To-do list, pt. 1

1 Pe 4:7-9

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

• Why is it valuable to remember that the end is at hand?
  
• Why is it dangerous to believe that you have tomorrow?
  
• How would you change your life if you knew you had a week to live?
  
• According to the Holy Spirit through Peter, what should you do knowing that the end of things is near?
  
• What do you think God considers self-control and a sober mind to be?
  
• How do these two things influence prayer?
  
• Why is it important to have self-control and a sober mind to pray?
  
• When have you prayed without self-control and a sober mind?
  
• What type of love are you to have for one another?
  
• What is the difference between a earnest love and toleration?
  
• How earnestly do you love fellow Christians?
  
• How does love cover a multitude of sins?
  
• Whose sins are covered?
  
• What does it mean to be hospitable to one another?
  
• How hospitable are you?
  
• What stands in the way of your hospitality?
  
• How likely are you to complain about being hospitable?

You are different

1 Pe 4:1-6

4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, [1] arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

Footnotes
[1] 4:1 Some manuscripts add for us; some for you

• What is the "same way of thinking" that you are to arm yourself with?
  
• What does "arm yourself" imply?
  
• How does suffering in the flesh relate to sin?
  
• How does God want you to live your life in the flesh?
  
• How much of "what the Gentiles want to do" have you done previously?
  
• Why does the changed life of a Christian surprise non-Christians?
  
• What friends did you lose when you became a Christian?
  
• How different is your life from that of the world?
  
• In what ways do/did you suffer for not "pursuing a course" of sin?
  
• What assurance and encouragement is there in knowing that God is the judge of all?
  
• What is the purpose of the gospel and why is it preached?
  
• How does verse 6 indicate the gospel is about more than conversion?
  
• When you look at your life in the flesh...
  - how different is it from the world around you?
  - how different is it from living in the spirit according to God's will?

Christ suffered to save you

1 Pe 3:17-22

17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered [1] once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which [2] he went and proclaimed [3] to the spirits in prison, 20 because [4] they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

Footnotes
[1] 3:18 Some manuscripts died
[2] 3:19 Or the Spirit, in whom
[3] 3:19 Or preached
[4] 3:20 Or when

• How does your suffering for doing right compare to that of Christ?
  
• Why did Christ die for sins?
  - To whom did He bring you?
  - What happened to his flesh?
  
• How does knowing (but not understanding fully) that Christ preached to the spirits in prison affect you?
  
• How does the salvation of Noah encourage you today?
  
• How does baptism now save you?
  
• Through what does baptism save?
  
• What appeal is made to God in baptism?
  
• Why would people resist such a simple, yet profound response to Christ's death?
  
• Where is Christ now and how did His suffering get him there?
  
• Who is subject to Christ?
  
• How does this encourage you?

Suffering yet again

1 Peter 3:13-17

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

• Why is Peter dwelling on suffering?
  
• How does this epistle go against the flow of "good-time gospel"?
  
• How is this epistle good news?
  
• Who is there to harm you if you are trying to do good?
  
• Who or what do you fear that keeps you from doing right?
  
• Who or what intimidates you and troubles your Christian walk?
  
• Why is it important to clearly recognize Christ as your Lord in your heart?
  
• What does it mean to have a Lord and Master?
  
• Who is competing for lordship of your heart?
  
• How are you as a Christian supposed to act when challenged about your life?
  
• How ready are you to defend the hope that you have?
  
• How ready are you to be gentle and reverent in your defense?
  
• How does your behavior in Christ put those who intimidate you to shame?
  
• If it is God's will that you suffer, what should be the reasons?
  
• How have you suffered for Christ's sake in the past week?
  
• What "questionable" enjoyment have you given up for Christ's sake?
  
• When have you left your comfort zone to do right?