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Leader Guide for Lesson 1

  1. Read the passages listed in the lesson that describe the persecution these Christians were going through. How would you describe the situation they were facing?

    2. Trials of various kinds; physical punishment and insults given unfairly (by unbelieving masters to Christian slaves); suffering even though they were doing what is right; suffering because they were Christians

  2. How do you think you would handle the kind of persecution that the recipients of Peter's letter faced?

    3. Various answers possible. They might be tempted to deny the faith or go "underground." It would be hard if friends or family members were threatened.

  3. Read the verses listed in the lesson that use the word "grace." What do you learn about grace from these passages?

    4. Spoken about by the prophets; a kind of grace will be revealed when Jesus comes; it is "grace" to do right in the face of wrong; the promise of eternal life is a form of grace; God gives grace to the humble.

  4. What does "grace" mean to you?

    5. Various answers possible. "Unmerited favor" is a common phrase. Among other things, grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness (Titus 2:11-14).

  5. What do you expect from God: that he will remove all difficulties from your life, or that he will see you through the difficulties you face? How will you be disappointed if you expect to have no difficulties?

    6. Some Christians, especially young Christians, can be thrown by troubles. They thought that in Christ they were finding the answer to their troubles! We will be disappointed if we expect no difficulties because everyone has them.

  6. What forms of persecution might you face in school, on a college campus, in your family, or from society?

    Ridicule in the media or in classes, skepticism in your family, limiting of Christians' rights to practice their faith.

  7. How have you seen God's grace at work, even during troubled times?

Various answers possible: people rising to the occasion in a difficult situation; a person's faith growing stronger through trial; deep inner peace than helps one through a hard time, etc.

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