Sermon Discussion Guide 11-3-24

Sermon Discussion Guide
1 Peter | Part 8 | The Normal Life of Suffering | 1 Peter 3:17-4:6

Gathering Prayer

Gathering Question
The Apostles’ Creed has within it the following line: I believe in Jesus Christ . . . He descended to the dead. What has been your understanding of this phrase?

Opening Questions

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

Read 1 Peter 3:17-4:6

• Peter qualifies suffering with the phrase, “if that is what God wants” – how does this phrase inform, encourage, or challenge how you view suffering?
• Of Jesus’ suffering, Peter said “he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God.” How does the metaphor of “bringing you safely home to God” inform how you might share faith in Jesus with another person?
• Verses 3.19-20, and 4.6 – describe Jesus preaching after his death, but before his resurrection – how do you understand what Jesus is doing here? How does this contribute to the encouraging word Peter is bringing to people who know deep suffering?
• Read 3.20-21 – What does this contribute to your understanding of Baptism?
• Peter says many things about Jesus in this text. Tray and list all the things he says about Jesus . . . like Christ suffered for our sins, He never sinned, He has gone to Heaven, He is seated in the place of honor. . . . Of the things Jesus has done, of the effect of Jesus, of the person Jesus is described as, what resonates with you in the place of life you are in now? How does this lead you to pray?

Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, stay with us, for the day is passing, be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this, for the sake of your love. Amen. (BCP, 2019, ACNA)