Small Group Guide

Small Group Guide: Being Called

Based on 1 Peter 1:13-20

Opening Prayer & Icebreaker

Icebreaker Question: Share about a time when you clearly heard God speak to you or felt His calling in your life. How did you respond?

Sermon Summary

Pastor Strayer taught on three aspects of being called by God:

  1. Called Out – from sin, darkness, the enemy’s grip, and the world system
  2. Called To – a personal relationship with Jesus and access to the Father
  3. Called Up – preparing for Christ’s return through grace

Key verse: “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'” (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Discussion Questions

Part 1: Called Out (1 Peter 1:18-19)

  1. Read 1 Peter 1:18-19 together. Why is it significant that we were redeemed by the “precious blood of Christ” rather than silver or gold?

  2. Pastor Strayer emphasized that God called us—we didn’t choose Him. How does this perspective change the way you view your salvation?

  3. Discuss the four things we’ve been called out from:

    • Sin
    • The enemy’s grip
    • Darkness
    • The world system

    Which of these feels most relevant to your personal testimony?

  4. Personal Reflection: What specific sins or lifestyle patterns did God call you out of when you were saved?

Part 2: Called To (1 Peter 1:17)

  1. Read Hebrews 4:16. Pastor Strayer spoke about having 24/7 access to God. When do you struggle most to approach God boldly? Why?

  2. The sermon mentioned the “I stills” – excuses we make for not approaching God:

    • “I still watch things I shouldn’t…”
    • “I still say words I shouldn’t…”
    • “I still have anger issues…”

    Discussion: How do these thoughts prevent us from accessing God’s presence? How does grace overcome them?

  3. Pastor Strayer shared examples of flawed biblical heroes (Moses, David, Peter, etc.). Which one encourages you most, and why?

  4. Practical Application: What would change in your daily life if you truly believed you had immediate, unhindered access to the Father at any moment?

Part 3: Called to Obedience (1 Peter 1:14)

  1. Read 1 Peter 1:14. The sermon emphasized becoming “obedient children.” Why do you think Christians often struggle with submission to authority?

  2. Pastor Strayer gave examples of obedience in church settings (parking attendants, worship leaders, ushers). Honest Discussion: Why do small acts of obedience matter in our spiritual formation?

  3. Challenging Question: Is there an area of your life where you’re resisting God’s authority? What would surrender look like in that situation?

Part 4: Called Up (1 Peter 1:13)

  1. Read 1 Peter 1:13. What does it mean to “prepare your minds for action” in light of Christ’s return?

  2. Pastor Strayer warned against “silly talk” about the rapture and end times. What unhelpful or distracting conversations about the end times have you encountered?

  3. The sermon emphasized that we’ll be raptured by grace, not works. How does this truth bring comfort? How might it be misunderstood?

  4. Personal Reflection: How does believing in Christ’s imminent return affect your daily priorities and decisions?

Key Takeaways

✓ We didn’t choose Jesus; He chose us – Our salvation is entirely God’s initiative

✓ The blood of Jesus is the only means of redemption – Not our works, wealth, or worthiness

✓ We have unlimited access to God – Despite our imperfections and flaws

✓ Obedience is evidence of our transformation – From disobedient to obedient children

✓ Grace carries us through to the rapture – Not our perfection or performance

✓ The church exists for one purpose – To fulfill the Great Commission

Practical Applications

This Week’s Challenge:

Choose ONE of the following to practice this week:

  1. Access Exercise: Set three specific times each day to approach God boldly in prayer, bringing Him your real struggles without filtering or pretending.

  2. Obedience Test: Identify one area where you’ve been resistant to authority (spiritual or otherwise) and take one step of obedience this week.

  3. Eliminate Distractions: Identify one distraction keeping you from fulfilling the Great Commission and take practical steps to remove it.

  4. Share Your Calling: Share your testimony with someone this week, emphasizing how God called you out of darkness into His light.

  5. Grace Perspective: Each time you’re tempted to focus on your imperfections, thank God specifically for His grace that carries you through.

Prayer Focus

Group Prayer Time:

  • Thanksgiving: Thank God for calling each person in the group to salvation
  • Confession: Confess areas where we’ve been disobedient or resistant to God’s authority
  • Intercession: Pray for Angie’s team in Kenya and for the unreached tribes
  • Petition: Ask God to help each person live with the reality of Christ’s return

Specific Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for Duke and his wife (mentioned in the sermon)
  • Pray for anyone in the group struggling to believe they have access to God
  • Pray for boldness to share the gospel this week

Closing Reflection

“Rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13)

Final Question: How will you live differently this week knowing that God’s grace—not your perfection—is what carries you through every trial and ultimately to heaven?

For Next Week

  • Read 1 Peter 1:21-25 in preparation for the next study
  • Share with the group how you applied this week’s challenge
  • Bring one person you’re praying for to potentially invite to the group

Remember: We’re not saved by our works, we’re saved by grace through faith. The same grace that saved us will carry us all the way to heaven!