1 Peter Lesson 1 (2023)

A LIVING HOPE

(1 Peter 1:1-12)

Open it:

1. Complete this sentence in any way you’d like: “I hope that this year….”

Explore it:

1. Read verses 1-2. How does Peter identify himself? To whom did Peter address his letter? How had Peter’s readers been chosen? Why does he call them “exiles” (strangers) even though they are God’s elect?

2. Read verses 3-4. What had God given Peter and his readers? Into what kind of inheritance did Peter say his readers had been born?

3. Read verses 5-7. By and through, what are believers shielded from? What did Peter tell his readers they may have to suffer? Why had trials come to Peter’s audience? What benefit is there in suffering? What trials are you, or have you suffered endlessly?

4. Read verses 8-12. What had Peter’s readers done even though they had not seen Jesus? (8) What did Peter say was the goal of their faith? (9) What did the prophets speak, and for what did they search? (10) What did the Spirit of Christ predict? What did the angels long to do? (12)

Apply it:

1. What can you do this year to welcome the present trials? How will you rejoice in your salvation today?