14: A Life of Submission (1Pet 2:11-3:12)

The Basics

Setting

Peter has been urging the believers to conduct themselves in holiness, fear of God, and love. Now he addresses specific groups of believers regarding their specific social roles. In each situation, he shows us how we should glorify and honor God by living blamelessly among our fellow human beings.

Key Verse

“Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (2:12).

Observation

Outline

(2:11-12)

(2:13-17)

(2:18-25)

(3:1-6)

(3:7)

(3:8-12)

Key Words/Phrases

General Analysis

1. In each of the paragraphs of this passage, Peter gives the purpose or goal of submission. Identify and record them.

Segment Analysis

2:11-12

1.      Compare “fleshly lusts” and “soul.” Why are they incompatible?

2.      Why should sojourners and pilgrims choose the soul over the flesh?

3.      What form of persecution does Peter speak of here?

4.      Who will glorify God in the day of visitation?

5.      What is the day of visitation?

2:13-17

6.      In what sense is our submission to every ordinance of man “for the Lord’s sake”?

7.      According to 15, what is God’s will for Christians?

8.      What is the “ignorance of foolish men”?

9.      How can we be free but also be bondservants of God? Isn’t there a contradiction?

2:18-25

10.  According to Peter, what kind of endurance is commendable?

11.  What must we maintain in our hearts when we suffer?

12.  Have you had an unreasonable employer or manager? What can you learn from the exhortation here?

13.  What is the purpose of our calling, according to 21?

14.  What example has Christ set for us? What lessons can we learn from Him?

15.  What purpose did Christ’s suffering accomplish?

16.  Why is Christ called the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls?

3:1-6

17.  How can wives win over their unbelieving husbands?

18.  According to Peter, what is true beauty for women?

19.  Why do you think these characteristics are beautiful? What positive influence can such beauty bring to the household?

20.  Which do you pay more attention to or spend more time on? Outward adornment? Inward beauty?

21.  Contrast the fear in verses 2 and 6.

3:7

22.  Explain what it means for the husband to dwell with his wife with understanding.

23.  How should the husband act towards his wife, knowing that she is the weaker vessel and coheir of the grace of life?

3:8-12

24.  What is the main point of this passage?

25.  How does this paragraph sum up the entire passage?

26.  What is the ultimate motivation for love and submission?