The Good Life

The Bible teaches us that a good life is a godly life. Here we find not only the importance of relationships, but how to be godly in relationships, how to be godly in our speech, and how to be godly even when we suffer for it, and how to become the kind of people who have healthy relationships, even amid circumstances like suffering and persecution. 

Sermon outline:

I. How Godly People Live in Christian Community.

II. How Godly People Live the Good Life.

III. How Godly People Suffer Well.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. Which of the qualities in 1 Peter 3:8 do you find most difficult to practice in Christian community, and why? How might remembering Christ’s love toward you help you grow in that area?

2. How does this biblical vision of “the good life” challenge our culture’s (and perhaps our own) assumptions about what leads to happiness? What practical changes might that truth call for in your relationships this week?

3. Peter instructs us to bless those who revile us rather than repay evil for evil (v. 9). Can you think of a current relationship where you’re tempted to “fight or flight” rather than bless? What might it look like practically to bless that person this week?

4. Why is it so hard to see suffering for doing good as a blessing? How does Jesus’ own suffering “the righteous for the unrighteous” reshape our understanding of the good life and give us courage to endure?

5. When people see your life, what do you hope they notice that might make them curious about your faith? How can gentleness, respect, and integrity make your witness more compelling?