Peter probably wrote this letter as the great persecution under Emperor Nero was beginning. Throughout the Roman Empire, Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith, and the church in Jerusalem was being scattered. Earlier in the letter (3:18), he has reminded his readers that they aren't alone: "Christ also suffered when he died for our sins once for all time."

1. What kinds of pain linked to committed discipleship are you tempted to dodge?



2. According to Peter, what change of mindset occurs for believers willing to endure the pain?



3. With regard to the "things that godless people enjoy" (v. 3), would you place yourself in the "chasing after" or the "had enough" category?



4. Have friends—non-Christian or Christian—expressed surprise (v. 4) at your changed priorities?



5. Why do you think God applies refining discipline to His "own children" first (v. 17)?



6. What specific sin—along with its likely disciplinary consequences—will you commit to avoid?

Thank God for His mercy that brought you to faith and included you in the "barely saved" category. Ask Him for the resolve to turn from sin and live faithfully.

¹So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning. ²And you won't spend the rest of your life chasing after evil desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. ³You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.

⁴Of course, your former friends are very surprised when you no longer join them in the wicked things they do, and they say evil things about you. ⁵But just remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead.

¹⁷For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin first among God's own children. And if even we Christians must be judged, what terrible fate awaits those who have never believed God's Good News? ¹⁸And "If the righteous are barely saved, what chance will the godless and sinners have?"

Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me connect honestly with other men, men who share my desire to take being Your disciple to a new level.

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