Suffering Like Jesus Suffered Helps Us Learn Patience Like Jesus' Patience (1 Peter 2)

Who is the most patient person you know? How do you think they became so patient?

Rate your own patience on a scale of 1-10. What are some ways that we can develop more patience?

Read 1 Peter 2:19-20.

Peter mentions two reasons why people might be mistreated: 1) for doing right and 2) for doing wrong.
 
What are some examples of ways people might be mistreated (or punished) because they did something wrong?  Have you ever suffered because of a bad choice you made? What did you learn from that experience?

What are some examples of people being mistreated for doing the right thing? How can suffering for doing good help us grow spiritually? (check out James 1:2-4)

What do you think it means to be patient while you are suffering? What would be the opposite of "patience" when suffering?

Read 1 Peter 2:21-25.

We are encouraged to follow in the steps of Christ. What do you think that means?

As you read this portion of 1 Peter 2, notice all the things that Jesus endured:

• He was insulted
• He suffered
• He carried our sins
• He was wounded

Talk about a time you've experienced one of these things. ("carrying our sins" might be difficult, but think of a time when someone else's sins have impacted you)

What does it mean that  Jesus "entrusted himself" to God's righteous judgment? When you are in the middle of suffering, how can you "entrust yourself" to God's righteous judgment? Will God immediately judge those who are persecuting you? Why or why not?

Why do we sometimes give something to God, and then take it right back?

What part of your life, or what situation in your life do you need to entrust to God? What step will you take this week to follow the example of Jesus?

How can this group help you?

More thoughts on Sufering: Beside Still Waters Words Of Comfort For The Soul, The Suffering Letters of C H Spurgeon