Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
Making Good on a Threat
Scripture
1 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. 2 These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. 3 They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. 4 But many of the people who heard their message believed it, the number of men alone was about five thousand.
Main Idea
Main Idea: What’s the point they’re trying to get across? Think about if someonehasn’t heard the message before.
When we give our life to Christ we are not getting rid of all our problems, trials, and threats. We are gaining the most amazing partner in battle. God not only fights against our threats with us, but He is the ultimate overcomer. He will have the last word! Clearing our conscience looks like giving our shame, guilt, fears and ultimately all the threats to our well-being to God. We repent and confess our sins. When we’re able to clear our conscience threats mean less. It doesn’t mean perfection, but rather freedom and courage to stand against our threats with God by our side. And as we go through the same experiences as Christ we are being molded and shaped in a refining process to fulfill the purpose God has set out for us.
What would you do for God if you knew you'd never fail?
Discussion Questions
- What are some troubles you have had that you thought you'd never see turned to good?
- How can we turn our good result into glory for God?
- In the Message version of the Bible, 1 Peter 12-13 says: When life gets really difficult don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process with glory just around the corner. Discuss ways it can change the things you do knowing you are in the process of spiritual refining and Jesus went through this too?
Summary
In 1 Peter 4, he shows us the importance of clearing your conscience from shame, fear and guilt to fight the threats we face. We see also that good conduct gives us credibility.
Peter was no stranger to threats. He was threated with collapse, disappointment, and ridicule. But through all threats God can bring good. Life as a Christian doesn’t mean we’ll be without threats as well. We need to live with a good and clear conscience. Taking our sin and threats to God allows Him to turn what’s meant for evil to good. Repentance and confession are Biblical principles that will help us clear our conscious. When we do that, threats mean much less. It’s not about perfection but about God walking with us right when the threat is at it’s peak. He’s the ultimate fighter. Good conscience gives you courage but good conduct gives you credibility. This is what happened to Peter, he became evidence of the way God filps the script on threats and they lose their power over us. We can be that undeniable evidence as well. This is what brings glory toGod. Tell all who will listen what we’ve witnessed and experienced. In the Message version, in 1 Peter 4:7-11 it says God says if help is needed let it be“God’s hearty help.” We can’t forget how strong the help is from the Lord. It’s everything, it overcomes all things.
Take Action
- Visit the YouVersion Bible app to read through ”Book of 1 Peter” which is a 3-daystudy, or 1 Peter: For His glory, but His grace” which is a 10-day study.
- Often times we get more out of studies and reading Scriptures often times if we journal as we read through a study. If you don’t already have one, find a journal you like, or start a Note on your phone. You can write your thoughts, prayers, and questions for God that the study may stir up in you.
Announcements
- Visioneering Night Oct 17 vel.city/fallvisioneering
- Superhero Sunday! Oct 26
- Thank you for making Serve Day 2025 so great! We were able to make a big difference in our city and communities
