1 Peter – Finding the REAL You
Growth Group Discussion Questions
Week #15:  April 22, 2012
“Hope in Suffering”

Evergreen News
• Dad’s Workshop, Saturday, April 28, 8-10am in room 200.
• Pizza with the Pastors for ECC newbies, Sunday, April 29, 1pm in room 127.
• Child Dedications coming up, Sunday, May 13, call Jeff at 612.250.3539.
• KAH Fundraiser - run/walk on June 16, register at filltheirplate.org.

Warm-Up
Hindsight is often “20/20”.  Share about a significant trial or time of suffering from your past.  How did you respond to it, then?  And what do you think about it now?

Catch-Up
Reflect on the weekend message…  What did God impress on your heart?

Bible Reading & Discussion Questions
(Break into Tiny Groups of 3-5 people – all men & all women, if possible)
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.   If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.  Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?  And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”  Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”  (1 Peter 4:12-19, ESV)
“Fiery” Trials…
1. Have you or are you currently suffering or have you suffered for Jesus?  
• Have people spoke against you because of what you have said about your faith in Jesus?
• Have you missed out on opportunities at home, work, or life in general because of your Biblically based convictions?
• Have you said “no” to a lifestyle, promotion, life decision that is contrary to scripture and been looked down on by those you are closest to?         

   
2. Do you or have you ever held the perspective that when you became a Christian, life would be easier…   more trouble free?  Share your experience.  

Reasons to Worship in the midst of Suffering…  
3. Because You Are Loved.   Does the truth that God loves you perfectly, unconditionally, to the point of death still amaze you?  If not, why?  How can you become freshly taken by this truth?

4. Because God’s Glory is Coming!   We’ll be going home soon!  How does knowing that you are going home soon affect your perspective on current suffering?

5. Because the Spirit rests on you.  Is it difficult for you to believe that you have been given the same spirit that Jesus received?  Why?      
6. Because you bear the name “Christian”.  Do people know you are a Christian?   Has that knowledge “cost” you in any way?

Purifying
“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?  And, if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?  So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.  (I Peter 4:17-19, ESV)

• How has the Lord used past or current suffering to “purify” your life? 

Application & Prayer
Personally, are you (or someone you know) suffering right now?  What perspective from I Peter gives you new hope & strength that is helpful?   Pray, out-loud, for yourself…  that you would see your suffering from this perspective!