Stewards of Eternal Grace

Sermon Discussion Questions: September 27, 2026 Stewards of Eternal Grace Call to Worship: Psalm 31:1-5 1. David absolutely lived out the principle he states in verse 1. We repeatedly see him respond to remorse, betrayal, treachery, and slander by turning to his Lord. Who else in scripture does this? 2. We are familiar with verse 5 as among Jesus' last words. What did David mean by verse 5? Sermon: 1 Peter 4:1-19 I. Live Who We Are. Not Who We Were – Verses 1-6 1. Peter is attempting to help Christians see the positive aspects of suffering. (Not an easy task.) His first point is that those who have suffered have “ceased from sin”. In what sense have those who suffered ceased from sin? 2. All of us had/have some ungodly strategy for coping with suffering, though not necessarily one of activities listed in verse 3. Share a wholesome (even if not explicitly Christian) strategy to which you now resort in times of trial. 3. How are non-believers (and sadly sometimes fellow believers) likely to malign you, as mentioned in verse 4? 4. Pastor Paul suggested that if indeed, the “end is near” and the world is full of horrors, we should not “build a bunker”. What did he say we should do instead? 5. Verse 6 is a favorite of scripture-twisters. a. How did Pastor Paul explain it? b. If you have a different interpretation, please share it. II. Loving Helps Us in Suffering – Verses 7-11 6. Romans 13: 12-14 is one of many verses that use a garment metaphor to describe a Christian's righteousness. Why did the Holy Spirit inspire the authors to use this metaphor? 7. If you knew the world would end tomorrow evening, how would you spend tomorrow morning and afternoon? 8. Looking at verses 7-11, what are the ways we express love for the brethren? III. Adversity: Never Fun But Can Be Joyful – Verses 12-19 9. Benjamin the Believer is shopping for a church. What advice would you give him? 10. If you have rejoiced in suffering, or seen someone do it, share the story. 11. In verse 15, Peter addresses antinomianism. Where else in scripture is this error addressed? 12. Bible Hub Question: Discuss the concept of using one's gifts to serve others (verse 10). How have you used your spiritual gifts to serve others? Prayer Points: • Ask God to grant you the strength to cast off former worldly desires and live soberly for His will as time grows short. 1. Share your victory, or a friend’s victory, over one worldly desire. • Seek the Lord’s wisdom and be eager to use your spiritual gifts, speech, home, and resources to bless the body of Christ, ensuring God receives all the glory. 2. Share a gift, not necessarily spiritual, you now use for service. • Pray for the Holy Spirit to rest upon you in times of hardship, enabling you to entrust your soul to your faithful Creator without fear or shame.