2. Christ the righteous, suffered for you, the unrighteous. How does this affect your attitude toward those you deem “unrighteous”? How does that affect your behavior and speech towards those you deem “unrighteous”?

3. Since Christ suffered once for you, and you now have a magnificent standing before God, how does this change your daily relationship with God? How does it change how you work and interact with coworkers/friends? How does it change how you rest? How does it change how you spend your time?

4. What do you make of the odd verses about Jesus visiting spirits in prison and making a proclamation to them? How can this be an encouragement to you?

5. How would the story of Noah be an encouragement to the small group of Christians facing persecution living in a hostile, host nation?

6. Knowing Christ is sovereign over everything in the world (verse 22) and you are in union with Him (verse 21), how does this help you handle uncertainty, fear, etc.?

7. It’s difficult to fully experience the blessings of verse 18-22 without living in such a way that you’re suffering for righteousness’ sake. How might God be encouraging you to live confidently for Him, in a way that may invite persecution from others yet simultaneously push you into the joys of identifying with Jesus?

PRAYER: Father, we know it’s your will that we be conformed to the image of your Son, Jesus. And we also know that the way that happens is by your Spirit and through your Word. So, please, Holy Spirit, take this passage and use it to accomplish your purposes within each one of us. Lead us to Christ and conform us to his image. And it’s in his name that we pray, amen.