Week of Novemer 16, 2025  –  Different: Different because Christ is Lord

Description:

Living with Hope in a Hard World is a 5-week journey through 1 Peter, reminding us that followers of Jesus are called to live differently—with hope, humility, and holiness in a world that often feels like it’s not our home. Peter wrote to believers scattered across a hostile culture, urging them to stand firm in grace and live as God’s chosen people—foreigners with heaven’s values and a future hope. Each week unpacks what it means to have a different faith in trials, different values in culture, different relationships in conflict, a different perspective in suffering, and a different posture under pressure. We’re not called to blend in with the world—we’re called to stand out for Christ.

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

  • When you hear the word Lord, what comes to mind? A feeling? A memory? A responsibility?
  • What is one time in your life when following Jesus made you act differently than people expected?
  • Who is someone in your life who reflects the heart of Jesus in suffering or service?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Main Passage:

Additional Scriptures:

Discussion Questions

1. SHARE DIFFERENT — Christ in My Speech

1 Peter 3:15–16a (NLT)

“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.”

Quote:

“Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where he found bread.” — D.T. Niles

Questions:

  • Why does Peter connect Lordship with being ready to explain our hope?
  • What are some ways we can share Christ “gently and respectfully” in a culture that debates aggressively?
  • What is one area of life where Christ being “Lord” has led you to speak differently?
  • Today, who in your life might be hungry for the “bread” you’ve found?

2. SUFFER DIFFERENT — Christ in My Pain

1 Peter 3:17 (NLT)

“It is better to suffer for doing good… than for doing wrong.”

1 Peter 4:1–2 (NLT)

“So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had… You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.”

Quote:

“If Christ has borne your worst, He can carry you through the rest.”

Questions:

  • Why do you think Peter encourages Christians to “arm themselves” with Jesus’ attitude?
  • How does knowing Christ suffered with us and for us change how we respond to our own hardships?
  • What’s one situation where you are tempted to suffer “like the world” instead of suffering “like Christ”?
  • How can the group pray for you as you walk through that?

3. SERVE DIFFERENT — Christ in My Gifts

1 Peter 4:8, 4:10 (NLT)

“Most important of all, continue to show deep love… for love covers a multitude of sins.”
 “God has given each of you a gift… Use them well to serve one another.”

Questions:

  • What does “deep love” look like in real relationships — especially difficult ones?
  • Peter says everyone has at least one spiritual gift. What’s one you believe God has given you?
  • How can your gifts be used this week to serve someone in your family, workplace, or church?
  • When has someone used their gifts to bless you?

4. SAVED DIFFERENT — Christ in My Identity

1 Peter 3:21 (NLT)

“Baptism… is a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Questions:

  • Peter clarifies that baptism doesn’t save by “removing dirt,” but by pointing to Christ’s resurrection.
     How does that reshape your understanding of salvation?
  • How does knowing you are saved “different” help you live different?
  • What part of your life needs to come under the Lordship of Christ this week?

Action Steps

  • Identify one area where Christ needs to be Lord — your speech, your reactions, your service, or your priorities — and surrender it to Him this week.
  • Share your hope with one person — gently, respectfully, and naturally.
     Look for an opportunity to tell someone what Jesus has done for you.
  • Serve someone intentionally using your spiritual gift or natural ability — a meal, encouragement, help, prayer, or generosity.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
 We confess today that You are Lord — over our lives, our words, our suffering, our gifts, and our future.
 Help us share different, suffer different, and serve different because You have saved us different.
 Give us hearts that reflect Your love, courage that reflects Your cross, and lives that shine Your hope.
 Make us a people whose difference points directly to You.
 Amen.

Week of Novemer 9, 2025  –  Different: Different in Difficulty?

Description:

Living with Hope in a Hard World is a 5-week journey through 1 Peter, reminding us that followers of Jesus are called to live differently—with hope, humility, and holiness in a world that often feels like it’s not our home. Peter wrote to believers scattered across a hostile culture, urging them to stand firm in grace and live as God’s chosen people—foreigners with heaven’s values and a future hope. Each week unpacks what it means to have a different faith in trials, different values in culture, different relationships in conflict, a different perspective in suffering, and a different posture under pressure. We’re not called to blend in with the world—we’re called to stand out for Christ.

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:

Additional Scriptures:

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.

Week of Novemer 2, 2025  –  Different: Still Hungry?

Description:

Living with Hope in a Hard World is a 5-week journey through 1 Peter, reminding us that followers of Jesus are called to live differently—with hope, humility, and holiness in a world that often feels like it’s not our home. Peter wrote to believers scattered across a hostile culture, urging them to stand firm in grace and live as God’s chosen people—foreigners with heaven’s values and a future hope. Each week unpacks what it means to have a different faith in trials, different values in culture, different relationships in conflict, a different perspective in suffering, and a different posture under pressure. We’re not called to blend in with the world—we’re called to stand out for Christ.

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

  1. What’s a food you crave the most when you’re really hungry?

     

  2. Have you ever been so busy you forgot to eat? How did that affect you?

     

  3. What are some signs that we might be “spiritually hungry” without realizing it?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Main Passage:

Dig Deeper Scriptures:

Discussion Questions

1. Cravings — Feed on His Word (1 Peter 2:1–3)

  • What does it mean to “crave pure spiritual milk”?
  • Why do you think Peter links spiritual growth to spiritual hunger?
  • What habits or distractions might dull your appetite for God’s Word?
  • E.M. Bounds said, “The Word of God is the food by which prayer is nourished.” How do prayer and Scripture work together in your life?

