Discussion Questions Read 1 Peter 1:1-5 Small Group Questions 2. 1 Peter is written to “elect exiles” who have been “Is It Worth It?” scattered throughout a region that is modern-day 1 Peter 1:1-5 Turkey. Who are these exiles, and why have they been scattered? Previous message summary: The theme of 1 Peter is a. When elect exiles are mentioned in the Old “suffering well” (mentioned often), as Peter writes to Testament, who is it a reference to? Christians who are facing persecution. He gives them (Deuteronomy 7:6; 2 Kings 24:14; 2 Chronicles encouragement and reminds them that they are exiles in 36:20; Ezra 6:16; Psalm 147:2) the world, and to remember that their hope is in Jesus. b. Who are elect exiles in the New Testament? What we learned: As a Christian we can expect (Philippians 2:11; 1 Peter 2:10-11; Hebrews persecution, and when it happens our goal is to endure it 11:13) because of the hope and assurance we have in Christ c. How important is it for Christians to understand Jesus. that this world is not our home? What kind of Introduction perspective does this remind us to have towards the things of this world? 1. Think about a time when your hope for something 3. Peter includes who, how, and why these Christians dominated your life ... maybe it was a job or a have been elected by God in his greeting (v 2). promotion or a trip that you had high hopes about. During that time, was it hard to think about anything a. Who are the ones that have been elected? else? Did your high hope lead to a change in your Does God know about their decision to follow attitude, outlook, and behavior in life? Did your hope Christ? (Romans 8:29-30) capture the focus of your thoughts during that time? b. How does a person become a part of God’s a. What about now? Do you currently have a high elect? (Eph. 2:4-10) What is the Spirit’s role in hope that is the focus of your thoughts and this? (2 Cor. 2:10-12; Titus 3:4-7) life? c. Why are Christians saved? What is the result b. How does having a hope change the way you of being elected and redeemed according to 1 live your life? Peter 1:2? c. What are some things in life that have led you d. Why is it important for Christians to understand to have false hope? Do you know people who these truths as they face persecution? What are chasing after things that provide false encouragement do you get when reading 2 hope? Peter 2:9?

4. In what ways does God’s mercy show up in your b. What are some of the ways that you have or life? Is the blessing of mercy something that gives are currently undergoing persecution? you strength to withstand the trials of life? c. Since the goal of the Christian life is obedience a. When others show you mercy, what does it do to God, in what ways does being reminded of to strengthen you and your faith? these benefits help you obey God’s word? b. When you have opportunity to show mercy to 7. Are you willing to share the benefits of being a others, do you do it? How can this act of Christian with someone who is non-Christian? Why showing mercy to people build up the body of or why not? Christ and help others endure trials? a. Do you think that most non-Christian people 5. The benefits of following Christ and being recipients have ever considered the benefits of the of his great mercy are many. What benefits are Christian life? detailed in verses 3-5? b. What might happen as more and more non- a. What does it mean to have a new birth? How Christians come to understand that Christianity can this regeneration help us to endure trials is beneficial to their life? and persecution? (John 3:1-5; 2 Corinthians Challenge: We know from our study that we are God’s 5:16-18) elect, he’s given us new birth, and we have an inheritance b. Describe how a living hope is a blessing in that can never perish. If you believe this, will you have the your life. What is the living hope based on? boldness it takes to be a Christian worthy of persecution? How does this living hope compare to other Action: Memorize 1 Peter 1:3 and be bold in your things that people hope in? Christian walk this week, speaking up for what you c. How does Peter describe the inheritance that believe, knowing God is with you. awaits Christians? Is there any other kind of inheritance that even comes close to the inheritance that awaits the Christian? (vs 4-5) Next Steps: d. When will we receive this inheritance? Does G I understand that no matter what happens to me in this reality give you strength you to withstand this life, having Jesus makes it all worth it. trials and persecution in this world? G I thank God for: the promise of new birth, a living 6. The benefits of living the Christian life are listed for hope, an eternal inheritance, and his secure Christians who are undergoing severe persecution promise. because of their faith. How does being reminded of G With God’s help, I will strive to live completely for these benefits translate into real life for these first- him this week. century Christians? In what ways does it help them? a. How does being reminded of these benefits translate into real life for you? Does it help you live your Christian life?