Introduction

Peter wrote his letter in a time of great challenge and uncertainty. People were suffering for following Jesus. It was hard. Some had been exiled to strange lands, leaving family members and livelihood behind. Others had lost their lives. Our finely honed sense of justice would have us demanding answers. Peter affirms the uncertainty, and pushes in a different direction: like the prophets of old, we need to be patient. Sometimes, maybe often, our questions remain unanswered…

Read: 1 Peter 1:10-12

Discuss

• Share with the group about something you’ve always wanted to understand, but at this stage you’ve been prevented from doing so. How does that lack of understanding make you feel?
• The Holy Spirit revealed to the prophets that some of the things they wrote about would only be understood in future generations (after the Messiah had come).
  • How might knowing this have helped Peter’s readers?
  • How does it help us?
• How does this passage impact on our understanding of how the Scriptures were written – our view of inspiration?
  • How does it confirm or challenge your views?
• What implications to these words have for our unanswered questions?
  • How might you use this passage and others to comfort someone struggling with unanswered questions or tough life realities?
• Share with the group how you have seen a humble faith and a trust in God’s sovereign care expressed in the life of another
• What would your church or small group need to do to be a better context for people to express the questions they may have?

Sermon audio can be downloaded from iTunes as  Gateway Community Church podcast