1 Peter 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Peter 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The elders are exhorted to shepherd God’s flock voluntarily and with good intentions, not for dishonest gain (vv. 1-2). They are to be examples rather than lording over those entrusted to them.

Key verse

“casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7 (WEB)

Outline

1 Peter 5:1–4 Exhortation to Elders
1 Peter 5:5–7 Call to Humility
1 Peter 5:8–9 Warning Against the Devil
1 Peter 5:10–11 Assurance of Restoration
1 Peter 5:12–14 Conclusion and Greetings

Discussion questions

In v2, what are the two attitudes mentioned about how to shepherd the flock?
What does Peter mean by 'casting all your worries on him' in v7?
In v9, why does Peter emphasize that 'your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings'?
In v10, what is the meaning of the phrase 'after you have suffered a little while' in the context of God's grace?
When have you felt the need to 'be sober and self-controlled' in a challenging situation?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Peter 5: Philippians 4, Romans 8, James 4.

Before next time: read 2 Peter 1.