The Bible teaches us that a good life is a godly life. Here we find not only the importance of relationships, but how to be godly in relationships, how to be godly in our speech, and how to be godly even when we suffer for it, and how to become the kind of people who have healthy relationships, even amid circumstances like suffering and persecution. 

Sermon outline:

I. How Godly People Live in Christian Community.

II. How Godly People Live the Good Life.

III. How Godly People Suffer Well.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. Which of the qualities in 1 Peter 3:8 do you find most difficult to practice in Christian community, and why? How might remembering Christ’s love toward you help you grow in that area?

2. How does this biblical vision of “the good life” challenge our culture’s (and perhaps our own) assumptions about what leads to happiness? What practical changes might that truth call for in your relationships this week?

3. Peter instructs us to bless those who revile us rather than repay evil for evil (v. 9). Can you think of a current relationship where you’re tempted to “fight or flight” rather than bless? What might it look like practically to bless that person this week?

4. Why is it so hard to see suffering for doing good as a blessing? How does Jesus’ own suffering “the righteous for the unrighteous” reshape our understanding of the good life and give us courage to endure?

5. When people see your life, what do you hope they notice that might make them curious about your faith? How can gentleness, respect, and integrity make your witness more compelling?

While modern society may be engaged in a war on men, the Bible is not. We recognize that God created humanity male and female and that they are not the same. When God made woman, it was good. When God made man, it was good. When he brought them into a relationship of headship and submission, it was good. Of course, like everything else, being a man has been complicated by the fact that we are all sinners. Join us to discover what it means to be a holy husband.

Sermon Outline:

I. Holy Husbands Live Understandingly.

II. Holy Husbands Honor Intentionally.

III. Holy Husbands Pray Effectively.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. What cultural shifts have contributed to the decline of masculine virtue? How does the gospel provide a better foundation for biblical manhood?

2. What does it mean to live with your wife “according to knowledge” of God and of your wife? In which area are you lacking knowledge, and what can you do about it this week? 

3. Why is spiritual leadership in the home so difficult for so many Christian men? What can be done about it?

4. Why do you think active church involvement makes such a dramatic difference in how men treat their wives? How does the gospel transform the way we use whatever power or strength we have in relationships?

5. How does remembering that your spouse is equally redeemed and equally valued by God change the way you approach conflict or difficulty in marriage?

Many women and wives go through life hearing the message that they’re not good enough or somehow always doing it wrong. Is 1 Peter 3:1-6 more of the same or is there incredibly good news in this passage? Join us to find out.

Sermon Outline:

I. Holy wives practice submission rather than manipulation.

II. Holy wives focus on character over appearance.

III. Holy wives are marked by courage more than fear.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. How does remembering we have one ultimate authority free us from the impossible burden of meeting everyone’s conflicting expectations? In what areas of your life do you find yourself most tempted to prioritize others’ approval over God’s?

2. How does viewing submission as an act of faith in God (rather than merely obedience to a husband) change your understanding of this passage? What fears might prevent wives from practicing this kind of trust?

3. Why might persistent verbal witnessing sometimes harden rather than soften an unbeliever’s heart? How can this principle apply beyond marriage to other relationships where we want to influence someone toward Christ?

4. What practical rhythms or habits could help you cultivate “the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit”? How can we pursue appropriate care for our physical appearance while keeping our primary focus on developing godly character?

5. What specific fears might tempt Christian wives (or any believer) to disobey God’s design? How does knowing we’ve “returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls” address these fears practically?

Waiting for answers. Waiting for healing. Waiting for hope. In Luke 2, two ordinary yet faithful saints encounter the extraordinary faithfulness of God. This Sunday, we’ll see how Simeon and Anna point us to Christ, the true Consolation and Redeemer, and teach us how to wait with peace, gratitude, and confidence.

Outline:

I. Look to Christ, Your Consoler

i. Wait Expectantly 

Ii. Be satisfied in God’s word

II. Look to Christ, Your Redeemer 

Sermon Questions

1.     Simeon’s song shows deep familiarity with God’s Word, especially Isaiah.

How does knowing and trusting God’s promises shape the way we wait?

2.     Anna and Simeon wait for Christ as their consolation and redeemer. Where in your life have you seen Christ be your consolation or redeemer?

3.     How is Biblical waiting different than worldly waiting? Why is passive waiting so detrimental to the Christian walk?

4.     How often do you think about the second coming of Christ? What are things to do and not do to be ready for him to come again? Read Luke 12:35-40 and Titus 2:11-14 for help

5.     If someone watched the way you wait (your words, actions, prayers), what would they learn about who Christ is in you?

Christians who wish to live a godly life and maintain a clear witness in this world will be persecuted. While the pursuit of comfort and safety is wholly incompatible with the righteous suffering exemplified for us by Jesus Christ, the perseverance of believers under persecution has an enormous impact on a watching world.

