Sermon Based Curriculum
Sermon Date: April 10, 2011
Sermon Title: No Matter What
Sermon Text: 1 Peter 4:12-19 & Luke 14:27
Small Group Text: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Introduction
Peter wrote this letter because Christians were facing opposition due to their faith and would soon suffer even more. Their faith was new and was misunderstood by many. For these steadfast Christians, it was good news to hear that God blesses those who suffer for the sake of Christ. Though following Christ may not always bring violent opposition, it often brings rejection. Family members, coworkers, neighbors, and even friends, at times may not understand your faith. Nevertheless, you should commit yourself to God. It is His opinion that ultimately matters. What is something you were wrongly punished for when you were growing up?
Discussion
Read 1 Peter 4:112-19 1. What false assumption does Peter set straight in verse 4:12? 2. How is rejoicing in suffering different from just enduring suffering? What does Peter mean when he uses the term “rejoice”(4:13)? 3. What happens to people who are insulted or opposed because of their faith in Christ (4:14)? How would you know you were being “blessed” for being persecuted? 4. What are the unacceptable reasons for suffering as a Christian (4:15)? 5. How does God want his people to respond to opposition (4:19)? 6. Why do unbelievers sometimes reject or oppose Christians?
Application
1. Under what circumstances might you be insulted or rejected and be inclined to hide your faith in shame? 2. According I Peter 4:1-19, what should be your most God-honoring response to insult or rejection? 3. What price have you had to pay to stand up for the sake of righteousness? 4. What steps could you take to be prepared (to have a better response) next time you are rejected or insulted for the sake of righteousness?
Sermon-Based Curriculum