Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
The Upper Hand
Scripture
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Main Idea
Peter is deliberately using the phrase "mighty hand of God" in his letter. The Old Testament has several instances of the "mighty hand" imagery and would have been familiar to Israel. We often think of God's hand in provision or giving. We also see God's hand as guarding us from harm. The hand of God is the same hand that delivered Israel from the desert.
Recall in Matthew 14:22-33, Peter went out in his boat to follow Jesus. Jesus knew where they were and what they were up against. The storm struck fear into the heart of Peter. Sometimes what we see as trouble, God sees as training. In that storm, Peter thought Jesus was far away, but he called out to Jesus anyway. Jesus approached their vessel in the storm, walking on the water and said, "Take courage, for it is I."
Matthew 14:31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Peter was afraid of the wind, but it was also the wind that carried his voice to Jesus.
Finally, Peter was within arms reach of Jesus. Jesus was there and in position. The problem is that we get out of reach of Jesus. He can't easily get to you if you're not close. Peter reached out to Jesus, and he fear was calmed and his footing was established. Peter had the upper hand.
"You don't need to worry when you have the upper hand."
Discussion Questions
-Can you recall a time where God's hand was mightily at work in your situation?
-How do you handle the "what if" question? Do you approach from a fearful or faithful angle?
-If you were to reach your hand out to God right now, would He be within reach?
Summary
The hand of God that delivered Israel from the desert is the same one who can help you through anything. Position yourself within reach of God and take his hand.
Take Action
- Ask yourself if God is within arms length? What can you do to be in position?
- Re-read 1 Peter in a different translation
- Play worship music on your commute
- Join a group! It's never too late.
- Join a team! Head to the Connections Corner and ask a staff member.
- New to Velocity? Take the three-week challenge and attend service in-person for three consecutive weeks to see if Velocity is right for you. If not, we can help connect you with other churches.
Announcements
-Superhero Sunday - Oct 26
-New Series, "Worth the Weight" - Oct 26
-Baptisms - Oct 26
