1 Peter 4:1-11: Leading by Being Different

LSF Bible Study #7: Inspiration in Suffering (IiS) 1 Peter 4:1-11: Leading By Being Different

I. Introduction: Thus far in 1 Peter, we’ve seen how God has called the Christian community to influence and lead the rest of the world to worship God through the way we act and how we react to unjust suffering. Today Peter continues that train of thought and contrasts the way the secular world lives with the way that Christians should be living and loving.

Do you like standing out in a crowd? Or would you rather blend in? Why?

II. Study: 1 Peter 4:1-11 4 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the the spirit the way God does. flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

III. Observation: 1. What do these phrases mean? “living in sensuality” “passions” “drunkenness” “orgies” “drinking parties” “lawless idolatry” (v.3) “debauchery” (v.4)? Use another translation to help you.

2. What does “flesh” mean? Use another translation to help you.

IV. Interpretation: 3. What does Peter mean when he says “whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” (v.1)?

4. What are the two ways of life that Peter is trying to contrast? What is the difference between them?

5. What does it mean for love to “cover a multitude of sins” (v.8)?

6. Who does Peter want us to love (v.8)? Why does Peter say “Above all”?

V. Application: This passage argues for the triumph of one way of living over another. He argues that we shouldn’t live for physical pleasures, but rather for loving and serving each other. In that way we will glorify God. This is how we act as God’s temple (see chapter 2), and influence the world around us (chapter 2-3).

7. Do you ever struggle with self-control in any areas? How can we as a small group help you?

8. Is it a priority of yours to love Christians? Is it a top priority? How can we help each other make it more of a priority?