Sermon Discussion Guide 10-27-24

Sermon Discussion Guide
1 Peter | Part 7 | How to Speak a Gentle Word | 1 Peter 3:8-16

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 3:8-16

• If you were facing persecution like these first Christians, how would you respond to this teaching?  
• Focus on verse 9: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing.” Why do you think this is such a challenging command in our culture today?

Matthew 26:36-56

• Peter is acting in a highly reactive manner in the garden. Do you see any patterns of reactivity in your life? How do you normally respond to situations that feel out of control?
• Jesus told Peter to put away the sword and to trust in his sovereignty. How does living in fear interfere with the will of God for our lives or the world?
•  In what situations do you find it hard to trust that Jesus is in control, and what "swords" do you tend to reach for in response?

Jesus is Lord

• 1 Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord." How does living with Christ as Lord create peace instead of anxiety in our lives? 
• What are some areas in your life where anxiety is pointing to misplaced trust or a false sense of security?

Putting into Practice

• Spiritual disciplines (or practices) help us learn to trust Jesus. What is a spiritual discipline that you can focus on as a way of actively surrendering an anxious area of your life to Jesus?

Closing Prayer