Sermon Discussion Guide 11-17-24

Sermon Discussion Guide
1 Peter | Part 10 | The Blessing Found in Suffering | 1 Peter 4:12-19

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 4:12-19

• What kinds of suffering or “fiery ordeals” come to mind when you read this passage?
• Peter describes these trials as part of following Jesus. How does this compare with common cultural ideas about avoiding or managing suffering?

Suffering Comes For Us All

• How do you feel when you hear that “suffering comes for all of us”? How might accepting suffering as a normal part of life impact our relationship with God? 
• Why do you think we are surprised when we find ourselves suffering?

God Meets Us In Our Suffering

• Reflect on 1 Peter 4:13, Philippians 3:10, and 1 Corinthians 10:16. What does it mean to you to participate in the sufferings of Christ? How might you say that in a different way?
• When is a time in your life when you have felt God’s presence, especially strongly in a season of struggle? 

God Redeems Our Suffering

• Reflect on the pattern in 1 Peter 4:12-19. 
  • suffering/fiery ordeal to joy
  • insult to blessing
  • shame to praise
• What does this repeated pattern teach us about the character of God?
• Read John 16:33, Psalm 23:4-6 and 2 Corinthians 4:8-11,16-18. How would you describe these promises of God? How do these passages reshape the way we understand both present difficulties and future hope?

Put it Into Practice

• What are some practical ways to open our eyes to see Jesus amid our suffering?