Hope - Week 8: The Ark of Salvation
Small Group Discussion Guide
For the week of Oct. 20th, 2019
Connecting (Aim for 2 minutes)
Upcoming Grace Calendar
• New Partners Workshop: 11/2 @9:00am in Portable
• Grace Family Picnic:xx 11/10 @ 1pm at Grace Parking Lot
Breaking the Ice/Think Time (Aim for 12 minutes)
Describe a time in your life when it was hard for you to believe in something someone was saying.
• 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 3:18-20
In verse 18, Peter communicates the gospel message. Name the aspects of this verse that sum up the gospel.
Staying in verse 18. Christ suffered how many times for sins? For who did He suffer? Why did He suffer? What did His death in the flesh and His resurrection in the spirit accomplish?
Do the actions of Jesus in v.18 give you assurance that sin has been dealt with once for all? How does this truth differ from what other religions teach?
There are several interpretations to verse 19. Based on Sunday’s sermon, who are the “spirits in prison? What message did Jesus proclaim to the “spirits in prison”? When was this message proclaimed?
How did God deal with disobedience in the time of Noah? How does God deal with our disobedience today?
Read 1 Peter 3:21-22
In verse 19, Peter compares the flood and the salvation of Noah’s family to baptism. How is the flood like a Christian’s experience of Baptism?
Baptism represents a complete break with one’s past life. As the Flood wiped away the old sinful world, so baptism pictures one’s break from his old sinful life and his entrance into new life in Christ. Baptism does not save us from sin, but it pledges (appeals) to God for us to have what? (v. 21)
How did Jesus conquer sin and obtain salvation for those who trust in Him? (Hint: read the end of verse 21)
What reward is given for Christ’s faithfulness and perfect obedience? (v. 22)
Seeing Our Savior
Read 1 Tim. 2:5, 2 Tim. 1:10, 2 Cor. 5:21, Rom. 4:22-25
By his death, Christ won life for his own. His resurrection brings triumph after suffering; a triumph that is the hope of suffering Christians. For Christ died for sins once for all … He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit … has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. Peter description of Christ’s triumph is clear. His death was not defeat, but the once-for-all sacrifice that atoned for sin. It was followed by the resurrection and the ascension. Live your life knowing that you are united with God through the death of Christ.
Living the Truth (Aim for 20 minutes)
1. In what way specifically can you demonstrate the hope you have in His resurrection as you go about your life this week?
Baptism does not save you. Trusting Jesus Christ does. Baptism is a testimony of your accepting Christ as Lord and Savior. Share your experience of being baptized. If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back?
Do you know people who need to know about Jesus Christ’s victory over sin? In what way can you share the gospel with them this week?
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