Living Beyond Reproach
Ice Breaker Question: Share about a time when you had to work for or under someone who was difficult. How did you handle it? What did you learn from that experience?

Read together: 1 Peter 2:18-25

Discussion Questions:

1. Understanding Submission (v. 18)
   • What does it mean to "submit with reverence" in today's context?
   • Why does Peter say we should submit even to "crooked" masters/bosses?
   • How is biblical submission different from being a doormat?
2. Finding Favor with God (v. 19-20)
   • What does it mean that enduring unjust suffering "finds favor" with God?
   • How does suffering for doing good differ from suffering for doing wrong?
   • Share an example of when you've seen someone handle unfair treatment with grace.
3. Jesus as Our Example (v. 21-23)
   • How did Jesus respond to unjust treatment?
   • What does it mean that Jesus "entrusted himself to Him who judges righteously"?
   • How can we practically follow Jesus' example in our daily conflicts?

Personal Reflection:
Take 3-5 minutes of silence for each person to consider:

• Where is God asking me to submit rather than demand my rights?
• Who do I need to forgive?
• What attitude adjustment do I need at work, home, or in relationships?

Share and Pray:
Go around the circle and have each person share:

1. One specific area where they need to practice submission or endurance this week
2. One person they need to forgive or show grace to
3. One way they want to reflect Christ's character in a difficult situation

After each person shares, have someone pray specifically for them.

Action Steps for the Week
Choose at least one:

1. The Attitude Check: Each morning this week, before going to work or facing a difficult situation, pray: "Lord, help me submit to Your will and reflect Christ today, regardless of how I'm treated."
2. The Forgiveness Exercise: Write down names of people who have hurt or offended you. Pray through the list, specifically releasing each person and asking God to heal that wound.
3. The Witness Audit: Ask yourself: "Would someone know I'm a Christian by how I respond to difficulty?" Identify one specific behavior you need to change.
4. The Trust Test: Identify one area where you're fighting for your rights. Surrender it to God as your vindicator and journal what happens.
5. The Encouragement Mission: Find someone this week who is enduring unjust treatment and encourage them with truth from this passage.