1. LIFE GROUP STUDY GUIDE
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:17- 18
Introduction:
1. Of what single accomplishment are you most proud? Why?
2. When have you worked your hardest? What was the result?
DIG:
Why Choose the Hard Way? Read Luke 9:18-26
 Do you see any connection between vs. 23 and vs. 24?
 Why do you think we must deny ourselves to follow Jesus?
 What do you think deny yourself means? What have you denied yourself in
order to follow Christ?
 What do you think Jesus means by “take up his cross daily?” What is the
 cross Jesus is speaking about? Why must we take it up?
 Can you see any ways the life Jesus describes in vs. 24 is different than the
life many Christians pursue today?
 What benefits of following Jesus in suffering can you find in vs. 24-26?
 What’s one practical way you can apply these verses to your life this week?
How to Choose the Hard Way
 Read 1 Peter 3:17-21 & 4:1
 Peter tells Christians to “arm yourselves also with the same purpose,”
(as Christ had in suffering for the glory of God and for our salvation.) In
what way would that kind of purpose in life strengthen and protect you?
 What do the following passages teach about how to arm ourselves with the
purpose of suffering whatever God’s will entails? (Romans 8:12-13, 13:14,
1 Cor. 9:24-27, 2 Tim 2:3-6).
 How would a mindset of self-denial and willingness to suffer change the
way you approach each day?
APPLICATION
 Compare Jesus’ attitude toward suffering with your own.
 Can you think of any examples from your own life how suffering and dying
to yourself resulted in life and fruit?
 Read Matt. 7:13-14. In light of what you’ve learned, what does Jesus
mean?