Stand Firm Grace for All Life’s Challenges A Study in 1 Peter February 28 – March 28, 2021

Week 1: Grace Proceeds from God  Weekly Reading: :1–2:3  Idea: God in His grace has chosen (1:2a). Now we need to receive and use God’s grace in its fullest measure (1:2b).  Point: When God tries our faith, or when our faith is tried by the world, we need to remember that we have an adequate source of strength in God’s grace.  Discussion Questions: What perspective does Peter give suffering in verses 6–7? How does this perspective help you deal with past or current suffering? In verses 13–16, what kind of holiness does Peter call us to? How does Peter’s call to holiness in this passage challenge you at home, work, church, or in the community?

Week 2: Grace Produces Confidence  Weekly Reading: :4–25  Idea: The prophets foretold God’s grace (1:10). The two advents of supply God’s grace (1:13). The pattern of God’s action on our behalf gives confidence. We are united with Christ. Christ bore our sins so we can die to sin and live confidently in righteousness (2:24)  Point: When our faith is trembling, we need to remember that we have an adequate source of confidence in God’s grace. This is not simply positive thinking, but real external help.  Discussion Questions: What process is God undertaking in the lives of believers? What does it mean to you to be part of this “spiritual house” (v. 5)? In relation to suffering, verse 21 says, “To this you were called.” What is your reaction to this? How can Christ’s example (vv. 21–23) help you when you are mistreated? Beyond his example, what benefits has Christ’s suffering produced (vv. 24–25)?

Week 3: Our Conduct Proclaims God’s Grace  Weekly Reading: :1–22  Idea: The Christian’s conduct in trying and difficult circumstances displays God’s grace in a human life (2:19–20). Our patient endurance of trials displays our submission to God’s will (3:14–17).  Point: When our circumstances are difficult, we need to remember that we have an adequate source of conduct in God’s grace. These are not just “pep talks.”  Discussion Questions: What does it mean for a wife to submit to her husband? In what ways can a husband be considerate to his wife and treat her with respect? In what ways are you blessed “even if you should suffer for what is right” (v. 14)? What is the model for evangelism Peter gives in verses 15–16? How does hope change your behavior and cause people to ask about it?

Week 4: Grace Perfects Character  Weekly Reading: 1 Peter 4:1–19  Idea: Grace is the source of service (4:10) and the source of humility (5:5). An attitude of humility manifests itself in service of others (4:8–10).  Point: When we suffer for conscience’s sake, we need to remember that we have an adequate source of character in God’s grace, not just self-effort.  Discussion Questions: How can suffering change a person’s life for the better? How have you seen this to be true in your own life? Why would the radical change in lifestyle of the Christians be upsetting to pagans, or those of the world (v. 4)? From verses 7–10, what are some priorities that a Christian should have in their life? What effect has past suffering had on your commitment to God? How can you be an encourager to someone this week who is going through a difficult time?

Week 5: Grace Promotes Courage  Weekly Reading: :1–14  Idea: We need God’s grace to be courageous in this world (5:10), and we need courage to resist the devil (5:8–9).  Point: When assaulted by the adversary, we need to remember that we have an adequate source of courage in God’s grace. Some need courage to evangelize; others need it to perform other forms of ministry.  Discussion Questions: How are Christians to deal with stress, tension, and hassles (vv. 6– 7)? In verses 8–9, who is identified as the enemy? What are we told about this enemy? How are we to guard against this enemy? In what way does the promise in verse 10 give you encouragement?

Outline: 1 Peter I. Introduction (1:1–2) A. Authorship (1:1a) B. Audience (1:1b–2b) C. Salutation (1:2c) II. Our Christian Identity (1:3–2:10) A. Our Great Inheritance (1:3–9) B. Our Great Salvation (1:10–2:3) 1. Witness of the prophets (1:10–12) 2. A call to holiness (1:13–2:3) C. Our Great Priesthood (2:4–10) III. Our Christian Responsibilities (2:11–4:11) A. Our Witness of Good Works (2:11–12) B. Our Witness of Good Relationships (2:13–3:12) 1. To government (2:13–17) 2. Slaves to masters (2:18–25) 3. Wives to husbands (3:1–6) 4. Husbands to wives (3:7) 5. To others (3:8–12) C. Our Witness of Good Attitude (3:13–4:11) 1. Keep a clear conscience in suffering (3:13–22) 2. Keep the same attitude of Christ (4:1–6) 3. Keep control of the self (4:7–11) IV. Our Christian Duty (4:12–5:11) A. Our Response to Trials (4:12–19) B. Our Response to Church Leadership (5:1–11) 1. To elders (5:1–4) 2. To young men (5:5a) 3. To everyone (5:5b–11) V. Conclusion (5:12–14)