Hope - Week 12: His Way
Small Group Discussion Guide
For the week of Nov. 17th
Connecting (Aim for 15 minutes)
• Growing up, what picture did you have of Satan?
Quick Review… Looking back at your notes from this Sunday’s sermon, what caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Understanding the Truth (Aim for 30-40 minutes)
Read 1 Peter 5:8-14
What are Peter’s first two imperatives in v.8a?
According to v.8b, who is our adversary?
How is Satan described in v.8c?
What result does he want to accomplish in our lives? v.8d
How are we supposed to “resist Satan?” v.9
Discuss the picture being painted by “firm in your faith” v.9b. How would this have looked in the lives of the exiles? How would that look in our lives today?
Why is it important to know that you are not the only person experiencing suffering for Christ?
V.10 states that we have been called to “eternal glory in Christ.” Who did this for us? What does this truth communicate about your position in Christ?
First, He “will restore us” which means to put in order or make right. In this
scenario who is the one working on our hearts? Will he complete his work?Second, He will “confirm” or “establish” us. This means to be given a fixed position. Who are we fixed in? Will he ever fail? How does this truth encourage you?
Third, He will “strengthen” us. Who is the source of our strength? Is it limited or unlimited? Why do we continue to try under our strength?
Lastly, He will “establish” us. Upon whom will God establish us? Is our foundation sand or Rock? Can we ever be moved off this foundation?
The apostle couldn’t finish this section without worshiping God v.11. “To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Take some time as a group and worship God together through song and prayer.
Seeing Our Savior
Mark 14:32-36; Matt. 27:46; Heb. 12:2; Rom. 3:23-26
The crucifixion and the events leading up to it weighed heavily on our Savior; at Gethsemane he prayed for the cup to pass, if possible. On the cross, he cried out “My God, why have you forsaken me?” He took the weight of our sin and the fullness of God’s wrath against it. He did it knowing He was saving us from God’s wrath. In this passage, Peter encourages believers by stating that all believers would suffer for the Gospel. Yet, Jesus was comforted knowing that we who trust Him wouldn’t have to experience the same wrath he did. To Him who is worthy, be dominion and power forever and ever. Amen!
Living the Truth (Aim for 20 minutes)
1. How can we devote more time to reading and meditating on God’s word in order to be “sober-minded and watchful”? Discuss.
When suffering arrives in our lives, we are always tempted to rely on our own strength. What disciplines can we establish in our routines that will stand as a reminder to rely on God, instead of ourselves, during suffering?
Throughout this series, Peter’s focus was to encourage the exiles that would face the same fiery trials believers were already experiencing in Rome. He did so by reminding them of the “living hope” and assuring them they weren’t alone in their suffering. Take this moment and share with your group times when you experienced suffering and God’s strength through it in order to encourage one another.
God not only hears but loves to answer prayers that are “according to His will.” (1 John 5:14-15). We can pray confidently when we pray obediently to this truth. You have just spent time discovering God’s will for you. Now, ask God for what you need to fulfill His will in your life, your friends & family, neighbors, church & community. Don’t be afraid to ask forgiveness where you have blown it, strength where you are weak, courage where you are afraid.
Prayer Requests (Aim for minimum of 10 minutes)
Pray that God reveals to you who He truly is