1 Peter – Study Questions #2

Kyle Bartholic   -   January 5, 2023

 Ethics Part 1 – The importance of being honorable. 

 

1 Peter 2:11-25

 

INTRODUCTION:  Don’t sin. Do good for others. Respect authority. Honor those who are over you. Peter gives his audience these four commands in this first section of ethical instruction. The key here is that Peter isn’t just encouraging them to be good citizens or good people just for the sake of goodness. He is teaching them that first, it flows out of their new identity that was established in Christ. And secondly, that the way they act can lead others to glorify Jesus. Here Peter begins what is structurally the second half of the letter. Whereas the first part is primarily theological in focus with occasional application to life, this part is generally practical in emphasis, with shorter theological statements included at many important points. Whereas the first half contains general exhortations to holiness (1:15), love (1:22), and trust in God (related to hope in 1:13, and implied in 1:5, 7–9, 21; 2:7), this half gives very specific instructions showing how believers are to practice holiness and trust in God in actual life situations. Though it is an oversimplification, it may be said that 2:11–5:11 gives specific application to the general teaching of 1:1–2:10.[1]

 

Remember, Peter is writing to believers who are facing social pressure, being mocked, and pressed out because of their faith. He doesn’t tell them to wage a culture war or political campaigns (those would never have worked in Rome). Instead, he tells them to hold to a Christian worldview that was established by Christ Jesus himself and one that now defines them as exiles in this age. Their culture at large may never change. Things are going to get worse before they get better. But if they live out their faith through their worldview, Jesus will be glorified, and that is the most important thing (1 Pet. 2:12). Peter is reminding them of a very important truth, the way I live matters now and for eternity.

 

 

 

 

GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time this week, answer this question around the group. If you could only accomplish or be known for one thing in your lifetime, what would that be and why?

 

 

IN THE WORD –   Let’s dig back into the passage. It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.

First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)

 

Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.

Some questions to help make observations of this large passage:

 

Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?

 

 

 

Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?

 

 

Note: There is a lot to talk about in this passage. Here are some questions that might be helpful in guiding your discussion. Two themes that come back up in this larger section are suffering and the identity of believers (i.e., the Church). [2]

  1. How would you explain to a new Christian the place and purpose of the church in God’s plan?
  2. How does Peter’s explanation of the church shape and influence not just your view of the church, but your participation in it?
  3. How well do you declare the gospel to itself and others? How might you sharpen your verbal witness?
  4. How well do you display the gospel to itself and others? How might you sharpen your lived witness?
  5. What does it look like to honor “un-honorable” people in your life and relational sphere? How can you honor people without enabling or giving in to sin?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Wayne A. Grudem, 1 Peter: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 17, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 122.

[2] Juan R. Sanchez, 1 Peter for You, ed. Carl Laferton, God’s Word for You (The Good Book Company, 2016).