The Passage
1 Peter 3:13-18
The One Thing
Be ready to share the reason for the hope that you have.
Know
- K1 Ask if there’s anyone ready to “give an answer for the reason for the hope that they have” (either share their salvation story or an account where they have experienced Jesus). Time them. They have 1 minute. After the 1 minute, stop them talking. Ask them what was it like to give an answer for the reason for the hope that they have? Did they feel prepared? Why or why not?
Grow
- G1 Why is it so important to “set apart Christ as Lord” before sharing the “reason for the hope you have”?
- G2 The word translated as “respect” in verse 15 is translated in most other places in the New Testament as “fear”. What might Peter mean by saying “do this in gentleness and fear”?
- G3 Take a look at Colossians 4:6. What does it mean to have your conversation seasoned with salt, and how does this connect to your “knowing how to answer everyone”?
- G4 How might Jesus suffering in verse 18 be connected to our suffering for doing good? Why do we need to keep a clear conscience when sharing Jesus with others? What does Peter mean by this?
- G5 Talk about Dan’s suggestion to stick with a conversation topic for 5 questions without changing topic. Why do you think this might open doors to a God conversation? Why do we so rarely allow conversations to go this deep?
- G6 How prepared would you say you are to “give an answer to everyone who asks”? Be honest. What’s one thing you can do to be more prepared?
Show
- S1 This week, when making small talk with someone, intentionally keep asking them questions about the topic that is on their mind. Try to ask at least 4 questions without changing the subject. Do this prayerfully and share with someone (and Dan) if this leads to a “God conversation”.
