Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
Sermon Questions:
1. What are some areas of suffering in your life?
2. How do you naturally try to numb, avoid, or down play those struggles?
3. Which lie are you more inclined to believe? a) God is not real/God is distant, totally uninvolved in daily life so I must figure it all out or b) God’s got me covered, everything is forgiven, I will go to heaven, so I can live as I want.
4. Have you ever experienced Jesus drawing close in times of suffering? When?
5. Have you ever walked with someone through their suffering?
