Bible Study Questions

On 1 Peter

Taken from Sermons

by

Pastor Scott Gilchrist

Southwest Bible Church

Portland, Oregon

http://www.swbible.org

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I Peter 1__________________________________________________6

Chosen Aliens: 1 Peter 1:1-2____________________________________9

A Living Hope: 1 Peter 1:3____________________________________11

The Mercy of God: 1 Peter 1:3-5________________________________13

Our Imperishable Inheritance: 1 Peter 1:4-5______________________15

Real Faith, Part 1: 1 Peter 1:6-7________________________________17

Real Faith, Part 2: 1 Peter 1:8-9________________________________19

Our Great Salvation: 1 Peter 1:10-12____________________________21

Holy Living: I Peter 1:14-17___________________________________23

Holy Living, Part 2: 1 Peter 1:17-21_____________________________25

The Living and Abiding Word of God: 1 Peter 1:23–2:3_____________27

The Living and Abiding Word of God, Part 2:1 Peter 1:22-2:3________29

II Peter 2________________________________________________33

The Foundation of the Church: 1 Peter 2:4-10____________________35

The Foundation of the Church, Part 2: 1 Peter 2:4-10______________37

The Nature of the Church: 1 Peter 2:4-10________________________39

Coming to Him: 1 Peter 2:4____________________________________41

Aliens and Strangers: 1 Peter 2:11-12____________________________43

Protecting the Soul, Glorifying God: 1 Peter 2:11-12_______________45

Submission to the Government: 1 Peter 2:13-17___________________47

Real Freedom: 1 Peter 2:16-20_________________________________49

Unjust Suffering: 1 Peter 2:18-21_______________________________51

Following Christ: 1 Peter 2:21-23_______________________________53

The Shepherd & Guardian of Your Soul: 1 Peter 2:24-25____________55

I Peter 3_________________________________________________57

Holy Women Who Hoped in God: 1 Peter 3:1-6____________________59

Holy Women Who Hoped in God, Part 2: I Peter 3:1-6______________61

Christ-Like Husbands: 1 Peter 3:7______________________________63

Loving Life: 1 Peter 3:8-12____________________________________65

God’s Perspective on Suffering: 1 Peter 3:13-17___________________67

God’s Perspective on Suffering, Part 2: 1 Peter 3:13-17_____________69

Christ Also Suffered: 1 Peter 3:16-18____________________________71

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Christ Risen and Exalted: 1 Peter 3:19-22________________________73

I Peter 4_________________________________________________75

Living for the Will of God, Part 1: 1 Peter 4:1-6___________________77

Living for the Will of God, Part 2: 1 Peter 4:1-6___________________79

The End is Near: 1 Peter 4:7-9_________________________________81

The End is Near, Part 2: 1 Peter 4:7-9___________________________83

For the Purpose of Prayer: 1 Peter 4:7___________________________85

Making the Most of Your Life: 1 Peter 4:10-11____________________87

Making the Most of Your Life, Part 2: 1 Peter 4:10-11______________89

Making the Most of Your Life, Part 3: 1 Peter 4:11_________________91

Making the Most of Your Life, Part 4: 1 Peter 4:10-11______________93

Making the Most of your Life, Part 5: 1 Peter 4: 10-11______________95

Making the Most of Your Life, Part 6: 1 Peter 4:11_________________97

Suffering as a Christian: 1 Peter 4:12-13_________________________99

Suffering as a Christian, Part 2: 1 Peter 4:14-16__________________101

Suffering as a Christian, Part 3: 1 Peter 4:17-19__________________103

I Peter 5________________________________________________105

Shepherding the Flock of God: 1 Peter 5:1-2____________________107

Shepherding the Flock of God, Part 2: 1 Peter 5:1-4_______________109

Shepherding the Flock of God, Part 3: 1 Peter 5:1-4______________111

Shepherding the Flock of God, Part 4: 1 Peter 5:3-4______________113

Clothe Yourselves with Humility: 1 Peter 5:5-7___________________115

Cast Your Anxieties on Him: 1 Peter 5:7________________________117

Be Careful 1 Peter 5:5-8______________________________________119

Standing Firm in Grace: 1 Peter 5:10-14________________________121

Appendix________________________________________________123

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I Peter 1

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Chosen Aliens: 1 Peter 1:1-2

Summary: As we embark on a new book of Scripture we start by considering the author, the disciple with the foot shaped mouth; none other than the apostle Peter. He was bold and strong both ways, in the blunders of his humanity as well as in his ministry of love for the Lord Jesus. He addresses his audience as aliens; aliens because we have been “chosen…that you may obey Jesus Christ,” instead of living for the comforts of this world. From his immediate presentation of the holy Trinity, we will examine that predestined intimacy we have with God, as provided by the foreknowledge of the Father.

