1 Peter 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Peter 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Christians are urged to arm themselves with the mindset of Christ, who suffered for them (vv. 1-2). They are reminded to leave behind their past sinful ways, which included lewdness and drunkenness, as outsiders may find their change strange (vv.

Key verse

“Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator.”
1 Peter 4:19 (WEB)

Outline

1 Peter 4:1–2 Arming with Christ's Mindset
1 Peter 4:3–4 Leaving Past Sinful Ways
1 Peter 4:5–6 The Judgment of the Living and Dead
1 Peter 4:7–11 Call to Righteous Living
1 Peter 4:12–16 Rejoicing in Suffering
1 Peter 4:17–18 Judgment Begins with the Church
1 Peter 4:19 Trusting God Amid Suffering

Discussion questions

In v1, what does Peter say about those who suffer in the flesh?
In v14, what word describes the Spirit resting on those insulted for Christ's name?
In v6, why does Peter mention the Good News being preached to the dead?
Why does Peter connect suffering for being a Christian with glorifying God in v16?
When have you felt pressure to follow the 'lusts of men' in v2?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Peter 4: Romans 12, 1 Peter 1, 1 Corinthians 13.

Before next time: read 1 Peter 5.