1 Peter: Suffering

Suffering is an unavoidable part of living in a broken world, and sometimes it comes simply because we belong to Jesus. Peter reminds us that when suffering comes, we are not to respond with fear, but with hope, gentleness, and a clear testimony of what Christ has done. Jesus is our example because He suffered unjustly, took our place, and ultimately conquered through His resurrection. Because of Jesus’ victory, we can choose obedience over comfort and trust God even in the fire.


Sermon Outline
1. Suffering Will Happen 1 Peter 4:12-19
2. We Will Suffer- Be Ready with a Defense- 1 Peter 3:13-17
3. Jesus Suffered and was Victorious 1 Peter 3:18-22
4. We Will Suffer When We Choose Jesus Over the World 1 Peter 4:1-6


Discussion Questions

• Why do you think Peter begins by saying, “Do not be surprised” when suffering comes? How does that challenge the way we often think about following Jesus?

• Peter gives several reasons suffering happens: living in a fallen world, the choices of ourselves or others, and suffering because of faithfulness to Jesus. How do these different types of suffering require different responses?

• Read 1 Peter 3:15-16. What does it look like practically to “be ready to give a defense” for the hope we have? How can our attitude affect the way people receive our message?

• Jesus suffered “the righteous for the unrighteous.” What does this teach us about the heart of the gospel and the character of Jesus?

• Read 1 Peter 4:1-3. What does it mean to “arm yourselves with the same way of thinking” as Christ? What areas of life require us to choose God’s will over our comfort?

• Have you ever experienced a situation where following Jesus caused you to be misunderstood or treated differently? How did you respond?

• Peter says to entrust ourselves “to a faithful Creator” (4:19). What makes trusting God difficult during suffering, and what helps us remember His faithfulness?

• If suffering reveals something about us, what do you want your faith to reveal when life gets difficult?