Sunday Discussion
Giving on Empty
Transition:
In last week’s text, Peter commanded believers to adopt the same attitude Jesus had, when suffering for righteousness. He also described the world’s response when one no longer participated in worldly norms.
Check Point:
Would anyone like to share something they worked on from last week’s discussion?
Context:
In this week’s text, Peter reminds these Christians that even during their suffering, they had obligations to one another. He exhorts them to prayer, love, hospitality, and service, all for the glory of God.
Opening Questions:
- Describe a time when you experienced incredible hospitality. How did it make you feel?
- Have you ever driven your car on fumes with no gas stations in sight? If so, what were you feeling during that time?
Scripture/Storying: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Discipleship Questions:
- What is the Holy Spirit teaching you through this story? How does it impact the way you think and live?
- What would make self-control and sober-mindedness difficult amid suffering? How have you personally seen self-control and sober mindedness (or lack of) impact your prayers?
- How does sincere love from others help you through your suffering? What is the difference between affirming sin and covering sin? Whose sin do you need to cover with love and how will you do so?
- Why would hospitality be critical for these believers who have suffered insult, slander, and maligning? Why is it needed in the body of Christ today? What about hospitality might cause grumbling? How will you guard against grumbling when taking on the task of hospitality?
- What is God’s part in your serving? Why do you personally need God’s strength to serve? Have you ever served without depending on God’s strength? How did things turn out? How will you avoid burnout?
- What other things besides God’s glory have been your motivation for serving? How will you stay mindful that the ultimate motivation for your service to the church should be God’s glory?
- This week we sang “The Lord Will Provide.” What emotions did this song bring to the surface in you? What were some key phrases that stood out to you and why? How did singing this song help you to glorify God?
Prayer time: Favor International
Pray for the Gospel work to go forth and a vast harvest of disciples. Pray for the missionaries (approximately 1,000) to be anointed to speak forth the Word with salvations, signs, and wonders following. Pray for the protection of every leader, staff person, and missionary. Pray for peace and that the unrest in South Sudan and Sudan will be brought to a speedy end. Pray for the main leaders of the ministries there to have wisdom, grace, and God’s strategy. Pray for financial support to flow into the ministry and for ample funding for the advancement of the work in Africa.