1 Peter 2:9-12

Read 1 Peter 2:9-10

• Which phrase here stands out to you about Peter's description of the Church?

Read Exodus 19:5-6 & Hosea 1:10

• What does Peter seem to think these words mean now for the Church?

  • Is it different to what they meant to ancient Israel? If so, why?

• If the Church is made up of all kinds of people drawn from every nation on earth, what does it mean to become 'a people' and 'a nation' through Jesus?

• What sort of relationships should we have with our fellow believers in light of this shared identity?

Read 1 Peter 2:11-12

• Peter has just called Christians 'a chosen people', 'a royal priesthood', 'a holy nation', 'God's special possession', and 'the people of God'. Now he refers to them as 'foreigners and exiles'. In what way are we 'foreigners and exiles'?

  • Do you ever feel like a foreigner or exile to your friends and neighbours? If so, in what ways? (If you like, share a story where your world-view or values clashed with someone else's)

• In light of our collective identity (from verses 9-10 as well as from 11-12) what should our behaviour be like? How do these two ideas link together?

• According to Peter, what should the effect of our behaviour be on those who do not believe?

  • Is this what you think the focus of the effect of our behaviour should be? Why/why not?

• Have you ever behaved in a way that people noticed you were different? What happened?

Read 1 Peter 2:13-17

• What type of behaviour does Peter think will have a good effect on those who do not believe? Is this more like what you would expect?

• Can you think of exceptions to this - situations where Christians should not submit to human authorities? How should we go about doing this (if you do think it is ever appropriate)?

• How do you think we should live as Christians in a non-Christian (or post-Christian) world?

• Spend some time praying for one another that we can live as God's chosen people in a world where we are foreigners and exiles.