Earthly safety and comfort are not Christ’s goals for your life, they are Satan’s.

The suffering of Christians for their righteous life and uncompromising witness is the most powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel.

Questions:

1. Have you ever been persecuted for your faith in Christ? If not, why do you suppose that is?

2. Since Jesus suffered for us on the cross, why is it also necessary for us to suffer in faithfulness to his example?

3. Believers and unbelievers alike may face unjust suffering. How should the Christian response to suffering differ from that of the non-Christian?

4. How is it possible for us to ‘die to sin and live to righteousness?’

5. How can you demonstrate from Scripture that Jesus is the Shepherd of our souls? What other Bible passages would you consult?

Peter teaches us in this passage that Christians have been set free from the tyranny of sin and self so that we may freely submit to human authorities as servants of God.

Sermon Outline:

I. The Christian’s Call to Submission.

II. The Divine Purpose of Government.

III. The Witness of True Freedom

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it important that our submission to authority be “for the Lord’s sake” rather than merely for social order or personal convenience?

2. How do we discern when civil disobedience is necessary versus when we’re simply resisting authority because we disagree? What principles should guide us in making this distinction?

3. How does viewing government as God-ordained (rather than merely a human invention) change how we pray for, speak about, and participate in civic life, especially when we’re disappointed by our leaders?

4. How does our culture tend to define “freedom”? How does Peter’s definition challenge or correct that?

5. What are some practical ways you can use your freedom in Christ this week to serve others and bless your community?

“We’re used to thinking of ourselves in terms of natural citizenship. But what does it mean to be a supernatural citizen of heaven, chosen and set apart by the King of the universe? In this message, we will explore three blessings of our citizenship: special privileges, duties, and (most of all) final vindication.”

Outline: The blessings of our citizenship include three things: special privileges, military duties, and (most of all) final vindication.

The blessings of our citizenship include special privileges

The blessings of our citizenship include military duties

The blessings of our citizenship include final vindication

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it significant that we are chosen for the same reason Abraham was chosen, solely because of God’s mercy? What does it mean to you personally to be set apart in this way?

2. One of our duties as citizens of God’s kingdom is to wage war against the flesh and the world. How is this duty also a blessing? How do you approach the battle?

3. Why can we be confident that despite all our failings and the judgement of the world, God himself will vindicate us before the judgement seat? What evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work can you point to in your own life?

4.How does knowledge of your heavenly citizenship, with all its blessings, comfort you today? How can you use this knowledge to encourage others?

The best way to know your true estimation of Jesus is by how you respond to him. In this message we will consider the two possible responses to Jesus: Either we see his true value and come to him as more precious than anything in this world, or we underestimate him and stumble into eternal shame. 

Sermon Outline:

I. Those who see Christ’s true value come to him and are built into God’s temple.

II. Those who reject Christ stumble into eternal shame.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. How would you honestly assess your own estimation of Jesus? What evidence in your daily life reveals whether you truly see him as precious and chosen, or whether you’ve underestimated his worth?

2. Peter describes the church as being built together into one spiritual house. How does this image challenge our tendency to view faith as a private, individual experience? What might it look like for us to live more consciously as living stones connected to one another?

3. Why is it significant that our worship is only acceptable through Christ and not on its own merit? How does knowing that Jesus perfects and presents our worship encourage you in your service to God?

4. Where do you see pressure today to compromise biblical convictions to avoid shame? How can we encourage one another when identifying with Christ brings social cost?

5. What does it mean for Jesus to be the cornerstone of your life? Are there any areas where you’ve been tempted to build on another foundation? What would it look like to realign those areas with Christ?

How can we tell if we have experienced the new birth? Many well-meaning people want to reduce it down to some belief or practice that we can do in our own strength. But in this passage, we see that the evidence of being born again is a supernatural love for others and an insatiable longing for God. 

Sermon Outline:

I. If we have been born again, then we will love one another.

II. If we have been born again, then we will long for more of God

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways are you tempted to reduce Christianity to something you can manage, measure, or control? How does Peter’s emphasis on sincere, enduring love challenge that? 

2. What are some “flat tire” signs in our lives that indicate we’re living as if God doesn’t matter? How does the gospel offer us not just repair, but a completely new life?

3. Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, where do you find it hardest to love this way? Is it with a spouse, a difficult family member, someone with opposing political views, or in another relationship? What would it look like to love that person with the imperishable love that comes from being born of imperishable seed?

4. Peter lists five things incompatible with love: malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander (2:1). Which of these five is most present in your heart right now, and toward whom? What practical step could you take this week to put it off?

5. How would you honestly assess your current spiritual hunger? What practices or habits most help you cultivate that desire, and what tends to diminish it?