We realize you may not be able to discuss 2. Peter uses the word “therefore” in verse 1. This all the questions. Pick the ones you like. draws our attention back to chapter 3 verse 18 talking about suffering for sin, but also back to Small Group Questions chapter 2 verse 11 where Peter talks about Christian “Armor Up” living. How important is it for to look 1 Peter 4:1-7 different from the world in which we live? Previous message summary: As Peter writes to a. How is your life different from that of most non- persecuted Christians who have been scattered because Christians? of their faith, he reminds them of the victory that has b. How should our life and the way we live be a already been won by Jesus when he rose from the grave. testimony or witness to the unbelieving world around us? (:12, 15; 3:16) What we learned: This may be a difficult passage (:18-22), but when read in context the message 3. In verse 1, what does Peter tell his readers to arm becomes clear. Jesus has defeated sin and death and themselves with? Is this weapon our greatest Christians who have made their pledge to God can be weapon against sin? assured that they too have victory through Christ, no a. How important is our attitude toward sin? Do matter what may happen in this life. you arm yourself to fight against sin on a daily Introduction basis? b. What does it mean to cease from sin? Is this 1. In competition, whether in sports or business, to do even possible? (Romans 6:1-14) our best we need to be prepared in every way. In order to win, we arm ourselves with all the tools and c. Are you willing to suffer for righteousness? Can abilities to put our best foot forward. Tell about a the attitude of suffering for right co-exist with time when you armed yourself in the face of an attitude that desires to sin? competition. d. What does Peter tell his readers to live the rest a. Looking back, were you as prepared as you of their “time in the flesh” for? (verse 2) needed to be? What was the biggest challenge e. How does living for God’s will help us in your preparation? overcome sin? Can this attitude help us cease b. Were you successful? Did you arm yourself from sin? adequately to win? 4. What does Peter tell his readers in verse 3? In your c. What do you do to prepare or arm yourself own words, what is the message of this verse? each day with the weapons you need to live a. Is this a message that many Christians need to the Christian life? hear today? Discussion Questions b. Why do people who have been redeemed from Read 1 Peter 4:1-7 sin struggle with giving up the passions of this world? Why do we continue to struggle with a. What blessing does Peter give as a result of sin? being self-controlled and sober-minded? c. How can we help each other get out of the b. How many times has Peter warned us to live sinning business? proper lives so that our prayers will be answered? (1 Peter 3:7, 9, 12; 4:7) 5. What does Peter tell us, in verse 4, about the world’s reaction to our desire to leave sin and pursue c. Do you want your prayers to be answered? If righteousness? so, what kind of life should we live? (:16) a. Has someone ever been surprised when you decided to not go along with them in sin? What Challenge: God is concerned with the kind of life we live, was that experience like? so we need to arm ourselves with the mind of Christ so we can be victorious over sin. We should intentionally b. Have you ever been maligned (blasphemed) prepare ourselves to go to war against the power of sin in by someone when you did not participate with our world. them in sin? How did you handle that experience? Action: Take a few minutes each day this week to pray and read God’s Word so that you can be prepared to do c. What does Peter say in verse 5 about the battle against sin in your life. Commit to reading attitude we should have towards those who will Ephesians 6:10-18 this week in preparation for the battle. not understand why we won’t participate in sin with them? What will happen to all people at Next Steps: some point? G I want to “Armor Up” with the attitude of Christ. d. Does this attitude help you to live a life that G I need to die to my old self and live for Christ Jesus. honors God, even in the face of opposition? G I am done with ______(specific sin) in 6. What does Peter say about the reason the my life and am surrendering it completely to God. was preached? G Jesus, help me live in such a way that my prayers a. Do you want your friends and family to know will be more effective. the reality and certainty of God’s judgment? What is the one thing that will be most helpful when someone stands before God? b. Who are some people that you want to share the hope of Christ with so they can live in the spirit the way God does? 7. In verse 7, Peter reminds his readers that the “end of all things is at hand.” What commands does Peter give in light of the end?