2. Cornerstone — Built on Christ (1 Peter 2:4–8)

  • Why do you think Peter uses the image of a “cornerstone”?
  • How does the Jenga illustration (one piece holding everything together) connect to your faith?
  • What are some ways we might build our lives on other “foundations” instead of Jesus?
  • What helps you keep Christ as your alignment point when life feels unstable?

3. Chosen — Live as God’s People (1 Peter 2:9–12)

  • What stands out to you in the phrase, “You are a chosen people”?
  • How does knowing you’re deeply loved and chosen make you different from the world
  • The Chosen series title carries three meanings:
    • Jesus is the Chosen One.
    • His followers are the chosen.
    • The audience—you and me—are invited to be chosen. How does that truth inspire your identity and mission?
  • What’s one way you can “declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness” this week?

Action Steps

  1. Feed:
    1. Read or listen to Scripture each day this week. Start with 1 Peter 2. Before reading, pray:
       “Lord, make me hungry for You again.”
  2. Build:
    1. Identify one area of your life that needs to be realigned with Jesus as the Cornerstone—maybe your time, finances, or attitude. Ask Him to take His rightful place there.
  3. Live Chosen:
    1. Do one act of visible goodness this week—serve someone, forgive someone, or share your faith. Let others see the difference Jesus makes.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
 Thank You for calling us out of darkness into Your wonderful light.
 Forgive us for the times we’ve grown complacent or spiritually numb.
 Help us crave Your Word, build our lives on You, and live as Your chosen people.
 Fill us again with Your presence so the world can see the difference You make.
 Amen.

Week of October 26, 2025  –  Different: Faithful though Foreign

Description:

Living with Hope in a Hard World is a 5-week journey through 1 Peter, reminding us that followers of Jesus are called to live differently—with hope, humility, and holiness in a world that often feels like it’s not our home. Peter wrote to believers scattered across a hostile culture, urging them to stand firm in grace and live as God’s chosen people—foreigners with heaven’s values and a future hope. Each week unpacks what it means to have a different faith in trials, different values in culture, different relationships in conflict, a different perspective in suffering, and a different posture under pressure. We’re not called to blend in with the world—we’re called to stand out for Christ.

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

  1. What’s something that used to make you feel “cool” but now just reminds you how old you are? (Ex: music, slang, fashion, tech, etc.)

     

  2. Have you ever traveled somewhere that made you feel completely out of place? What made it feel foreign?

     

  3. What’s one area of life right now where you feel like you don’t quite “fit in” as a follower of Jesus?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Main Passage:

Dig Deeper Scriptures:

Optional verses for those who want to explore more deeply:

1️⃣ Future Focused — 1 Peter 1:3–5

“Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance kept in heaven for you.”

  • What does Peter mean by a “living hope”?

     

  • How does focusing on our eternal inheritance help us handle temporary problems?

     

  • Tony Evans said: “Hope is not wishful thinking; it’s confident expectation rooted in resurrection.”

     

    • What’s the difference between “wishful thinking” and “confident hope”?

Optional Cross-References:

  • Romans 8:18 — The present sufferings are not worth comparing to future glory.

2️⃣ Fire Tested — 1 Peter 1:6–9

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold.”

  • What’s something you’ve learned about God through a difficult season?

     

  • Why do you think God allows faith to be tested?

     

  • Warren Wiersbe said: “A faith that’s been tested is a faith that can be trusted.”

     

    • How have you seen that truth play out in your life or someone else’s?

Optional Cross-References:

  • Daniel 3 — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fire.

3️⃣ Faithfully Set Apart & Faithfully Sent — 1 Peter 1:13–15 / John 17:14–19

“Be holy in everything you do… just as God who chose you is holy.”
 “Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.”

  • What do you think it means to be holy in everyday life?

     

  • How can we live differently without becoming distant or judgmental?

     

  • Why is holiness connected to being sent into the world?

Optional Cross-References:

Discussion Questions

  1. Peter calls believers “foreigners” and “temporary residents.” What helps you remember that this world isn’t your final home?

     

  2. What makes it hardest to live like a “foreigner” in our culture?

     

  3. When have you seen someone’s faith inspire you because it endured the fire?

     

  4. How can our group encourage one another to stay faithful when life feels foreign?

     

  5. In what ways can our church look more like “heaven’s citizens” right here in our community?

Action Steps

✅ 1. Live Future Focused:
 Write down one promise of God you’ll focus on this week when you’re discouraged.

🔥 2. Stay Fire Tested:
 Thank God for a trial you’re walking through and ask Him to refine—not remove—it.

🌍 3. Be Faithfully Set Apart & Sent:
 Identify one person in your life who feels spiritually far from God. Pray daily for them this week—and look for a way to show love or share your story.

Closing Prayer

“Father, thank You that even when we feel out of place in this world, we belong to You.
 Help us keep our eyes on the future You’ve promised, endure the fires that refine our faith,
 and live holy lives that reflect Your love.
 Send us into the world as Your people—different but devoted, set apart yet sent out.
 May our lives point others home to Jesus.
 In His name we pray, Amen.”