The Making of a Godly Man

The Fourth Servant Song

Isaiah 52-53

Better understand Jesus' sufferings from Isaiah 52-53.

 

Living Hope in a Fallen World – 1 Peter

1 Peter 4:1-11 Bible Study Questions

Living For God (1 Peter 4:1-11)

Paul J. Bucknell

Intro | 1 Peter 4:1-2 | 1 Peter 4:3-6 | 1 Peter 4:6 Int | 1 Peter 4:7-11 | Questions

Casual Christians always become casualties.

In 1 Peter 4:1-11 Peter highlights three steps to live a godly life. Here are Bible study questions that help us explore them.

1) Determining to live like Christ (4:1-2)

"Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God." (1 Peter 4:1-2).

  1. What is the meaning of verse 1. What are we told to do in verse 1?
  2. Why are we told to do this?
  3. How did Christ suffer?
  4. What are we expected to do since He has suffered (just look in verse 1)?
  5. How does God use difficult times in our present or future Christian lives (1 Peter 4:2)?
  6. Can you vouch for the change suffering brings in one's life?
  7. How might the lack of suffering affect our church?
  8. Do you think the church would choose to avoid suffering or obey?

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2) Abstaining from our lusts (1 Peter 4:3-6)

3 "For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. 4 And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you; 5 but they shall give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God." (1 Peter 4:3-6, NASB).

  1. How does Peter describe the ways of the Gentiles (literally 'nations') (1) ? How true is this?
  2. Would you say our world is like this today?
  3. Have any of you shared the experience noted in verse 4? Can you share that with us?
  4. What reason do we have not to join them (5)?
  5. Verse 4:6 is links up to verse 3:18. How does this relate to the materialists who view this life as the only life that exists?
  6. What are the three interpretations of 1 Peter 4:6? (see back page)

3) Accomplishing the Will of God (1 Peter 4:7-11)

7 "The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:7-11).

  1. What is fast approaching (7)?
  2. How should this affect our lives (7)? See the two commands after 'therefore.'
  3. What does it mean to be of a sound judgment?
  4. How does a sober spirit help one in his prayer life?
  5. What I the command given in 1 Peter 4:8? Why is this important (also see the same verse)?
  6. Why do you think Peter says "above all' in verse 8?
  7. Describe the three spiritual ways of serving mentioned (9,11).
  8. What special advice does Peter give with each one of them (9,11)?
  9. In what general context does Peter speak of spiritual gifts (see verse 8)? {For further study note how Paul does the same thing in 1 Corinthians 12-14).
  10. What is the general principle that we need to keep in mind as we use our spiritual gift (10)?
  11. Why do we serve the brethren (11)?
  12. How do you practically serve the brethren? Can you honestly say that you show your love through the way you carry out your practical ministries?

Summary Questions

  1. What commitment is God speaking you to focus on?
    • To God (7)?
    • To God's people (8)?
    • To God's service (9-11)?
  2. What area do you have most difficulty with?

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