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(1 Peter 4:12-19)

 

Have you ever been surprised by suffering? If so, think through the details. Share them (if possible).

 

Read 1 Peter 4:12-19 and put verse 12 into your own words.

 

The phrase “don’t be surprised” means something like, “Don’t treat suffering as a stranger.” What would someone be doing or thinking that would suggest he was treating suffering as a stranger? Do you think we should expect suffering? Explain your answer.

 

According to verse 13, what action should we take when we suffer? Do you think this is even possible? How could it be done? Explain.

 

Read verse 13 and compare with: 1 Peter 1:6-7; Matthew 5:12; 2 Cor. 4:16-17; James 1:2-4. If someone asked you why the Bible tells us to rejoice when we suffer, how would you explain it to them?

 

In what sense do Christians share Christ’s sufferings? (See also Col. 1:24.)

 

How does suffering reveal what a person really is? Shayne said that suffering is too valuable to be wasted. Why would this be so?

 

Suffering may be the result of our own attitudes and actions (see v. 15). How can we know if this is the case?

 

Have you ever been insulted (or “reproached”) because of Christ? If so, in what way? How did you handle it?

 

Why do you think Peter includes “meddlers” in this list?

How would practicing verse 16 help a Christian going through suffering?

 

What do you think Peter has in mind in verse 17? Why should judgment start with God’s family? What is this judgment meant to accomplish?

In what way does a person commit (or present) him/herself to God (verse 19)?

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