May 31, 2020 Discussion Questions

Our Simple Message
Discussion Questions
  1. The first part of our simple message is the death of Jesus (see 1 Peter 3:18). Peter is encouraging churches who are suffering as he mentions Jesus “also suffered.” However, he also suggests several ways Jesus’ suffering is different from our suffering.  What are some ways His suffering is different from our suffering?
  2. Why is it important we continually return to and talk about the death of Jesus? This message of Jesus dying on the cross as our substitute is simple and it is good news for us. Why do so many people have problems with this teaching?
  3. The second part of our simple message is the exaltation of Jesus. The exaltation includes several key events beginning with the resurrection. Why is the resurrection of Jesus significant to our faith?  While we are familiar with the resurrection of Jesus, we usually don’t talk as much about the ascension of Christ or the session of Christ (when He was seated at God’s right hand).  Why are the ascension and session of Christ significant to our faith?
  4. We talked about how the resurrection, ascension, session, and Pentecost event (Acts 2:32-33) changed the disciples so that they went from being afraid to being bold. Even while Jesus was on earth with the disciples they were unfaithful and scared. But when He was physically gone from them (but reigning as King) they were confident and faithful.  Explain why these key events changed them.  In what ways should these events change us?
  5. The third aspect of our simple message is our response. In 1 Peter 3:21 he mentions baptism as one way we should respond. What do we learn about baptism from this passage?  Why should we value baptism and get baptized?
  6. We know that getting wet in the water doesn’t save us. Faith in Christ is what saves us, and baptism is a picture of that saving faith. How would you explain to someone what it means to trust in Christ and become a Christian?  How would you explain our simple message to a friend?


May 24, 2020

Representing Christ
Dr. Chris Moore

Represent Christ to Each Other

 

 

 

 

Represent Christ to the World

 

 

 

 

Represent Christ for Good Reason

 

 

Discussion Questions

 


May 24, 2020 Discussion Questions

Representing Christ
Discussion Questions
  1. It was mentioned that the Nike swoosh is well known and everyone recognizes what it represents. What are some examples of other symbols that are well known and recognized? We talked about how we are supposed to be representing Christ.  Are you surprised God wants to use you to represent Him?  Explain.  If someone watched a reality TV show of your life, would they see a good representation of Christ?  Explain what areas might not represent Christ well in your life.
  2. We are supposed to represent Christ to each other. According to 1 Peter 3:8, how are we supposed to relate to each other? Are any of these more difficult or challenging for you?  Explain.  What are some of the consequences if Christians treat each other the way the text talks about?  What are some of the consequences if we don’t treat each other this way?
  3. We are supposed to represent Christ to the world. One way we do this is by not retaliating but instead by blessing others even when they are enemies (v.9). What does it mean to bless someone who is our enemy?  Have you ever done this? 
  4. One way we can bless others is by being ready to “make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (v.15). Are you ready and prepared to explain the Christian faith to someone? If not, what can you do to prepare yourself?  If you are able to share your faith, are you able to do it in a way that is winsome and “with gentleness?”  Explain what happens if someone shares the faith but their motivation is to win an argument more than seeing a person come to Christ.
  5. It was mentioned we should be motivated to represent Christ because of a healthy fear of God (vv.13-14). How do our fears reveal what we really value? What kinds of fears do you experience?  What would it look like for you to replace those fears with a healthy fear of God?
  6. In 1 Peter 3:17 we learn that sometimes it is God’s will for us to suffer for doing good. How would you respond to someone who says it is never God’s will for us to suffer? What are some lessons we can learn from Jesus’ suffering that can motivate us when we suffer so that we represent Him well?