Dig In Questions:

Read 1 Peter 1:13-2:4, 9-12

1) Do you think that the church (Christians) have a reputation for being better known for the things we stand against rather than being known for loving the people Jesus died to save? If so, why have we earned that reputation?

2) In Sunday’s teaching, we were told that two of the reasons for hatred and hypocrisy in the church are that we have lost sight of all that Jesus has done for us, and that we have lost sight of what he has called us to. What are some other reasons?

3) What are some things that we should remember that Jesus has done for us? What are some things he’s called us to?

4) Read Matthew 23:13. Can you think of actions or attitudes that you have demonstrated that have caused others to feel unwelcome in the church? How about actions and attitudes that have made you feel unwelcome? What are some things we can do to insure that all are welcome?

5) When thinking about hatred and hypocrisy in the church, it’s easy to excuse our behavior and/or to blame others for theirs. What are some practical ways that we can be the kind of person that makes no enemies, the kind of person who people think is the nicest person in the world, and the kind of person that others naturally want to be around?