Ice Breaker Question: Share about a time when you had to submit to authority (military, workplace, sports team, etc.). What made that easy or difficult?

Key Takeaways from the Sermon

1. We are in spiritual warfare - There is a constant battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness
2. Submission is about alignment, not weakness - Like a car's timing, when we're in alignment with God, everything runs smoothly
3. Our witness speaks louder than our words - How we live, especially in difficult relationships, testifies to Christ
4. Inner beauty matters more than external appearance - God values the condition of our hearts
5. Unforgiveness gives darkness legal access - Holding onto offense creates bondage in our lives

Understanding the Text

1. Read 1 Peter 3:1-7 together. What initially strikes you as difficult or uncomfortable about this passage? Why do you think Peter wrote these instructions to people facing severe persecution?
2. Pastor mentioned three states: "locked, wedlocked, or warlocked." How would you define each of these in your own words?
3. What does it mean that "submission is about alignment, not being sub-anything"? How does this change your perspective on submission?

Applying Truth 

7. For everyone: Which of the three action steps resonates most with you right now?
   • Show honor in all relationships
   • Lead your household (or yourself) with love, prayer, and humility
   • Pursue healing of your "double vision"
8. The sermon emphasized that "darkness is relentless and doesn't stop." What practical strategies can we implement to stay alert and resist spiritual attacks?
9. Vulnerable question: Is there someone you need to forgive? What's holding you back? (This may require pastoral follow-up for some)

This Week's Challenge
Choose ONE of the following to commit to this week:

Option 1: The Forgiveness Exercise

• Write down the names of people you're holding offense against
• Pray daily: "Lord, I choose to forgive ________. I release them from my judgment and place them under Your blood."
• If appropriate, reach out to reconcile

Option 2: The Alignment Check

• Spend 15 minutes daily asking God: "Where am I out of alignment with You?"
• Journal what He reveals
• Take one specific action to correct the misalignment

Option 3: The Honor Practice

• Identify one difficult relationship (spouse, family member, coworker)
• Commit to showing honor through actions and words for seven days
• Keep a gratitude journal about that person

Option 4: The Spiritual Warfare Routine

• Start each day declaring: "I submit to God. I resist the devil, and he must flee."
• Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) through prayer
• End each day asking: "Where did I give darkness access today?"

Prayer Time
Confession: Acknowledge areas of unforgiveness, offense, or misalignment
Surrender: Submit these areas to God's authority
Healing: Ask for the blood of Jesus to cleanse and heal deep wounds
Protection: Pray for spiritual covering over marriages, families, and relationships
Victory: Declare freedom from bondage and alignment with God's purposes