Living Set Apart: A 7-Part Study Through 1 Peter
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Challenge Questions:
How does it feel to know that you are chosen by God?
We are God’s special possession. How does this truth change the way you view yourself?
We were once separated from God and were not His people. How can you praise the Lord today for dying for our sins and paying the debt we could never afford?
From this passage, we learn about the importance of suffering for doing what is right. When we suffer for doing what is right, we are blessed. We need to continue to set Christ as Lord in our hearts and be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks about our faith. However, we do not need to be rude or belligerent in our responses, as this can push people away from the Lord. Instead, we should respond with gentleness, respect, and kindness.
By extending Jesus’ love and showing kindness to others, we may put to shame those who have spoken badly about us. When unbelievers see our good behavior, they will have little reason to speak negatively about the Lord or about us. Therefore, even when we are persecuted for our faith, we must continue to do what is right. Suffering for doing good is a blessing. It may not feel like it in the moment, but God sees our efforts and our desire to live in a way that honors Him.
Challenge Questions:
Suffering for doing what is right and suffering for doing what is wrong are very different. Can you share examples of both?
Extending Jesus’ love when others are mean to us can be difficult. What do you think could help make this easier?
Peter says it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Why do you think he says this?
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God does not want us to live our lives for human desires. These desires are rooted in sin and will lead us far away from Him. Instead of living for evil human desires, we are called to live according to the will of God. Many of us have already spent much of our lives living in sin, but now it is time to turn away from these things. Rather than living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry, we are called to live pure, holy, and godly lives.
From the moment we place our faith in Jesus, we begin becoming a new person (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Holy Spirit dwells within us and begins guiding us toward holiness and godliness. When we first became believers, many of us had an eager desire to serve the Lord and turn away from sinful behaviors. Sadly, this motivation can fade over time. However, it is never too late to turn away from sin and begin living for God again. Life is too short to spend it living any other way.
Challenge Questions:
Are you currently living for evil human desires or for the will of God?
How can you begin living for the will of God today?
If you have lost the spiritual fervor you once had, how can you regain it?
For the final part of this Bible study, we are focusing on humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God. Peter tells us that when we do this, God will lift us up in due time. We are also reminded that we can cast our anxiety on God because He cares for us. While 1 Peter contains many powerful truths, 1 Peter 5:6-7 offers us comfort, grace, and peace. Humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God brings a level of comfort and peace that only He can provide.
In the same way, casting our anxiety on God gives us lasting peace. Rather than holding on to anxious thoughts and worries, we can choose to give these troubles over to Him. God is able to carry all of our anxieties and provide us with true and lasting peace. Choose today to place these burdens in His hands and allow His peace, love, and mercy to fill your heart.
Challenge Questions:
How can you humble yourself under God’s mighty hand today?
Have you ever cast your anxiety on God? If not, what is holding you back?
Anxiety can overwhelm us, but God is able to help. How can you strengthen your trust in Him today?
Pray with me:
Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me about 1 Peter. Please help me apply these lessons to my life and truly walk according to Your will. I humble myself under Your mighty hand and cast my anxiety on You. Guide me to do what is right, even if it means suffering. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.
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