Sermon Discussion Guide 10-20-24

Sermon Discussion Guide
1 Peter | Part 6 | The Paradox of Christian Marriage | 1 Peter 3:1-7

Gathering Prayer. 
Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be attentive to Your voice as we work through this study. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, we pray, Amen. 

Gathering Question. 
What comes to mind when you hear the word "calling"? How has your understanding of "calling" changed over time?

Opening Questions

• What stood out to you in the sermon? 
• What insights did you gain? 
• What questions did it raise?

Read 1 Peter 2:11-12, 3:1-7

Submit | Cultural Tension

• Why does the concept of submission, especially in marriage, make many people uncomfortable today? What cultural factors contribute to this?
• In Peter’s time, women had little social power. How is Peter’s teaching actually empowering to women compared to the Roman culture?

The Call to Husbands

• Why is it significant that Peter says husbands and wives are "heirs with you of the gracious gift of life"?
• How does Peter’s teaching here challenge both ancient and modern ideas of marriage?

Living the Way of Jesus

• Peter draws a connection between submission and the way Jesus lived. How did Jesus model submission, humility, and service? (See 1 Peter 2:23-24 and Philippians 2:5-8.)
• What does it look like to live the way of Jesus in marriage?

Putting into Practice
For Married Couples:

• What would it look like for you to live out Peter’s teaching in your marriage? Where might God be calling you to practice humility, service, and forgiveness?
• How can you honor and value your spouse more fully in the way Peter describes?

For Singles:

• How does this passage speak to how we should view relationships and marriage, even if we aren’t currently married?
• How can the principles of humility, service, and honoring others apply in our other relationships?

For Everyone:

• How can we challenge the culture around us, which often encourages a "me-first" mentality, in the way we approach relationships, marriage, and gender?

Closing Prayer