Peter reminds us here that we are living in the last stage of God’s plan to bring all things to their culmination in his glorification through Jesus Christ and the victory he has already accomplished. Nothing and no one will be exempt from this process that will bring salvation to some and condemnation to others. Because this is the end toward which all history is moving, Christians should live today in a way that reflects that reality. 

Sermon Outline:

I. Be sober-minded for the sake of prayer.

II. Love one another persistently because sin will happen.

III. Show genuine hospitality.

IV. Use your gifts to serve one another.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways do you think Christians today are (or are not) paying attention to the fact that we are living in the last days? How does that awareness (or lack of it) shape how we live day to day?

2. What tends to dull your mind and draw you away from a consistent prayer life? What is one practical step you could take this week to press more intentionally into prayer such as praying at set times, praying the Lord’s Prayer, the Psalms, or some other rhythm?

3. Peter says that love “covers a multitude of sins.” between covering sins and covering up sins. How do you personally navigate the tension between bearing with others’ faults in love and knowing when something needs to be brought to light?

4. If you came to church each Sunday looking to extend hospitality rather than receive it, what would you do differently? What one change can you implement this week?

5. Spiritual gifts are not self-serving but given for the good of others. Are you currently using your gifts to serve the body? If not, what is holding you back, and what can be done about it?

What we expect when we go into suffering greatly impacts how we experience it. If we expect that following Jesus is going to be an easy journey, we will be unprepared for the suffering which is a normal part of the Christian life.

Sermon Outline:

I. Arm Yourself with the Mindset of Christ.

II. Leave the Past Behind.

III. Live in Light of the Future.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. What would it look like for you to consciously “arm yourself” with the mindset of Christ in your daily life? Can you think of a situation where choosing obedience to God would likely bring suffering or loss? How might preparing your mind ahead of time help you endure it?

2. Being a Christian isn’t primarily about what we avoid, but what we actively pursue. What might it look like to shift from a “don’t do this” mentality to a “pursue this” approach? For us who are parents, how can we implement this in our parenting?

3. In what ways should Christians look a bit crazy to the world around us? Are there areas where you’ve compromised to avoid looking different? What might it look like to more boldly dance to the music of the gospel?

4. What are some “respectable” ways people (including Christians) can live for themselves rather than for God? How can we recognize and resist these more subtle forms of self-focus?

5. How does keeping the future judgment and resurrection in mind help you endure present suffering or rejection for your faith? In practical terms, how can we live in light of the future this week?

In this passage, Peter tells us the outcome of the great battle of world history. Christ triumphs! Believers who know the outcome of history can take heart in the face of our suffering so that we do not back down or resort to our old ways of life. Instead, we can continue to follow the example of Jesus who also suffered for doing good. 

Sermon Outline:

I. Take heart, Christ has died and triumphs over sin.

II. Take heart, Christ has risen and triumphs over death.

III. Take heart, Christ is reigning and triumphs over hell.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. How does understanding that Christ has already paid for all your sins change the way you think about suffering or difficulty in your Christian life? Where might you be tempted to believe God is punishing you rather than fathering you?

2. Share about a time when following Jesus has cost you something (a relationship, an opportunity, respect, comfort, etc.). How can knowing the outcome of the story help us face that kind of suffering?

3. If you’ve been baptized as an infant or later after you believed, how does your baptism serve as a reminder and encouragement that you share in Christ’s death and resurrection? If you have never been baptized, what is holding you back? 

4. What would it look like practically for you to invest more fully in Christ’s kingdom this week? 

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?