Stand Strong - in Gracious Relationships

Stand Strong - in Gracious Relationships
  • Dan Haakenson
  • Jan 17, 2010
  • Series: Stand Strong
Further Reflection, Discussion, and Application
  1. 1 Peter 3:8-12 is full of practical instructions.  Take a moment to slowly read those verses.  Think of a personal or family illustration of the importance and relevance of these verses.
  2. Why do you think Peter inserts these instructions here (3:8-12)?  How does this sum up and relate to what was introduced in 2:11, 12f?
  3. Go back to Psalm 34, quoted in 1 Peter 3:10-12.  What impression do you get of the overall intent of Psalm 34?  How does Peter draw upon that and the specific selection of this section, for what he wants to say here?
  4. What are the reasons given here for living out these realities?  How does that motivate you to do these things?
  5. Take note of the list mentioned in these verses (categorized below into 10 areas).  Consider each characteristic – what is the positive quality and what is it like when this is not present?  Harmony (v8), Sympathy (v8), Brotherly love (v8), Compassion (v8), Humility (v8), Being a blessing – non-retaliation / forgiveness (v9), A controlled tongue (v10), Purity (v11), Peace (v12), Prayer (v12)
  6. From the above list, which of these is the greatest struggle for you?  Why? How are you pursuing growth in this area?
  7. The message touched on the tension realizing that God cares about how we live and yet that Christianity is not a performance treadmill.  What do you think about this?  Where are you in it (living like God doesn’t care how you live or living like you have to be good enough to earn God’s favor)? What are the dangers and mistakes on each side?
  8. How does this passage equip you and direct you to ‘stand strong in the grace of God’ (5:12)? How does the gospel relate to our call to ‘do good’?
  9. Where are your closest relationships and sense of community? With whom do you share in the kinds of relationships that facilitate the qualities of 1 Peter 3:8-10?
  10. What primary application will you make from this passage and the reflection in it?

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