Cruciform Living
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1 Peter 2:18-25
Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Read 1 Peter 3:1-7, four times this next week.
Use the ‘O.I.A.’ Study method to look at 1 Peter 3:1-7
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Questions:
1) Where in your life has the Holy Spirit highlighted to surrender or re-surrender to God?
2) What’s coming out of your mouth? Is it displaying God’s grace to a hopeless world?
3) What changes do you need to make to conform your life to Christ’s example? Share this with a trusted friend who will help encourage you in your faith.
Prayer:
Thank God the father for calling you to him. Ask the Holy Spirit to continue reorienting your heart for holy submission to our Lord. Thank Jesus for showing us how to serve and love others. Take some time to sit silent before God.
