Discussion questions

GETTING STARTED  

Let’s begin with a few easy, fun questions to help us connect and introduce the theme of faith, value, and comparison. These are just for sharing and enjoying each other’s stories—no pressure, just conversation.​

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1. What’s one gift you received as a kid that meant a lot to you—either because it was awesome, or because it came from someone special?

2. Have you ever gotten a knockoff or off-brand version of something? What was it—and how did it compare to the “real” thing?

3. If your life were a video game console, would it be a Wii, an Atari, a PlayStation 5, or an Etch-a-Sketch? Explain.

4. What’s something other people seem really into that you just don’t get the hype about?

5. Complete this sentence: “Sometimes I wonder if my ___________ is good enough.”
   (This one’s optional—but if you’re willing to share, it can open the door to deeper reflection.)

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​Digging Deeper

These questions are designed to help us go further into the meaning of the text and the sermon’s main ideas. They’re not about personal application yet—but about slowing down to appreciate the richness of our faith, the beauty of the gospel, and the theological foundation Peter lays for the rest of his letter.​

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1. Read 2 Peter 1:1. What does Peter emphasize by calling himself both a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ? What do those two roles tell us about how he sees himself? How does that tension shape how we view leadership and authority in the church today?

2. Peter says his readers have received a faith “as precious as ours.” In the original Greek, the word is isotimos. What does this word mean, and why would it have been a shocking or comforting term for Peter’s audience?

3. Why do you think Peter emphasizes the equality of faith between apostles and ordinary believers? What potential issues might this be addressing in the early church—and in ours?

4. Scripture Look-Up: Read Acts 10:34–48. How does Peter’s experience with Cornelius help us understand his emphasis in 2 Peter 1:1 on the equal standing of all believers?

5. How would you define the difference between “faith that is real” and “faith that is precious”? Are those the same thing, or is Peter saying something more than just “you have saving faith”?

6. Peter prays that grace and peace would be multiplied “through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” The Greek word epignōsis implies more than head knowledge. What kind of knowing does it describe—and how is it different from just knowing facts about God?

7. Scripture Look-Up: Read Philippians 3:8–10. How does Paul describe his pursuit of Christ? What does this teach us about the kind of knowledge Peter is referring to?

8. Peter doesn’t start his letter with commands, but with assurance and prayer. What does that suggest about the foundation for Christian growth and perseverance?

9. Scripture Look-Up: Read Deuteronomy 6:10–12. What warning is given to the people of Israel after they receive God’s blessings? How does this relate to Peter’s concern that we tend to forget what we’ve received?

10. Peter later says (v. 12) that he will always remind believers of these truths “even though you know them.” What does this tell us about how memory, repetition, and spiritual growth work in the Christian life? How does that shape the role of sermons, liturgy, and spiritual habits?

11. Scripture Look-Up: Read Hebrews 4:9–11. What kind of “rest” is being described here, present or future? How does that help deepen our understanding of Peter’s invitation to rest in what’s already ours?

12. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28–30, “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” What connections do you see between that promise and Peter’s opening words in this letter? How do both passages describe what it means to truly know Jesus?

 

​Living It Out

These questions are designed to help you connect the truth of God’s Word to the reality of your life. Let’s be honest about where we struggle to remember the gospel, where we try to prove ourselves, and how we might begin to live more fully in the grace we’ve already been given.​

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1. What are some specific ways you tend to forget what you already have in Christ? Is it in moments of stress, comparison, failure, or loneliness?

2. Peter says our faith is just as precious as the apostles'. How would your daily mindset shift if you actually believed that? What’s one area of your life where that truth needs to break through?

3. When you feel spiritually dry or unmotivated, what do you usually do—and how might that change if you started from rest instead of striving?

4. We talked about the danger of “resting” in the wrong things—like comfort, success, or distraction. What’s your go-to false rest? And what’s one step you could take this week to turn back to Christ instead?

5. If someone asked you why your faith matters or what’s different about knowing Jesus, how would you describe it without using churchy language? Could you share something like Peter did—what you’ve been given, not what you’ve done?

6. How does it change your view of evangelism to realize that the gospel is an invitation to rest, not a demand to perform? Who in your life might be ready to hear that kind of invitation?

7. Peter didn’t just write about the gospel—he reminded people of it, over and over. What habit or spiritual rhythm could you start (or restart) to help you remember what’s already yours in Christ? (Scripture memorization? Weekly journaling? Sabbath rest? A trusted friend who reminds you of the truth?)