1 Peter 1:13-25
Of all the things that have the power to alter the course of our lives, none is more profound than the gospel of Jesus Christ. Setting our hope completely on the grace of Christ requires removing the things that distract us from wholehearted devotion to Him. Peter’s readers—and people today—live in a world of constant distraction. We face pressure both inside and outside the church to conform to the ways of this world. To stand against them and be holy and different, we must be prepared.
Starting Out:
- If you could go back in time and give your past self one piece of advice, what would it be?
- How might that advice have altered the course of your life?
Read 1 Peter 1:13-16:
- Why did Peter challenge his readers to set their hope fully on God’s future grace in Christ?
- What are some things the world expects us to place our hope in? How is Christ better than these things?
- What does it mean to be “sober minded”? How might that look in your life?
Read 1 Peter 1:17-21:
- What makes life as a temporary resident different than life as a permanent citizen?
- What are the advantages of seeing ourselves as temporary rather than permanent residents?
- How should knowing that Christ died for us reshape the purpose of our lives?
Read 1 Peter 1:22-25:
- How does the Word of God create a longing in our hearts for the hope of heaven?
- People are drawn into Christ by seeing the way that Christians love each other. How does our love for one another reveal Christ to others and bring glory to God?
Taking it Home:
- How does living in anticipation of Christ’s return affect the way you live today?
- In what area of your life is it most difficult for you to pursue holiness, and what is one step you could take this week to focus your hope on the grace of God in Jesus Christ?
Additional Scriptures to Engage with this week:
- Matthew 12:14-45
- 1 John 3
- Isaiah 40:1-12
- Luke 3:1-20
- Philippians 1:21-2:16
- 2 Corinthians 5