Worth the Wait: Jan 11th Home Group Study Questions

[1 Peter 1:6–9] 

  1. Read 1 Peter 1:6-9 together. How does Peter describe the relationship between present trials and future joy? What does he say makes this counterintuitive experience possible?
  2. Peter says our faith is “more precious than gold” (v. 7). Read James 1:2-4 and Romans 5:3-5. How do trials test and refine faith? What impurities might God be burning away in your life through current trials?
  3. The sermon emphasized loving Jesus without seeing Him (v. 8). Read John 20:24-29 and Hebrews 11:1. How is believing in Jesus without seeing Him different from the disciples’ experience? What helps you love and trust someone you cannot physically see?
  4. Peter describes “joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (v. 8). Read Hebrews 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. How did Jesus endure the cross with future joy in view? How can eternal realities help us experience joy in present suffering?
  5. The sermon stated: “Jesus is still lovely and true.” Read Isaiah 53:4-6 and Romans 5:8. How does Jesus carrying our griefs and being crushed for our sins demonstrate His love? How does this truth combat feelings that God is angry or punishing you in trials?
  6. Share a current trial you’re facing. In your present experience of trials do you focus on your own pain (self-consumed) or on loving and believing in Jesus? What would it look like to shift your focus toward Christ in this situation?
  7. The sermon asked: “Is Jesus supremely valuable to you?” Read Philippians 3:7-11. What “counterfeit pleasures” or comforts tempt you to value something more than Jesus? How does enduring temptation proclaim Jesus’ worth to a watching world?
  8. Read John 16:33 and Romans 8:18-25. We live in a “groaning world” broken by sin. How does understanding that trials come from living in a fallen world (not God’s anger) change your perspective on suffering?
  9. Peter says genuine faith “results in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (v. 7). What does it mean that your tested faith will bring praise to Jesus when He returns? How does this motivate you to persevere?
  10. Close by praying together. Ask God to help each person love Jesus more deeply, believe Him more fully, and experience the joy of knowing Him even in trials. Pray that your group’s endurance would proclaim to others that Jesus is supremely worthy.