June 14, 2020 Discussion Questions

Posted on Jun 10, 2020 in Discussion Questions | Tags: 

Equipped for Suffering
Discussion Questions
 
  1. The Bible presents God as all-good and all-powerful. Some people have wrestled with this, and they have asked how He could be all-good and all-powerful since there is so much suffering and evil. Have you ever wrestled with this question?  Have you wrestled with this question intellectually or has it been more because of something you have experienced in your life?  Explain.
  2. In 1 Peter 4:12 we are encouraged to not be surprised when we experience suffering. Why should it be helpful to us to know we should expect suffering? What are the consequences if we are not equipped to think like this?
  3. In 1 Peter 4:12 Peter refers to our suffering as a test or a trial (also see 1 Peter 1:6). Can you think of an example of a test you have enjoyed taking? Can you think of an example of a test you have not enjoyed taking?  How does suffering test us, and what does it prove when we go through the trial of suffering?
  4. In 1 Peter 4:15 we are encouraged not to bring suffering on ourselves. When we experience suffering, we are given an opportunity to examine ourselves and make sure we are trusting in Christ and we are not the cause of our own suffering. Why is it important we learn to examine ourselves when we suffer?  Have you ever done this?
  5. In 1 Peter 4:19 we are encouraged to keep trusting God to the end. We are reminded He is the Creator and He is in control. We are also reminded He is faithful and good, so we have reason to keep trusting Him.  What are some key truths that help you keep trusting God to the end?  Why should it encourage us to consider that Jesus kept entrusting Himself to the Father (see Luke 23:46)?