StoneBridge Community Church
Senior Pastor Jon Saur
Peter - Rock On
1 Peter and 2 Peter are letters attributed to Peter, one of Jesus' first apostles. Following Jesus marks Christians as different from those around us. Peter wrote to help the Christians in his day understand how to live in a world that doesn't understand us, but how to also love and care for the world so that it can experience the hope of Jesus.
1 Peter 1:1-9 NRSV
SERMON OUTLINE:
I. Who is Peter?
II. Who is Peter writing to?
III. Why is Peter writing?
IV. How does Peter encourage them?
V. Hope
NEXT STEPS:
1. Think of someone who is struggling in his or her faith.
2. Reach out to them to encourage them.
GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. In 1 Peter 1:1-9, the recipients are referred to as "elect exiles" who have been chosen according to God's foreknowledge. What does it mean to be chosen by God, and how does this impact our understanding of our identity and purpose as Christians today?
2. Peter writes about the living hope that believers have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. How does this living hope affect the way we navigate trials and sufferings in our lives?
3. In this passage, Peter emphasizes the imperishable and undefiled inheritance that is kept in heaven for believers. How does the promise of an eternal inheritance impact our perspective on life?
4. Peter encourages the believers to rejoice, even though they may be experiencing trials and grief. How can we cultivate a mindset of joy and gratitude in the midst of challenging circumstances?
5. In what ways are Christians today "exiles?" In what ways are Christians today not "exiles?"
6. In broad strokes, how does Peter encourage the early Christians to live?
We encourage you to use Facebook, Instagram, and other social media to share images, quotes, links, or what you've learned from this week's message and YouVersion message notes. Social media can also be a great way of inviting your friends to worship and special events.