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.

SERMON OUTLINE:

I. Three Ideas
A. Peter's style
B. Scattered

II. Always Be Ready For a Defense

III. Suffer for Doing Good

IV. It All Comes Back to the Resurrection

NEXT STEPS:

1. Practice how you would normally defend the hope that you have if someone asked you to.

2. Find ways to add gentleness and respect to your defense and add them.

GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. According to 1 Peter 3:17, Peter states that it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. How does this perspective challenge our understanding of suffering and the concept of justice? How can we find strength and purpose in the midst of trials and unjust treatment?

2. Peter mentions the concept of baptism in 1 Peter 3:21. What does baptism represent in the Christian faith, and how does it relate to the cleansing and salvation through Jesus Christ? How can we practically apply the symbolism of baptism in our daily lives?

3. How would you describe the hope you have to someone, if they asked?

4. In 1 Peter 3:18-20, Peter discusses Christ's suffering and His proclamation to the spirits in prison. What do these verses reveal about the redemptive work of Jesus and its implications for humanity? How does this passage deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ?

5. According to 1 Peter 3:22, Jesus Christ has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him. What assurance and hope does this truth provide for believers? How does the exalted position of Jesus impact our trust in His sovereignty and our confidence in His ability to work in and through our lives?

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.