We realize you may not be able to discuss c. Is submission an issue for younger or older all the questions. Pick the ones you like. people? Small Group Questions Discussion Questions “Tie on the Apron” Read 1 Peter 5:5-7 1 Peter 5:5-7 2. Peter begins this passage with the word “likewise.” Previous message summary: What do you see? A story In what ways are younger people to be “like” the in the Gospel of John where we learn about Jesus healing elders that he has just given instruction to in verses a beggar who was born blind. Jesus rubbed mud on the 2-4? man’s eyes and told him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. a. What is the value of a younger person being After receiving his sight, the man told his parents, his submissive to an older person? How important neighbors, and the Pharisees about what Jesus had done is submission in the context of the church and for him. The man went from being lost and without sight, in passing on Biblical instruction? to being able to see a prophet, to seeing and believing in Jesus as his Savior and Lord. b. Have you ever learned something of great value when you allowed yourself to submit to What we learned: Jesus wants me to see him as he people who are older and more experienced? really is, and see things from his perspective, knowing How did that lesson impact your life? that his way is perfect and that I can trust him completely. c. Peter talks of submission often in 1 Peter. In As I focus on him, my eyes can see opportunities where what kinds of relationships does Peter he can make a difference. command submission for Christians? Read 1 Introduction Peter 2:13, 18; 3:1, 7, 22, 5:5. 3. What does Peter tell his readers to clothe 1. Submit! When we hear that word, it brings an themselves with in verse 5? Why is it important for immediate resistance, a feeling of defiance, and an Christians to rid themselves of pride? arching of the back that demonstrates a feeling of “I’m not going to do that.” Tell of a time when you’ve a. How did Jesus demonstrate humility during his been forced to submit and do something you did not earthly life? Read John 13:3-5. want to do. Is submission a bad thing? b. How did Paul describe the humility of Jesus? a. Submission can be evident at work, at home, Read Philippians 2:5-8. or in the military when we recognize and bow c. In verse 5, Peter talks about the result of being to the wishes of authority. What type of humble as well as the result of lacking humility. situation makes submission seem acceptable How important is humility in the life of a and easy to go along with? Christian? Pride is the opposite of humility. b. Is it harder or easier to submit to someone you How can pride destroy the life of a Christian? love and respect? Why? d. What are some ways you can clothe yourselves with humility this week? Are there certain situations where humility will be hard for Challenge: God wants us to live completely for him and you? trust him with every area of our life. So often we are tempted to trust in ourselves when it comes to certain 4. Who does Peter say (verse 6) is the one who will areas of our life. This week, strive to give every area of exalt the person who voluntarily humbles your life to God. Submit to others in your life. Humble themselves? yourself and trust God to exalt you. Cast your cares a. When will God exalt the humble? When will the completely on God and depend on Him. proper time come? Action: Pray this prayer: “Heavenly Father, you know b. There is a principle that is woven throughout what problems I face today. You know where I will meet the New Testament that God exalts the discouragement, and where I may feel too weak to go on. humble. Read Matthew 23:12; James 4:10. Is You know that most of my anxiety is over worldly pursuits this one of your goals as a Christian? that won’t matter when I am with you in eternity. Help me 5. In verse 7, Peter commands his readers to cast all trust you for the strength, wisdom, and love to make this their anxieties on God. How hard is it for us to be day worthwhile. Help me trust you completely.” completely dependent on God and give him all our cares and worries? Next Steps: a. What are some anxieties that you have kept, or are keeping from God? G I am so thankful that God is willing and able to help in times of need. b. Why do we continue to carry burdens that we know God wants us to give over to him? Read G I will trust in God to do whatever is best, when he Matthew 11:28–30. deems best. c. How can our faith grow when we “cast all our G For the sake of Christ and his Church, I will seek to anxieties” on God? be more humble and submissive. d. Why does God want us to cast our cares on G I will commit to doing the following selfless act of Him? Do you really believe that God cares for service this week: ______. you? 6. How important would Peter’s message (God opposing the proud, exalting the humble, and wanting to carry the anxieties of his people because he cares for them) be to first century Christians who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ? a. How important and relevant is this same message to your life? b. What are some ways you can trust more fully in God and his plan for your life?