1. Who has been the hardest person for you to love, yet you still did?

2. If you could sit David and Absalom down together in a room, before this final battle, what would you tell them?

3. Have you ever felt like you would die for someone yet they didn’t even think you loved them?

4. Describe your perception of David and Absalom, each with three words?

5. Did you ever possibly misunderstand your dad?

Week 10 Message

March 30, 2023

Week Ten

“Growing Strong Through Adversity”

1 Peter 5:8-14

Vs. 8-9 The attacks of the devil

Vs. 10 How God’s grace works in our lives

Vs. 11 God’s glory

Vs. 12-14 Concluding notes

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think of when you think of the devil attacking you?

2. How does faith combat the attacks of the devil? (What does this tell you about the nature of his attacks?)

3. How does knowing that others are suffering give you strength when under attack?

4. Peter says that God’s grace in suffering can perfect (complete) us, establish (make us sturdy), strengthen (give us the ability to keep moving) and settle us (or keep us calm.) Which of these qualities do you feel the greatest need for at this time in your life?

5. Why is it important to remember that God’s glory and dominion are forever?

6. Peter refers to the “true grace of God in which we stand.” Have you ever seen a fake grace of God?

7. Peter closes his letter by imputing a blessing of peace. Why was it important that this would be his last word to them?

8. What lasting impression are you taking away from this entire study of First Peter?

Memory Verse: Be prepared to recite 1 Peter 5:10-11 out loud or in your heart during small group.  *Bonus: Also recite 1 Peter 1:13.

1. What would be more difficult for you, leaving your family or your country?

2. What is one area that you have stepped out in faith in?

3. What could God call you to do that would most scare you?

4. Share one thing that you can do this week that would require a real step of faith?

Week 9 Message

March 23, 2023

Week Nine

“Being The Church”

1 Peter 5:1-7

Vs. 1-4 Shepherding the flock of God

Vs. 5-6 Submission and humility

Vs. 7 Trusting in His care

Discussion Questions

1. How does spiritual leadership compare to shepherding sheep?

2. Do you think being a shepherd is only for pastors or do you think every mature believer shares this responsibility?

3. What kind of leadership would you see as “not compulsively but willingly?”

4. What does leading for personal gain look like?

5. Who have been some of the mature Christians in your life who set an example that you wanted to follow?

6. What does submission and humility look like in the church? Have you ever seen pride and bullying instead?

7. Is humility a battle for you? Why or why not?

8. How do you cast your cares on God?

Memory Verse: Share 1 Peter 5:10-11 with someone who is going through a hard time.  Share the story below.

1. What is the time in your life when you were most discouraged? Who or what let you down?

2. Why do you suppose Ahithophel put his household in order before hanging himself?

3. Have you ever had someone close to you take their own life? How did it make you feel?

4. Why do you think Ahithophel was so discouraged when Absalom decided to reject his advice?

5. Do you think there would have been any way for Ahithophel to patch things up with David?

Week 8 Message

March 16, 2023

Week Eight

“When We Suffer”

1 Peter 4:12-19

Vs. 12-13 Not surprised by suffering but rejoicing in suffering

Vs. 14 Blessed when under attack

Vs. 15-16 Suffering for the right things or the wrong things?

Vs. 17-18 Judgement begins with God’s people

Vs. 19 Committing our souls to Him in suffering

Discussion Questions

1. Do you sometimes think that if we are doing the right things that we will suffer less? And if I’m suffering, I must have done something wrong?

2. How can we find joy in suffering?

3. When someone is deliberately attacking you how can you find blessing in that?

4. Have you ever suffered because you were making poor choices?

5. How have you suffered when you were doing the right thing, to the best of your ability?

6. In what ways have you seen God judging His own people first?

7. What do you think it means to commit your soul to God? When did you first do this and how do you continue to do it?

8. What is the hardest thing about suffering for you?

Memory Verse: Draw a pictograph (sentence made of pictures) that represents 1 Peter 5:10-11.

1. Have you ever been bought by people who gave to you with strings attached?

2. Why do people use anger to manipulate and control others?

3. Who are the wise people you listen to? Have they ever steered you wrong?

4. Why do you think Absalom didn’t bounce Ahithophel’s idea off of Hushai, for a second opinion? What do you think Hushai would’ve said if he had?

Week 7 Message

March 9, 2023

Week Seven

“Living For Others”

1 Peter 4:1-11

Vs. 1-2 Prepared to suffer

Vs. 3-4 The alternative to Godliness (our past)

Vs. 5-6 Everyone is held responsible

Vs. 7 Serious prayer life

Vs. 8-9 Love and hospitality

Vs. 10-11 Using your gifts

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it hard to mentally prepare to suffer?

2. Who were you before you came to know Jesus, or who would you have become had you not come to know Jesus?

3. Verse 6 seems to say that everyone has an informed choice. What questions does this bring to your mind?

4. What does a vital prayer life look like to you?

5. Where do you need to grow in your prayer life?

6. Why do you think love and hospitality, without grumbling, is so important?

7. What do you think your gifts might be and how are you trying to use them?

8. What are you hoping to see God do in your life in the future?

Memory Verse: “But may the God of ____ _______, who called us to His eternal ______ by _________ ________, after you have ____________ a while, _________, __________, ______________, and _________ you.  To Him be the __________ and the _____________ forever and ever.  Amen.”

– 1 Peter 5:10-11 NKJV

Put this verse in your own words below and share what it means to you personally.