AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:
In this week's sermon Pastor Charlie provided an overview of some of the main points of Peter's first letter, and how we are called to be a special people who are set apart. We are citizens of heaven, and we are told to set our hope fully (1 Peter 1:13) on this coming kingdom that God promises for all who believe in him.
Why do you think it is so important that our hope is set first and foremost on God's promised kingdom? What are the dangers of letting a different focus and a different hope or desire take that place in our hearts?
While we are called to be "set apart" as holy, we are also called to be a blessing in this world to others. What does it mean to be "in the world but not of the world?" How can we live as part of the community without letting ourselves set our hearts on the things of the world?
Peter tells us to submit to all authorities "for the Lord's sake." Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like God was calling you to submit to something "for his sake?" How did the Lord speak to you during this time and how did he show his faithfulness as you trusted in him? Discuss.