The Christian’s Settled Aim 1 Peter 4:1-6 Chris Patton Key Application: In trials and at all times, let us make it our settled aim to not compromise with sin. *The Deceitfulness of Sin *Trials Come With Many Temptations to Sin *Take the Enemy Within Seriously Questions for Discussion/Application: *Consider taking time to read 1 Peter 4:1-6 out loud. What initial insights or observations of the text do you have? *Overall how have this passage and this sermon encouraged and ministered you? *In verse 1 we read, “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking.” In your own words, drawing from the sermon and the passage itself, how would you explain what kind of attitude/mindset/way of thinking the Apostle Peter is calling us to cultivate? *1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Reflecting on that verse, why does it matter that the people of God aim to pursue holiness? What are the blessings that result from God’s people pursuing holiness? *What are the consequences of a failure among God’s people to live holy lives? *Chris highlighted the scripture’s teaching on the deceitfulness of sin. In what ways is sin deceitful? How did the deceitfulness of sin find expression in King David’s life when when he committed adultery with Bathsheba — and then subsequently plotted the murder of her husband, Uriah? Given that David – a man after God’s own heart could be so deceived – how should that reality sober us? *In what ways can the deceitfulness of sin find expression in our own lives? What impact should meditating upon the deceitfulness of sin have on us? *Romans 8:13 says, “So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live (Romans 8:13).” What does it look like practically, day in and day out, for us to seek to put to death the deeds of the flesh? Why is it so important that even as we seek to put to death sin, that we continually look to Christ, resting in His finished work on the Cross? *Consider taking time to pray asking God to help us to be faithful, in full dependence upon the Holy Spirit, to put to death our sin and seek to live holy lives.