(1 Peter 2:11-25)
Sermon Outline
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12)
The noticeable life of the exile (1 Peter 2:11-12)
- Exile abstinence
- Exile indulgence
The social responsibility of the exile (1 Peter 2:13-17)
- Free submission
- Free for God’s will
- Free for doing good
The upturned household of the exile (1 Peter 2:18-21)
- Upturned fear
- Upturned duty
- Upturned example
The upturned example of the exile (1 Peter 2:22-25)
- Sinless example
- Nonviolent example
- Atoning example
- Healing example
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When was a time when someone noticed that you were a follower of Jesus just by the way you live? What happened?
- This weekend we continue our series, “Exiles,” on the New Testament letter of 1 Peter. Take a moment to begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you and transform you through His truth. Then, whether you are alone or with others, read 1 Peter 2:11-25 aloud.
- Building upon the previous section of the letter on identity (1 Peter 2:9-10), Peter begins this next section of the letter by returning to terms he used earlier: “foreigners” (1:17) and “exiles” (1:1). Why do you think Peter highlights these terms again here?
- There are two major exhortations given in verses 11 and 12. What are they?
- Peter introduces the concept of spiritual warfare here. What do you normally think of when you hear the phrase ‘spiritual warfare’, and how does that relate to what Peter is discussing here?
- In verses 13-17, the letter turns toward the social responsibility of God’s exiled people. What are the major instructions Peter brings to his readers in these verses?
- Peter highlights the freedom of God’s people in verse 16. What does he say the point of this freedom is?
- Some people say that Christians should always quietly submit to authority, regardless of what the authority asks us to do. Others say that Christians should challenge the established authorities at times when they deviate from the public good. What do you think? How do the themes of submission and doing good inform the way we think about this question?
- With 1 Peter 2:18-3:7, Peter applies his teaching to the basic unit of Roman society, the household. He does this in an unexpected way, first by addressing the ‘least of these’ personally. How does Peter both dignify and challenge the household servants in verses 18-21?
- Peter holds up Jesus as the example for household servants – and all Christians – to follow in verses 23-25. He does so by weaving Isaiah 53 throughout his description of Jesus. Take a moment to read Isaiah 53 aloud. What echoes of Isaiah’s words about the Messiah do you hear in 1 Peter 2:23-25?
- Why do you think the example of Jesus would be so powerful for these early believers who feel like foreigners and exiles? How does Jesus’ example speak to you?
- What is one specific thing you sense God is speaking to you about your life through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray about what you share together. If you are studying on your own, write it down, pray about it, and share this with someone during the next few days.