Group Discussion Starters – 1 Peter 4:1-11
As we can see in this chapter, Peter is not going to be distracted from his theme of suffering and our Christian response to it! Each time he returns to the theme Peter uncovers more for us to understand. Have one or two people read 1 Peter 4:1-11.

Verse 1 say “arm yourselves in the same way of thinking” (or “same attitude”) so we no longer live for human passions, but for “the will of God.” – Now read Romans 12:2 and compare the ideas being taught by both Peter and Paul.

What ideas does “Arming ourselves” with a way of thinking give you?

How could you describe in your own words what the will of God is; according to Peter in the following verses and according to Paul in Rom 12:1-2?

We often think of our faith and seeking God as a most importantly a “spiritual” experience, but both Peter and Paul refer to our thinking, attitude, or mind as the first step to knowing God’s will. What are ways we can arm our minds? Are you doing them?

Peter has begun to use a new phrase “in the flesh”. Notice the places he refers to our being “in the flesh” (3x in verses 1-6) and what he contrasts it with.  Who suffered in the flesh first? Who also suffers in the flesh now?

Verse 6 Peter is clearing up confusion that may arise about life in the spirit vs life in the flesh. He refers to people who in the past heard the gospel but are now dead. Although they have apparently died (n the flesh), Peter assures his readers that the gospel was delivered so they might live in the spirit, the eternal life God promises.

Our example in arming our mind, and in suffering in the flesh is Jesus (verse 1). He suffered, and yet his attitude was always perfectly aligned to God’s will, and led to perfect behaviour. Have someone read aloud Philippians 2:5-8. Consider the attitude of Jesus and how we can express it in the church, and in your small group.