Group Guide
This Week's City 7:
5. Why do I follow Jesus? I follow Jesus because Jesus rose from the dead proving that He is the way, the truth and the life.
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
Ice-Breaker:
- What/where is your biggest scar? What happened?
Scripture
1 Peter 2
18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19 For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.
21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
22 He never sinned,
nor ever deceived anyone.
23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted,
nor threaten revenge when he suffered.
He left his case in the hands of God,
who always judges fairly.
24 He personally carried our sins
in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
and live for what is right.
By his wounds
you are healed.
25 Once you were like sheep
who wandered away.
But now you have turned to your Shepherd,
the Guardian of your souls.
18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19 For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.
21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
22 He never sinned,
nor ever deceived anyone.
23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted,
nor threaten revenge when he suffered.
He left his case in the hands of God,
who always judges fairly.
24 He personally carried our sins
in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
and live for what is right.
By his wounds
you are healed.
25 Once you were like sheep
who wandered away.
But now you have turned to your Shepherd,
the Guardian of your souls.
Discussion Questions:
- In 1 Peter 2, Peter is giving more instructions on how we should live as faithful Christ followers... this time addressing "slaves." This subject can be difficult to reconcile, and has been one of the points people like to use to attack scripture and Christianity as a whole. Clayton went through the historical context for what slavery meant to the original audience, which isn't what we think of when we hear the term. He also pointed out how the Bible is clearly anti-slavery and oppression. This is a great example of why we need more than just a cursory knowledge of scripture. The only way to fully grasp the Bible's stance on such a complicated issue is to have a knowledge of the full counsel of God's Word. Have you ever found yourself having to defend Christianity on this issue? If it happens in the future, do you think you have a better understanding on how to educate people as to what the Bible is actually saying?
- Peter goes on to talk about how Jesus is our ultimate example when it comes to his willingness to suffer at the hands of others. Verse 23 says that "He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly." Jesus trusted that, in the end, God is the just Judge and HE will make wrongs right. He is actually the ONLY one who can ultimately accomplish true justice. Apply this to your real life, when people have mistreated you or left you scarred and hurting. Do you trust your case to God to make things right? Ponder this question: If the blood of Jesus is enough to cover YOUR sin, don't you think it's also enough to cover the sins AGAINST you?
- Verse 24 says the Jesus PERSONALLY carried OUR sins on the cross. It's interesting that Peter closes this difficult challenge to those who chose bond service and those who are trapped in slavery with a reminder of the Gospel. He tells them to remember, it was THEIR sin, and so OUR sin, that put Jesus on the cross. In other words, as we all wrestle with submission in the midst of being treated unfairly and oppressed, we must not forget that He suffered for US. And not just on our behalf, but BECAUSE of us. Reflect on and discuss this quote from Sunday: "You are HEALED by the wounds you DELIVERED."
- Peter is telling disciples of Jesus that if we don't handle unfair treatment and abuse differently than the world does, then we could harm our witness for Jesus. As disciples, this should be all of our main concern, as it is for Peter. This is why it is our passion and mission to make disciples who are deeply rooted in their faith, who know and follow scripture, and who are spiritually mature. While Christians in America might have it easy at the moment, there is no guarantee that will always be the case. There could come a time when Christians in our country will have to endure REAL suffering for their faith. Do you think you have a faith that could withstand real persecution? What are you doing on a daily basis to ensure your faith is growing strong?
- We all carry scars. But the SAVIOR'S scars can redeem the the SLAVE'S scars, and the SLAVE'S scars can testify of the SAVIOR'S scars. In the end, it is the strength and depth of your faith in Jesus that will determine whether your scars will RUIN you or REVEAL Him to the world. What are some scars in your life and past that you need to turn into a testimony? How can you allow God to take whatever difficulty you're experiencing right now and turn it into something that points people to Jesus?
Prayer Topics:
- That we would be ready to defend the Bible with actual truth.
- That we would learn to suffer well.
- That our scars would reveal Jesus to the world.
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