Death, Suffering, and the pursuit of Holiness
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1 Peter 4:1-6
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Read 1 Peter 4:7-12, four times this next week.
Use the ‘O.I.A.’ Study method to look at 1 Peter 4:7-12
Is baptism your next step of faith? Learn more here.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Personal Reflection Questions:
When has God asked for ‘a small death’ inn your past? What’s he asking you to give up today?
Where in your life have you grown comfortable and God is now asking you to suffer for his namesake?
Over time, are you becoming more like Jesus or less like him?
Small Group Discussion Questions:
Discuss ways we can stand together in a countercultural posture?
Develop a plan to hold each other accountable to pursue holiness, repentance, reading Scripture, and prayer.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, thank you for your love and grace. Help me to extend that same love and grace to others as I seek to reflect your character to the world. Help me to live the life of an exile. Holy Spirit, continue to show me where I still need to yields parts of my life and pursue your will for my future.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Take some time to sit silently before God. What action will you take this week because of what you heard from the Lord during the teaching of His Word?
