Discussion Questions

1. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar (KJV) people, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” —1 Peter 2:9 According to this verse, what is the purpose of the peculiar community of Jesus? How does that relate to our posture toward the world?
2. What is your earliest recollection of church? How did it shape your understanding of God and of sharing life with others?
3. What would a good and beautiful community look like? If you have encountered a good and beautiful community, describe your experience and what that was like.
4. Read aloud Romans 12:1–2. As a group, create a list of words and phrases from this passage that point to the peculiarity of Christians. Explain why you have chosen those words.
5. How does the “renewing of our minds” lead us to not be “conformed to this world”?
6. Refer to Ephesians 2:8–10 and Romans 12:3–18. In light of the fact that we are God’s workmanship designed to do good works in our world, what practical steps can we (as individuals, as a small group, and as a church) take to become this type of peculiar community? What step will you commit to this week?