Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

1. What’s one situation in your life that tested your patience or character this week?
   
2. Have you ever had to work under a leader or boss who made things difficult? How did you handle it?
   
3. Can you think of a time you reacted differently than expected — maybe with grace when others expected anger? How did it impact the situation?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Main Passage:

• 1 Peter 2:11-3:9 (NLT)

Additional Scriptures:

• 2:11–17 (Government)

• 2:18–25 (Workplace)

• 3:1–9 (Marriage & relationships)

Discussion Questions

1. GODLINESS IN AN UNGODLY GOVERNMENT

“For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed.” — 1 Peter 2:13 (NLT)
“Respect everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” — 1 Peter 2:17 (NLT)
“It is not obedience to man, but reverence for God, that teaches submission.” — Matthew Henry

• What stands out to you about Peter’s call to submit to authority “for the Lord’s sake”?

   

• Why is submission to leadership so countercultural today?

   

• What’s the difference between honoring authority and agreeing with authority?

   

• How can honoring authority actually point others to Jesus?

   

• Where might God be asking you to show respect or self-control in a difficult system or environment?

Dig Deeper Scriptures: Romans 13:1–2, Titus 3:1–2, Philippians 2:14–15

2. REFLECTING CHRIST IN A CHRISTLESS CAREER

“You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect… even if they are harsh.” — 1 Peter 2:18 (NLT)
“He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” — 1 Peter 2:23 (NLT)
“Christlikeness is best revealed when kindness is returned for cruelty.” — A.W. Tozer

• What are some challenges of working under difficult leadership or unfair conditions?

   

• How did Jesus model humility and restraint under pressure?

   

• Why is our reaction at work often one of the loudest witnesses of our faith?

   

• How might God be using your current workplace — even the hard parts — to grow your character?

   

Illustration tie-in:
Like WWII paratroopers dropped behind enemy lines, God may have placed you in a dark workplace on purpose — not to escape it, but to light it up.

Dig Deeper Scriptures: Colossians 3:23–24, Philippians 2:5–8, Matthew 5:14–16

3. HOLINESS IN AN UNHOLY UNION

“Wives… even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words.” — 1 Peter 3:1–2 (NLT)
“Husbands… treat your wife with understanding… she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life.” — 1 Peter 3:7 (NLT)
“The goal of marriage is not to make you happy; it’s to make you holy.” — Gary Thomas

• Why do you think Peter calls for godly conduct instead of constant correction in marriage?

   

• How does humility, gentleness, and respect change the atmosphere in a home?

   

• For those who are married, what does “treat with understanding” look like practically?

   

• For singles, how can you cultivate holiness in your relationships right now?

   

• What does it mean that holiness in marriage begins with your heart, not your spouse’s?

   

Dig Deeper Scriptures: Ephesians 5:21–33, Colossians 3:12–14, Proverbs 15:1

4. LIVING DIFFERENT IN DIFFICULTY (SUMMARY)

“All of you, be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and humble. Don’t repay evil for evil. Instead, pay them back with a blessing.” — 1 Peter 3:8–9 (NLT)

• What are some examples of blessing others when they don’t deserve it?

   

• Why is it so powerful when a Christian chooses kindness instead of retaliation?

   

• How can your group encourage each other to “pay back with a blessing” this week?

Action Steps

• Respond, Don’t React.
  • When things go wrong this week, pause before speaking or acting. Ask, “What response would reflect Jesus right now?”
• Honor Where It’s Hard.
  • Identify one person in leadership, at work, or in your family you find difficult. Choose one practical way to show honor or respect to them this week.
• Bless the Broken.
  • Look for one opportunity to bless someone who doesn’t expect it — a coworker, neighbor, or spouse. Let your light shine where it’s been dim.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for showing us how to be different when life gets difficult.
When we can’t change our circumstances, help us not to let those circumstances change us.
Teach us to be godly in an ungodly world, to reflect You in hard places, and to pursue holiness even when others don’t.
Make us people who bless instead of curse and shine light in dark places.
In Your name we pray, amen.