Sunday Discussion
You Can Navigate through Trials
Transition:
Picking up where we left off in 1st Peter, Peter reminded these Christians that even during their suffering, they had obligations to one another. He exhorted them to prayer, love, hospitality, and service, all for the glory of God.
Check Point:
Would anyone like to share something they worked on from last week’s discussion?
Context:
In this week’s text, Peter gives the Christians in Asia Minor tactics to help them navigate through their suffering for Jesus. When they replace surprise with joy, avoid irresponsible suffering, choose glory to God over shame and entrust their lives to him, they can navigate well through the wilderness of suffering for Christ.
Opening Questions:
Can you recall a time when you felt shamed by your peers during your school years? Describe the occasion and what you were feeling.
Describe a time when you felt a joy you could never forget.
Scripture/Storying: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Discipleship Questions:
What is the Holy Spirit teaching you through this story? How does it impact the way you think and live?
What is your typical response when you feel insulted by the world for following Christ?
What is God’s purpose in allowing his people to be persecuted? Can a faith that hasn’t been tested be called genuine? Why or why not? How has your faith been tested? What did you learn about yourself through the testing, and how did you grow through it?
Describe what you think joy looks like during persecution. Why can a Christian have joy during persecution? How will you fight for joy when you face insult for following Christ?
How have you seen Christians confuse suffering for unrighteousness with suffering for Christ? How might suffering for the wrong reasons hurt a Christian’s testimony in a world hostile toward Christianity?
In what ways have you seen the world try to shame Christians? How does shame threaten you?
What does bearing the name “Christian” as a badge of honor look like to you? How will you demonstrate that you are not ashamed to be called a Christ follower?
What is challenging to you about entrusting your life to God when you are experiencing trials for your faith?
Prayer time:
Please pray for our mission team heading to Zimbabwe from April 17th-28th! Pray for the safety and good health of the team as they travel and acclimate to their new environment. Pray for Mark Dresbach and Stacey Bearden as they preach on Easter Sunday; may the Lord open hearts to salvation in Him. Pray for the Lord to guide the team as they train Indigenous Pastors in our discipleship training. Pray that the Lord will increase a passion for discipleship that continues to multiply as Indigenous Pastors begin to train those within their churches. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless Redeem All Ministries and use them for His Glory!