April 19, 2020 Discussion Questions

A Faithful Sojourner
Discussion Questions
  1. The sermon series in 1 Peter is called “sojourners.” This term comes from 1 Peter 2:11, where Peter says we are sojourners and exiles. What is a sojourner?  What does it mean that we are sojourners?  What are some other terms or images that might help us understand what it means?
  2. We are called to be a hopeful sojourner and set our hope on Christ (v.13). “Preparing our minds for action” and “being sober-minded” are keys for this (v.13). What are some ways we can take care of our minds and train our minds to help us focus on our hope?  Why is the mind important in the Christian faith?  Do Christians emphasize the mind as much as we should?
  3. We are called to be holy sojourners (v.15). We often think about holiness as a list of things we do and a list of things we avoid. Based on vv. 14-16, how does Peter talk about our holiness and what are some keys for holiness?
  4. Growing in holiness involves both recognizing our identity as God’s people (our roots) and doing what God has called us to do (our fruits). What is the problem if we de-emphasize the role of bearing fruit? What is the problem if we de-emphasize the role of recognizing our identity/roots?  Which of these two extremes do you gravitate toward?  How can you grow in this area?
  5. We are called to be a fearing sojourner (v.17). We said we would want our surgeon to have both confidence and fear as he operates on us. What other professions in life would we want someone to have both confidence and fear?  How would you explain what a healthy fear of God looks like?  Do you have a healthy fear of God?  Explain.
  6. He says we have been ransomed with the precious blood of Christ (vv.18-19). Why should this truth lead us to have a healthy fear or reverence? Peter doesn’t conclude by talking about the death of Jesus, but instead he concludes with Christ’s resurrection and our hope (v.21).  Why is it essential that we have both hope and fear?  What does this look like for you?