Look Back
What wisdom, joy or hope did you find by opening God’s word and letting Him speak to you this week?
Look Up
Read 1 Peter 1:3-5
- What does verse 3 tell us about God and Jesus? What does this verse say was required of Jesus to produce “living hope” for us?
- In verses 4&5 Peter shifts his focus to things that God offers in the future. Why does Peter shift his focus and how does this apply to people who are in the middle of a painful situation?
Read 1 Peter 1:6-7 & James 1:2-3
- What do these verses say about suffering, grief and trials? What do these verses encourage Jesus followers to do when facing trials and why?
- What do these verses say are the results and outcomes of enduring pain and trials? How easy is it for you to focus on these outcomes when you are in the middle of a painful situation? What helps or hinders you?
Read 1 Peter 1:8-9 & Hebrews 4:14-15
- Try to put 1 Peter 1:8 in your own words. What does this say about Jesus and the relationship we have with Him? How easy is it for you to feel “joy” in someone or something you cannot see?
- What else does Hebrews 4:14-15 tell us about Jesus? How do these truths reinforce 1 Peter 1:3-5? How do these truths help you face pain and suffering?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
Write a prayer of suffering to God and surrender the pain that you cannot explain. Ask God to use the pain to grow your faith in Him!
Notes
The Bible reminds us that pain is not the absence of God’s goodness. Instead, pain is often the place where faith is strengthened - the place where faith either collapses or grows, where trust either dies or blossoms. Jesus and other biblical authors were real people who experienced real pain. Their writings are not calling us to enjoy our pain, but calling us to see what the pain is producing. We don’t rejoice in the pain. We rejoice in the purpose. God is refining us, strengthening us, making our faith more real. Faith that remains true in the face of suffering is more valuable than gold or anything else, so endure to the end!
