Suffering as a Christian

1 Peter 2:13-15; 18-24; 4:12-19

Discussion Questions:

(Note: try to avoid a discussion of the legality or morality of the same-sex marriage issue. It is too divisive and conversations tend to be unproductive.)

• 1. React to this verse: “Be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing...” (1 Peter 2:18-19). Where can you apply this verse in your life? What’s hard about what Peter says is our duty?
• 2. Look at the passages in the gospels that narrate Jesus’ arrest, trial, and execution. What example did he leave us so that we might follow in his steps? What does imitating Christ look like in our current cultural moment?
• 3. Peter’s advice boils down to, “Trust God and do good” (1 Peter 4:19). Do you agree? Why do you think Christians are finding it so hard to trust God as the culture slides into secularism? What does it mean to trust God? What kind of (political) action would it involve?
• 4. Why is doing good (1 Peter 4:19) so important? Should we choose to speak less and “do good” more? Discuss.
• 5. How does the gospel help us “trust God and do good”?