1 Peter 2: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Peter 2 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Believers are urged to put away all wickedness, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking (vv. 1-3). They should long for the pure milk of the Word to grow.

Key verse

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:”
1 Peter 2:9 (WEB)

Outline

1 Peter 2:1–3 Call to Purity and Growth
1 Peter 2:4–8 Christ as the Living Stone
1 Peter 2:9–10 Identity as God’s Chosen People
1 Peter 2:11–12 Call to Good Conduct
1 Peter 2:13–17 Submission to Earthly Authority
1 Peter 2:18–20 Guidance for Servants
1 Peter 2:21–25 Christ’s Example in Suffering

Discussion questions

What does Peter mean by 'pure milk of the Word' in v2?
In v9, what does it mean to be a 'royal priesthood'?
In vv. 7-8, why does Peter refer to Jesus as a 'stone of stumbling'?
Why does Peter encourage submission to 'every ordinance of man' in v13?
How do your 'good works' compare to the call in v12 to glorify God?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Peter 2: Isaiah 53, Romans 12, Matthew 5.

Before next time: read 1 Peter 3.