see something wrong with that?
- How can we intentionally set ourselves apart from the culture we live in while still being attractive to those who are unsaved?
GO
Take a next step and put your faith into action!
As believers, we can see a reflection of ourselves in Peter’s life… from his highs and lows to his failures and victories. Despite his shortcomings and setbacks, God was able to use Peter in incredible and miraculous ways.
- What does this teach you about how God can use you?
Read Philippians 2:9–11 and Revelation 21:2-5.
- How do these verses call you/us to a hope beyond this world.
- How do they strengthen you in your faith to endure the trials and sufferings that will come your way?
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