1 Peter, Pt. 2: Strangers and Family Members
About the Series
1 Peter is a letter written to 1st-century Christians living on the edge of the Roman Empire, whom Peter calls “exiles” or “strangers.” These disciples are outsiders in society, but insiders in God’s Kingdom, born into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus. Peter encourages them to rejoice, even in suffering, to love one another deeply, and live holy, disciplined lives. He challenges them as spiritually free people to choose to honor everyone, even those who treat them harshly. Underneath his encouragement and instruction is the underlying assumption that disciples of Jesus are learning to become like him—living their lives as He would. They may share in his suffering, but they will also share in his resurrection! Through this series, we are invited to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, becoming like Jesus in our families, workplaces, and communities.
Read this Sermon Recap
1 Peter pt. 2, Strangers and Family Members
As Peter begins his letter to these scattered disciples, he quickly brings to mind reasons why they can take courage and persevere in spite of being in a season of hardship and trial. Though they were scattered to the ends of the empire, to frontier cities where they were not wanted, Peter reminds them that God the Father “knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy,” (1 Peter 1:2, NLT). What’s more, in His mercy He has caused them to be born again (vs 3). In both ways a person can enter a family – by adoption or by birth – God the Father has brought them into His family.
Though they have been sent far from their homes, they are members of God’s family, His children. Together as brothers and sisters, Peter calls them to live together as family – because that is what they are. So live as God’s obedient children (1:14). Show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters (1:22). Love the family of believers (2:17).
And what’s more, the promise of an imperishable inheritance gives us a sense of joyful expectation (1:3-5). We become willing to endure all kinds of trial, knowing that we will be praised and Jesus will be honored when He returns. Hardships, trial, suffering – these will demonstrate the genuineness of our faith, bringing glory to Jesus.
Discuss these Questions
(Leaders: Before going into the questions, you may want to give your group a minute or so of silence, reflecting on and listening to the Spirit around the question, “What is Jesus inviting you to notice tonight?”)
Tonight, we are going to use this set of questions to guide our discussion. You may want to pull up the guide on your phone to help you process and reflect.
1. What stuck out to you from Sunday’s sermon or worship? Has anything stayed with you that you’d like to share or discuss?
2. (a) What is your reaction to the idea of God as Father? What words would you use to describe how you hear that?
(b) How do you sense the Scripture would invite you to receive that idea?
3. The opening of chapter 1 overflows with a sense of joy and expectation, looking forward to receiving an eternal inheritance on the day Jesus returns. Take some time to express together your understanding of our hope in Jesus, in plain language.
Practice for the Week
Peter teaches us that all followers of Jesus are family, brothers and sisters, children of the Father. This week, take time to pray for 2-3 others from your group. Let them know with a brief text/call that you’re thinking of them.