Sermon Discussion Guide 11-10-24

Sermon Discussion Guide
1 Peter | Part 9 | The End is Near | 1 Peter 4:7-11

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?

1 Peter 4:7: “The end of all things is near.”

• How does this phrase resonate with you personally?
• Does it bring any emotions or questions to mind?

Read and reflect on these passages:
Matthew 24:36-44
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
James 5:8-9
2 Peter 3:10-12
Revelation 1:1-3
Revelation 22:12-13

Reflect on these quotes through Christian history

• Didache: “Let us daily wait for the kingdom of God in love and righteousness, because we know not the day of God’s appearing.” (early second century)
• St Augustine: “He who loves the coming of the Lord …awaits it with sincere faith, steadfast hope, and fervent love.” (fourth century)
• Martin Luther:  “I ardently hope that… Jesus Christ will hasten the day of His coming. For there is nothing now capable of calming our troubles but His presence.” (16th century)
• Ulrich Zwingli:  “Do not be afraid to look for the day of Christ's return, whether it come tomorrow or after a thousand years. For He is coming at the appointed time, and the wise shall be ready.” (16th century)
• John Wesley: “The spirit in the heart of the true believer says with earnest desire, 'Come, Lord Jesus,' and hastens to meet Him with joy.” (18th century)
• GK Chesterson: We shall not find satisfaction till we rest in the coming of Him who makes all things new.” (19th century)
• CS Lewis: “Precisely because we cannot predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments. Jesus' return is imminent, not in a sense that we know exactly when, but that we must live prepared.” (20th century)
• What stands out to you from these quotes and passages from the Bible? 
• Why do you think there is so much emphasis throughout Christian history on the return of Jesus?

Glory of God

• Peter ends this passage by emphasizing that “in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ” (v. 11). How can having a God-centered purpose affect our daily lives and attitudes?
• “Your vision for the future matters.” How does centering your life on bringing glory to God provide peace, purpose, or resilience?
• Which of the two visions for the future (modern secular or Christian) brings you more peace, hope, purpose? Why?

Put it Into Practice

• What is one thing you are facing this week that you need to shift your focus to have an eternal perspective?