Sermon Study · Study Guide
Dare To Be Different
September 20, 2026 · Austin Axen
The Big Idea
Because our hope rests fully on the grace Christ will bring, we can stand out through holy conduct, confidence in his ransom and resurrection, and earnest love shaped by God’s enduring Word.
Remember Sunday’s message
Sermon reminders
Different in conduct
Future grace and God’s holiness reshape the way believers live in everyday decisions.
Different in convictions
Christ ransomed us with his blood and was raised in glory, so our faith and hope are in God.
Different in calling
Believers love earnestly and live by the imperishable Word that has given them new life.
Wednesday’s conversation
Reflect & discuss
Read 1 Peter 1:13–25 together. Where do you feel most pressure to blend in rather than represent Jesus clearly?
Hope that changes conduct
Peter links hope in Christ’s return with conduct today. Where do you most need that future hope to reshape an ordinary decision, desire, or pressure this week?
Holiness that resembles the Father
Austin described holiness as being set apart to resemble our heavenly Father. What could that look like in your speech, integrity, generosity, purity, or hospitality this week?
Convictions that hold under pressure
How do Jesus’ ransom through his precious blood and his resurrection give your faith and hope a foundation that is stronger than your circumstances?
Love that makes Jesus visible
Who is God calling you to love this week, and what would one tangible, sacrificial step of earnest love look like?
Carry it into the week
Next Steps
From the sermon
- Identify who God is calling you to love this week and take one tangible, sacrificial step to love that person as Jesus has loved you.
Application
Share one person you will intentionally love this week and one practical step you will take. Pray for one another to follow through.
My notes
Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Text Edition: 2025. Used by permission. Permissions. Prepared for this small group from the September 20, 2026 sermon; questions and applications are editorial study material.
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