Rise & Fall

Review and discuss this week’s Core Truth with your group.

Core Truth #19

Q: Is there any way to escape punishment and be brought back into God’s favor?

A: Yes, to satisfy his justice, God himself, out of mere mercy, reconciles us to himself and delivers us from sin and from the punishment for sin, by a Redeemer.

What do you enjoy being right about? Why?

Have you ever felt the pressure to change your belief or behavior because you were in the minority? Explain.

Read 1 Peter 2:6-9 as a group.

Why is it important for those who believe in Jesus Christ to know that they “will not be put to shame” (v.6)? How might that be of comfort to Christians living in our day?

Peter writes in verse 7 that “the honor is for you who believe.” What is the honor he is speaking about. Why would that have been reassuring to Christians living in the first century? 

Why is it important for Christians both then and now to know that, despite their circumstances, they have been given a special honor?

In verse 8 Peter writes of how Christ will be “a stone of stumbling” to those who reject him. What does that imply? 

How should Christians react when they see the fall of unbelievers? Read Proverbs 24:17-18 for biblical support. How does that stand in contrast with what we see taking place in our world today?

Why is it important for Christians to know that they are a people whom God has chosen (v.9)?

How does the role of “royal priesthood” fit with what Jesus said in Matthew 5:3-12? How should that reality impact the way that we think and live right now?