Use one or both of these questions to introduce the lesson.

1. Who or what guides your decision making?

2. Do you have a “big picture” view for your life or are you caught up in the details of the everyday grind?

Read 1 Peter 1:3-5

1. Peter describes our inheritance (a legacy, a birthright, a possession, trait, or condition from past generations) as a spiritual, God-given gift. Describe the Christian’s inheritance; where it’s located, how you are qualified for it, and what it means to you. 

2. What can you do now to prepare for your heavenly inheritance? Read 1 Peter 1:3-23 and list the things you can put into practice this week. 

3. The word holy in 1 Peter 1:16 comes from the Greek word hagios and means to be set apart by or for God, to be sacred. Forms of the word are elsewhere translated sanctify and saint. Practically speaking, what does it mean to be holy and how does our saintliness manifest itself and help us make wise decisions in life?

Read 1 Peter 1:6-9

4. Based on this passage of Scripture, what is faith? In your daily life (especially in trials), do you exhibit the inexpressible and glorious joy described here? Discuss this in light of your answers to question 2.

5. Consider the last time you or someone you know had a trial or suffered grief or difficulty. Discuss how faith impacts a person’s response to trials. How do hardships refine faith?

Read 1 Peter 1:10-12

6. How does your hope in Jesus Christ and your heavenly inheritance change your everyday circumstances and how you view your life? 

7. The prophets of old, in communicating God’s words to his people, were filled with God’s Spirit and predicted the sufferings and glories of Christ. Even though they spoke long ago, they continue to serve God’s people, paving the way for a personal relationship with the Messiah. Discuss the importance of serving future generations. What is our role to pay it forward and how should this affect our daily lives?

Conclude your group time with prayer, using the following as a guide. 

Father, we praise you for your great mercy on us and for the incredible inheritance we have as your saints. Thank you for setting us apart and giving us hope for an eternity with you in Heaven. In the meantime, Holy Spirit, please guide us daily to do the work you have appointed for us in reaching future generations for Jesus Christ. Amen.