Grace South Bay

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.  With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;  but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.  For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:  whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

Sermon Questions:
1. What are the current stressors in your life that lead you to lose control/numb/disengage?
2. How does living for today usually manifest in your life?
3. When have you seen confidence in tomorrow shift the way you dealt with a present circumstance?
4. What particular gift God has given you can be used to bless and serve others?
5.  How have you experienced 'tomorrow' today?

This Q&A conversation is based on the sermon titled "Confidence and Strength" from 1 Peter 3:13-22 on Nov 5th 2023.

This Q&A Conversation is based on the sermon titled "The Christian Brand" preached on Oct 29th, 2023 based on 1 Peter 3:13 - 22

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?  But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,  having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,  in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,  who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. 

Sermon Questions:
1. How is your conscience currently accusing or excusing your actions?
2. What do you usually do to quiet your problematic conscience?
3. Do you feel like you need to be rescued? why or why not?
4. Where in your life would you like to experience Jesus strengthening you ?
5. You were made by God, he loves you, he died for you, you are special to him. (That's not a question just a good reminder - maybe tell yourself that 10 times today!)

This Q&A conversation is based on the sermon titled "Show 'em Jesus" preached on Oct 22nd 2023, based on 1 Peter 3:1 - 7. 

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For

“Whoever desires to love life
     and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
     and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good;
     let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
     and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 

Sermon Questions: 
1. As a Christian, what would someone say the Christian brand is, based on your life? If you're not a Christian, how would you describe the Christian brand?
2. When have you experienced someone who was others-focused?
3. How would your life change if Jesus made you more others-focused?
4. What relational changes would you like to see as Jesus changes the way you think, feel, and act?
5. When have you seen Jesus-likeness impact the world around you (in you or someone else)?

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. 

Sermon Questions:
1. When you read a passage like this, how does your heart initially respond?
2. Where (or to whom) does your heart look for evidence of your significance, importance, and value?
3. What happens in your heart when you hear you are exceedingly valuable to God?
4. You are the loudest voice in your life, if you aren't telling yourself 'you are smart, you are kind, you are important' what are you repeating to yourself?
5. How would 1 close relationship change if, from your secure heart, you were concerned only with the other person's needs and interests?
5b. Pray for God to give you what you think you need for 5 to happen.

This Sermon Q&A is based off the sermon titled "Powerlessness" from 1 Peter 2:18-25 on Oct 15th, 2023.

This Q&A conversation is based on the sermon "Freedom in Fear" from 1 Peter 2:11 -17 on Oct 1, 2023.

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.  He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.  When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 

Sermon Questions:
1. When do you feel most powerless? Who in your life holds power over you? 
2. What are some ways you try to regain power or invert the power hierarchy?
3. Thinking of the passage, what ways have you used your words to grasp at power?
4. What would it look like for you to follow Jesus' steps into submission at work, in school, in marriage, at home?
5. Have you ever experienced the Grace of God through submission and humility? either your own or someone else's toward you?