What is the context of 1 Peter 3:13? Identify the potential harmers and the harmed based on the context? What is the good that Peter intends in this verse?
What is the result of suffering mentioned in V:14? How does he encourage them to respond when they suffer for doing good in V:14-15? (1 Peter 3:14-15)
In verse 15, what two specific qualities must characterize our "defense"? (1 Peter 3:15)
According to verse 16, what is the specific result of maintaining a good conscience? (1 Peter 3:16)
Looking at verse 17, what are the two types of suffering Peter compares? Which one is labeled as better? (1 Peter 3:17)
INTERPRETATION
What does it mean?
From the passage and in context, what sort of opposition were Christians facing and for what? (1 Peter 3:13-17)
How does Peter help Christians not to be overcome with fear? Why must we "honor Christ as Lord & holy" before we give a defense? (1 Peter 3:14-15)
What does it mean to make a defense? What is the manner in which they are to give this defense? Why is the way we defend our faith important? Why might people ask for the reason for the hope that is in you? (1 Peter 3:15)
How does a good conscience (v. 16) actually shame those who revile you? (1 Peter 3:16)
Why is it important for a Christian to recognize that suffering for doing good might be part of God’s sovereign plan? (1 Peter 3:17)
APPLICATION
What will I do?
How did Christ suffer? In what way does it help us suffer even unjustly?
When we are intimidated by someone’s criticism of our faith, is our first reaction to honor Christ as holy or is it to defend in a way that would come across as unkind and disrespectful?
Is the hope that you have evident to others? How do you want to grow in this area?
In what ways is it possible to prepare ourselves to be ready to give an answer to those who question us? How would you like to grow in this area?
What are the things we have learnt from this passage which will help us to face persecution with greater confidence?
