The following outline and discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon on May 24, “Love One Another” (1 Peter 1:22–25). The questions can be used for discussion in small groups or for personal reflection.

Main Point: Believers should love one another earnestly because they have been set apart to love and they have been born again of imperishable seed.

Outline

1. What Already Happened (1 Peter 1:22a)
   
   • What Happened: Purified Souls
   • How It Happened: By Your Obedience to the Truth
   • Why It Happened: For a Sincere Brotherly Love
2. What Must Happen Now (1 Peter 1:22b)
   
   • What: Love One Another
   • How: Earnestly
   • From What Source: A Pure Heart
3. What Already Happened (1 Peter 1:23–25)
   
   • What Happened: Born Again
   • From What Source: Imperishable Seed (Word of God)
   • Proof That It Will Not Perish (Isaiah 40:6–8)
   • What Specific Word Does He Have in Mind: The Gospel

Discussion Questions

• What is bilateral structure? How does bilateral structure help explain the point of 1 Peter 1:22–25?
• What is the difference between regeneration and conversion? How does 1 Peter 1:22–25 help unpack the doctrine of regeneration and conversion?
• In Scripture, the doctrine of sanctification could be summarized as “becoming what you are.” How do the details and structure of 1 Peter 1:22–25 fit this pattern?

Application Questions

• If love is to be the defining mark of believers, how would you assess where you are as a believer and where Bethlehem is as a church? Are we a “display window” for the supernatural love of Christ? In what ways are we accomplishing this mission, and in what ways are we hindering it?
• What are some practical ways that you can grow in becoming what you are? If you were set free and purified to love, how can you live out this love in greater ways?
• In this message, what truths landed on you that you need to share with others in your life? How can you share these truths? Devote it to prayer!

Prayer Focus
Pray for a grace from the Lord to become what we are as children of the God who is love.