1. A. What do the following Scriptures tell us about Peter?Luke 5:8, 1 Peter 2:24, Matthew 16:15-17, 16:21-23, 26:33-35, 26:74-75

B. Peter became a changed man. What made the difference? John 21:13-19, Acts 2:22-24, 2:36-41, 4:8-13

C. Peter was a personal eye witness of the risen and victorious Lord Jesus Christ. We do not have such an advantage today. So how are we to fulfill our calling as Peter did for his? Ezra 7:10 Matthew 4:19, John 20:28-31, II Timothy 1:6-9, I Peter 5:6,

2. A. Peter describes his audience in different ways. What are they? I Peter 1:1-2

B. A primary theme of Peter is that people of God are “chosen aliens.” What is it then, that makes us so distinct, just on the basis of these two verses? What would the purpose clause in verse 2 suggest? We are “chosen…that we may” do what? John 15:16-17, Romans 8:29, Ephesians 1:4

C. To what extent are you committed to that obedience which God has chosen you for? What are some of the things that hinder us from living out that divine purpose? How then, would the grace and peace of God be yours in fullest measure?

3. A. Please identify the three Persons of the Trinity in I Peter 1:2. In what fashion is each member of the Godhead described?

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B. How should we understand “the foreknowledge of God the Father?” Isaiah 46:8-10, John 3:16, 15:9, Romans 5:8, Titus 3:4-5, Revelation 1:5-6

C. It’s not just about cold predestination, is it? It has more to do with the love of God so powerful; a mercy and kindness so invincible that it cannot be thwarted! “I am God and there is no other…declaring the end from the beginning…My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure!”

Since our destiny is for an eternal love relationship with God, how might we best respond? 1Thessalonians 5:16-19

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A Living Hope: 1 Peter 1:3

Summary: Last time we looked at the ups and downs of the apostle Peter, and how he spoke with head-turning confidence, because of having been with Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit. We continue by considering the head-turning confidence of his writings, as he addresses the living hope of the believer to a suffering church.

1. A. Last time we saw that we are chosen according to the foreknowledge of the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. So we are chosen by the Father and set aside in holiness by the Spirit for what purpose? I Peter 1:2

B. What does it mean to “be sprinkled with His blood?” Isaiah 53:4-6, Romans 5:19-21, I Peter 1:18-19, 2:22-24, 3:18

C. Scripture makes it clear that we are not saved by our own obedience, but only through the obedience of the Lord Jesus. Only He died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust. And yet, when we surrender to Him, the Holy Spirit transforms us into what kind of people? John 10:27, II Corinthians 5:15, 21

2. A. Next Peter bursts into praise, and eulogizes “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” who “has caused us to be born again” according to what? I Peter 1:3

B. How should we understand “THE God and Father?”Genesis 1:1, Exodus 3:14-15, 20:1-6, Isaiah 6:1-5, Daniel 4:34-37, Revelation 20:11-15

How might we understand “His great mercy?” Psalm 103:1-13, John 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:1-5

C. Mercy is the holding back of punishment we rightly deserve for opposing God. Until we have some grasp of the sovereign holiness of the Almighty, we will not understand the magnitude of His mercy. When we consider the judgment that we deserve for all our sins, how can we not also burst into praise for such mercy? The more we understand the salvation we have in the Lord Jesus, the greater our joy, thanksgiving and peace will be! How is yours? Philippians 4:4-7

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The more we understand what we have in Christ, the better our victory in living for Him will be. Are you walking in His power? I John 5:4-5

3. A. God the Father provides us with what kind of hope? I Peter 1:3

B. What makes this “living hope” living? I Corinthians 15:3-6, Hebrews 6:17-20, 7:25

C. Faith looks back at the facts of what Jesus did. Hope looks ahead at what we know God will do. Both are settled certainties, based upon the unshakable facts of our dependable, unchanging God. We have a living hope because we depend upon a living Savior. Is your hope in Him alive and well? Romans 15:4-5

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The Mercy of God: 1 Peter 1:3-5

Summary: As we continue our series on what God is like, and having considered the holiness of God, we now come to the mercy of God. We will examine the following five points regarding His mercy: what it is, what it isn’t, how central mercy is to our salvation and to all of history, some wrong responses and the correct responses to God’s mercy.

