The Victorious King

Sermon Discussion Questions: September 13, 2026 The Victorious King Sermon: 1 Peter 3:8-22 1. Summarize Pastor Paul's advice about interpreting difficult-to-understand verses. 2. To whom was this epistle directed, and how does knowing that enrich our understanding of its teachings? 3. Our suffering does not make our Christian witness _____________. 4. Your friend, Sally the Skeptic states: “I've read 1 Peter, with his call for radical submission. Perhaps that worked in the first century. In today's Milwaukee, that approach will leave you crushed, metaphorically and perhaps literally.” How would you reply? 5. Pastor Paul said we can disagree on important issues, and still share the mind of Christ. a. What beliefs and values enable us to do that? b. Give an example of a situation in which a profound disagreement with a fellow believer did not undermine your relationship. 6. People have a natural and understandable tendency to “pull-in” (become self-focused) when experiencing adversity. What are the benefits of remaining sympathetic and engaged, as commanded in verse 8? 7. Peter gives, in verses 8 and 9, counter-intuitive advice regarding dealing with evil and insults. a. What reference does he offer to support his teaching? b. What can we learn from Peter using this reference? 8. In Romans 12:17-21, Paul mirrors the directions that Peter gives in this passage. Where else in scripture do we: a. Read these commands? b. See someone demonstrate this response to insults or evil? 9. The world view of “blessing” is that suffering is replaced with comfort and pleasure. In what sense is that false, and in what sense is it true? 10. Per verse 15, what is the Christian antidote to anxiety and fear? Why does that belief assuage anxiety? 11. Luke 12:11-12 states: “… do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Does preparing responses beforehand imply a lack of faith in the Holy Spirit? Defend your answer. 12. 1 Peter 3:18 describes a transaction that is essential to the gospel: Christ died, the righteous for the unrighteous. Where else in scripture do we find this teaching? 13. Share your understanding of verses 19 to 21. 14. AI Question 🤖: In what specific ways can I practice being compassionate and humble toward colleagues, family members, or community members who consistently treat me unfairly or harshly? How can I actively choose blessing over retaliation in daily interactions? Prayer Points: • Ask God to root out all bitterness and retaliatory anger from your heart, allowing you to reflect our humble Savior by repaying insults with blessings. • Seek the Lord’s help to fix your eyes on our ascended, King Jesus, taking comfort in the truth that everything is subjected under His sovereign feet. • Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you a calm, courageous heart, that is always ready to share the reason for your gospel hope with gentleness and respect.