1 Peter 2:11-25 | Living good lives
“I Exercises”
The teaching of the Bible has been exploited and misused repeatedly over the centuries. Especially readings like this one. How do we avoid doing this ourselves?
At First Glance
Read 1 Peter 2.11-25
Today we weigh into two contentious areas – submission to earthly authorities and Peter’s teaching for slaves.
1. In what sense does Peter address them as ‘foreigners and exiles’?
2. What key principle does Peter establish at the outset of this section of his letter?
3. Why and who do we have to submit to in verses 13-14? (see notes on word submit)
4. All people here are exhorted to live in a radically different way. See verse 16-17 How then should we live?
5. What is Peter’s directive to those who were slaves?
• Please note that the slaves are
addressed directly, what does that tell us about who was present when the
letter was read aloud?
• On what basis would a slave submit
to their master?
• How is suffering for doing good
commendable to God?
• Is this a recipe for tolerating
exploitation and abuse?
• Is there any word here for masters?
• How is Jesus a model and
encouragement for modern day slaves?
6. In what way has Jesus acted on our behalf, slave or free? In what sense is he a model for us all?
7. How have Jesus actions enabled us to return to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls?
A Closer Look
8. How does Peter draw on the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount? See Matthew 5.16
9. How should we use our freedom today?
10. What are you to do if you live under a corrupt and violent ruler?
11. How would 2.17 be a great motto for life?
12 Are there any principles here that apply to the workplace today? For bosses and workers?
Looking at Me
12. What principal for living is key here?
13. Does this passage provide a basis for the good ordering of society?
14. Does this passage justify slavery, or is it sound advice for people who are slaves? Should Christians be advocating for the ending of slavery today?
15. How should we react to exploitation or abuse?
13 In what range of ways is Jesus our model and example?
Curly Questions
How do we find true freedom?
Pray Together
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