1. A. Mercy, what is it? The NASB Greek & Hebrew Dictionary describes mercy (eleos) as pity or compassion. How does God take action regarding His loving-kindness towards us, and in so doing, demonstrate His great mercy? Matthew 20:32-34, Mark 1:40-41, Luke 18:9-14, 1 Peter 1:3-5

B. In what fashion is the holiness of God related to His mercy? Since God is holy and we are sinners, how does that build a case regarding the need for His mercy? Matthew 5:48, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Romans 7:18-8:1, Psalm 103:8-14, 130:3-4, Romans 5:6-8

C. We have just examined what mercy is, that we as helpless sinners do not suffer the judgment we deserve, but instead we depend on the compassionate forgiveness of God. God is holy and yet He provided a way to forgive us. We ourselves are not holy; should we not likewise forgive others who sin against us?

2. What mercy isn’t, in a word, is not deserved or merited in any fashion. How do the following Scriptures demonstrate this? Ephesians 2:1-5, Titus 3:3-5

3. We have seen so far how centralized the mercy of God is for our salvation. But His mercy is also central to all of history. Think of that! Why would this be the case? Psalm 145:9, Exodus 33:18-19, Romans 9:15-23, 11:25-36

A. “By the mercies of God,” what does He want us to do? Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:1-3, 1 Peter 1:22

4. Three wrong responses to God’s mercy are to neglect it, to resent it and to abuse it. Discuss how understanding the holiness of God, and therefore surrendering to His justice, might bring repentance from each of these improper responses to His mercy.

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Psalm 51:4, Isaiah 6:3-5, Ezekiel 18:4, Romans 2:4, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9

5. Based on what we know of God, what are some right responses to His mercy? John 1:12, 15:9-10, Matthew 18:32-33, Luke 17:12-16, Philippians 2:1-5

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Our Imperishable Inheritance: 1 Peter 1:4-5

Summary: There is no way to summarize or paraphrase this perfect text: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

1. A. As a review, read I Peter 1:1-3. What is your observation?

B. Verses 1-3 fall into a sequence. What is it?

C. In summary of verses 1-3, what is the response to this sure salvation? I Peter 1:3, 6, 8, 10, 12

2. A. Read I Peter 1:3-4. What does this new birth bring in verse 4?

B. Take note of this word “inheritance” in light of three thoughts: inheritances come from another; we are usually related to the person we receive an inheritance from; and when we get an inheritance, it is ours. How do these thoughts on inheritance relate to our inheritance in verse 4? John 3:3-7, Ephesians 1:3-6, Hebrews 6:17-20

3. A. How is our inheritance described in I Peter 1:4?

B. Consider the following words and phrases: “imperishable”, “undefiled”, “will not fade away”, “reserved in heaven.” What do these mean to you who are “born again to a living hope?” Psalm 119:89, Matthew 6:19-21, 24:35, John 10:27-30, Romans 8:1, I Peter 1:8, 18-19, 23-25

C. Is this reservation made for you? Who made this reservation? Romans 8:31, I Peter 1:5, 5:10

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Real Faith, Part 1: 1 Peter 1:6-7

Summary: Real faith is imperishable, especially in times of trial and trouble, because it is of God. Real faith produces joy, in the midst of suffering.

1. A. I Peter 1:6 begins, “In this.” As a review, answer the question, in what? I Peter 1:3-9

B. Faith and hope are two sides of the same coin. Explain this statement from the following texts. Romans 5:1-2, Colossians 1:19-23, I Peter 1:3-5, 20-21

C. Are faith and hope combined in our lives? Do we see our past, present and future from God’s perspective? Romans 8:31-39

2. A. Read I Peter 1:6-7. Now read it again, thinking of the author’s life and events in his life. Matthew 26:70-74, Luke 22:31-34, 59-62

B. Life is not easy and real faith is tested, but real faith is imperishable and it does produce joy, especially in the times of trouble. Why are these things true? Does our culture support these truths? Psalm 115:1, II Timothy 3:1-5, I Peter 1:3

C. How many times have you heard, possibly from your own lips, that life has never been better and never been worse at the same time? Now look at the bookends of our text and rejoice! James 1:2-4, I Peter 1:6-9

3. A. Suffering is real, temporary, and purposeful. Observe this from the following texts. Job 1:1-3, 13-19, I Peter 1:6-7, I Peter 5:10

