Discussion Questions
March 15, 2026 — 1 Peter 5:1-11
1. What particularly stood out to you from this sermon? Was anything significantly reassuring or challenging? What is your favorite verse from this passage? Why?
2. What is the church? Why is understanding this critical for our spiritual health? What role have you been given by God that can be used to serve others?
3. Read 1 Peter 5:1-4. What is the model all Christian leaders are called to follow? What are some reasons church leadership is a heavy burden to carry?
4. Take a moment and pray for the elders of the church. Ask God to grant them wisdom, discernment, and the favor of the congregation. Plead with the Lord for their families and the ongoing spiritual war they face. Pray that God’s will would be done here and that He would be glorified.
5. When did Peter witness Jesus’ suffering? When did he see the Lord’s glory?
6. What does it mean to shepherd the flock of God? What tools have the elders been given to assist with their God-given task?
7. Why is protection of the flock one of the elders' chief concerns? Protection from what? How can we help the elders carry out this task?
8. What is the purpose of church discipline? What are the steps of church discipline? What can we do to help the elders practice discipline?
9. Read 1 Peter 5:5-11. Why is humility critical to life in the church? Who is our chief example of humble service? Except for God’s grace, what would be the destination for all people? How should we respond to this truth?
10. Why does Peter tell us not to be anxious? What are some ways the Lord cares for us? What promises for God can you meditate on when circumstances have you worried?
11. Spend some time praying for the needs of our family, friends, group members, and unsaved neighbors.
March 8, 2026 — 1 Peter 4:12-19
1. What particularly stood out to you from this sermon? Was anything significantly reassuring or challenging? What is your favorite verse from this passage? Why?
2. What is your usual response to trials? What does the Bible teach is the cause of a Christian’s suffering?
3. Read 1 Peter 4:12. How does Peter refer to the readers of his letter? Why does he refer to his audience this way? Why is grasping this truth vital for us?
4. As Christians, should we be surprised when we are mistreated for our faith? Why/why not? How should we react when others don’t treat us poorly for our Christian faith?
5. Read 1 Peter 4:13. How does Peter tell us we should react to suffering in this verse? What is the key term in this sentence? What are some reasons God allows suffering in his people?
6. Why is suffering abuse for the sake of Christ a blessing? How did Peter and John react to the abuse they suffered at the hands of the Jewish religious leaders? How might we react the same way?
7. Read 1 Peter 4:15-18. What is the first step we should take when facing tribulations? What are some clues that we are facing improper suffering?
8. Why wouldn’t Peter’s original readers have identified themselves as Christians? How does the world view us as disciples of Christ?
9. Read 1 Peter 4:19. What behavior does Peter teach us is necessary in this verse? What is our first responsibility as Christians? How do we do this?
10. How do we demonstrate our devotion to God? What are some concrete steps we can take to prioritize this behavior in our lives each day?
11. Spend some time praying for the needs of our family, friends, group members, congregation, and unsaved neighbors.