Hope in Prayer, Love, Service and Suffering

 Hope in Prayer, Love, Service and Suffering

1 Peter 4:7-19
The Grove; July 12, 2026


Hearers of the Word:

Essential Marks of a Believer:

I.   Arm Yourselves with the attitude of Christ {verse 1-6}

II.  Serious Prayer (v. 7)

III.  Continual, Fervent Love (v. 8)

IV.  Faithful Serving (vv. 9-11)

V.  Expected Suffering (vv. 12-19)

  1. Suffering as Saints  (vv. 12-14, 16)
  2. Suffering for Sin & Dying to Self (v. 15;  see Galatians 5:24)
  3. Suffering from Satan (preview — ch. 5:8-11)

Doers of the Word

1.  Prayer & Urgency: In what ways does the truth that “the end of all things is at hand” change how you approach your prayer life? What would it look like for you to be more “serious and watchful” in prayer this week?

2.  Love & Offenses: Share a time when choosing to “overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11) brought freedom. Why is fervent agape love so powerful in a church family, and where do you struggle most with this?

3.  Suffering & Faithfulness: Which type of suffering (as saints, dying to self, or from the enemy) feels most relevant in your life right now? How can committing your soul to your “faithful Creator” and continuing to do good help you endure it with joy?

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