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January 4, 2026

Life as an Exile

Sermon Series:

Standalone

1 Peter 1:1-2

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,


To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:


May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Main Idea

Life as an Exile

Outline

  1. REJECTED BY THE WORLD

  2. CHOSEN BY CHRIST

  3. LIFE AS AN EXILE

Discussion Questions

REJECTED BY THE WORLD

  1. What words or phrases in verse 1 suggest that Peter’s original audience felt like outsiders? In what ways does following Christ today still put believers at odds with cultural values or expectations?

  2. Why do you think rejection from the world can be especially discouraging or confusing for Christians? How can rejection tempt us to compromise our faith or hide our identity as Christians?

  3. Share a time when your faith caused you to feel rejected by the world.

  4. Where are you currently feeling pressure to “fit in” rather than live distinctly as a Christian?

  5. How can this group support one another when faithfulness brings difficulty?

CHOSEN BY CHRIST

  1. What stands out to you about how Peter describes believers as “elect” or chosen in verse 2? How does knowing you are chosen by God change the way you view rejection or hardship?

  2. Why is it important that Peter roots our identity in God’s action rather than our performance?

  3. What lies do you tend to believe about yourself when life is hard—and how does being “chosen” confront those lies? How can remembering your identity in Christ reshape how you face criticism, failure, or loneliness this week?

  4. What daily practices help you rehearse who you are in Christ rather than what the world says you are?

LIFE AS AN EXILE

  1. What does the word “exile” communicate about how Christians are meant to live? How is being an exile different from simply being disengaged or hostile toward the world?

  2. What are the dangers of forgetting we are exiles—either by blending in completely or withdrawing entirely?

  3. How does obedience to Jesus (v.2) shape what faithful exile living looks like in everyday life? Where do you see opportunities to live distinctly for Christ while still loving and serving those around you?

  4. What would it look like for you to live more intentionally as an exile in your workplace, neighborhood, or family?

Looking Forward

In the new year, what is one practical way you plan on pursuing Jesus in a deeper way?

Prayer Focus

  • Pray for courage to remain faithful to Christ when following Him leads to rejection, misunderstanding, or discomfort.

  • Pray for hearts that are more concerned with God’s approval than the world’s acceptance.

  • Pray for comfort and perseverance for believers who are currently experiencing pressure or opposition because of their faith.

  • Pray for a deeper assurance that we are chosen by God, not because of our worthiness, but because of His grace.

  • Pray for the Holy Spirit to remind us daily of our identity as God’s elect when we feel overlooked or insignificant.

  • Pray for lives increasingly shaped by the sanctifying work of the Spirit.

  • Pray for wisdom to live as faithful exiles, engaged in the world without being shaped by it.

  • Pray for discernment to know where we may be compromising our faith in order to fit in.

  • Pray for endurance to keep following Christ over the long haul, even when the cost is high.

  • Pray for Peace Church to be a strong, encouraging community for believers who feel like strangers in the world.

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