Week 4
This is the last week we’ll be providing questions for this particular small group study; and, once again, we want you to spend the bulk of your time actually sharing your stories with one another. You could go through your baseline stories again, just to continue practicing them together. Or you could go around and briefly share other God stories, like your experiences with the baptism in the Holy Spirit or times God came through for you in unexpected ways or times God got your attention and changed your direction or important changes He’s worked in your life. If you’ve been walking with the Lord for any length of time, you’ve likely got LOTS of God stories to share; and the point of this small group study is to get you in the habit of actually sharing them.
What follows are a few more thoughts and some discussion questions based on I Peter 3:15. If your group only has time to either (1) share your stories or (2) go through the questions together, please use your time to share your stories (even if that just means practicing your baseline testimonies again).
Have two or three people in the group read aloud I Peter 3:15.
1. It’s interesting that this verse actually begins with the exhortation, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” The Bible presents Jesus Christ as both Savior and Lord. What’s the difference? Are you ever tempted to think of Christ (and, therefore, seek to relate to Him) more as Savior than as Lord? Why would Peter introduce this verse about always being ready to share with everyone by reminding you that Jesus Christ is Lord?
Passages of Scripture related to sharing the gospel and speaking out for God are often accompanied by exhortations not to be afraid. In other words, the Lord anticipated the possibility that sharing His story (and the stories of your experiences with Him) might be intimidating for some people. It’s likely that reality that led Peter to lead out this verse with the call to set apart Christ in your heart as Lord. He’s the King, and He wants this. The only appropriate response is, “Yes, Sir.”
2. For two weeks now you’ve been focused on writing out and sharing your baseline testimony. How has that experience been for you? What aspects of it have been hard? What aspects have been easy? Have you learned anything about yourself or about the Lord in this process? When you began sharing your baseline testimony last week, were you nervous or was it in any way awkward for you? Why or why not? Have you begun praying and looking for more opportunities to share? Are you committed to doing that? Why or why not?
3. Peter instructs you to be ready to share with everyone who, “asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” How well does your daily life – at home, at work, at the gym,... – exhibit the hope of God held out in the gospel? Would the people around you more likely describe you as a person of peace and hope or as a worrier? Describe a time someone commented positively on your life or asked you why you were so hopeful or peaceful or joyful or upright or loving or gracious or forgiving or... When someone compliments you on any sort of Christlike attribute you’ve exhibited, it’s important that you take that opportunity to share a bit of your testimony. Don’t just say, “Thank you;” testify about the work of God in your life. Point out that He’s the hero of your story – not you.
4. What are the areas of your life you need to pay special attention to in order for them to better reflect the work and character and nature of God (and, therefore, to provoke people to comment or ask questions)?
5. The end of this verse specifies that, when you share your story with others, you need to do so, “with gentleness and respect.” Why do you think Peter made a point to add in that instruction?
6. Finally, if you’ve struggled to identify any real change in your life since coming to Christ, commit to take some time before the Lord, asking Him the crucial questions: “Lord, have I ever really surrendered control of my life to You?” and “Have I really set You aside in my heart as Lord, or have I just tried to have You as Savior without the Lord part?”