B. How does God redeem us? Isaiah 53:3, John 11:25-26, Ephesians 1:7, I Peter 1:2, 11, I Peter 4:1, I Peter 5:1

C. How do suffering and “various trials” play out in our lives? Job 1:20-22, Job 2:7-10, Romans 8:18-22, Romans 12:1, II Corinthians 4:16-18, Hebrews 13:15-16, I Peter 1:7

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Real Faith, Part 2: 1 Peter 1:8-9

Summary: We are saved by faith, we walk by faith, we are justified by faith, and we are kept by faith. Real faith sees Him who is unseen. Faith is the crucial element for salvation.

1. A. Take a quick look at the verses that support the summary statement. Psalm 33:16-20, John 3:16, 18, Romans 3:28, II Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 11:6, I Peter 1:5

B. What is the outcome of faith in Jesus Christ? John 3:14-15, 36, John 5:24, John 6:40, I Peter 1:8-9

C. What is our exhortation to those who have not put their faith in Jesus Christ? Matthew 16:24-26, Acts 16:31, Hebrew 3:15

2. A. What key characteristic of faith do you see in I Peter 1:8-9? II Corinthians 4:16-18, Hebrews 11:1, 24, 27

B. We are called to believe; to see, if you will, “Him who is unseen.” How can this be? John 20:29-31, Ephesians 1:3-6, 13-14

3. A. Where does faith begin? Matthew 4:4, John 10:27-28, Romans 10:17

B. The parable of the “sower” is in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. That should get our attention. What is the seed? Matthew 13:18-19a, Mark 4:3, 9, 14, Luke 8:11, Romans 15:4, II Timothy 3:15

C. Read the explanation of the parable of the sower in Mark 4:13-20. Note the repeated words, “hear the word.” What was different in verse 20? John 5:24, I Peter 1:8

4. A. The saying goes, “Seeing is believing.” Is this supported by the Bible? Mark 15:32, John 6:2, 14-15, 28-30, 36, John 20:31

B. If seeing is not believing or real faith, what is? John 6:45-47, 60-69, John 20:29, Hebrews 11:1, 23-27, I Peter 1:8-9

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C. Your relationship to the words of Christ is identical to your relationship to the person of Jesus Christ. Is this true in our lives? Psalm 119:89, Matthew 4:3, 24:35, Romans 10:17, II Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 12:1-2

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Our Great Salvation: 1 Peter 1:10-12

The Gospel, the good news, the great salvation from sin in Christ Jesus is prophesied throughout the Bible. “The word of the Lord” was examined even by the very ones who wrote it. Angels long to look into what you are able to pick up and read.

1. A. I Peter 1:10-12 begins, “As to this salvation.” What salvation? Review by backing up in I Peter chapter 1. I Peter 1:9, 8, 4-5, 3

B. What, or rather, Who, is this salvation all about? Describe our faith, hope, joy, or The Gospel. I Peter 1:3-9

2. A. How does the description of our salvation shift in I Peter 1:10-12? Romans 1:1-4

B. Did the prophets completely understand their own writings? I Peter 1:10-11

3. A. The text of I Peter 1:10-12 includes six key concepts: grace, Christ, inspiration, proclamation, the divine order, and the wonder of “this salvation.”

A word about grace: Salvation is about grace, completely undeserved favor. We need to be grasped by God’s grace. I Peter 1:10, Isaiah 55:1-3, II Timothy 1:9, Romans 4:1-8, I Peter 5:10, Revelation 22:17, Isaiah 45:22, John 3:14-15

A word about Christ: The prophets prophesied about a person. Our message is a person! I Peter 1:11, Isaiah 7:14, Deuteronomy 18:15, 18, Acts 3:22, 7:37, Genesis 22:18, Acts 3:25, Galatians 3:16, Luke 24:25-27, Isaiah 53:10-12, Psalm 22:7-8, 18, 27, Isaiah 9:2, 6, 11:1-2

A word on inspiration: “the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted.” God spoke by moving on the hearts of men and they spoke from God. I Peter 1:11, II Peter 1:20-21, Colossians 3:16, Deuteronomy 6:3, 8:1, 12:28, Psalm 19:7-9, II Timothy 3:16-17, Isaiah 66:1-2

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A word about proclamation: It is imperative that when we proclaim God’s word, that we do so by the Holy Spirit. I Peter 1:10-12, I Corinthians 2:1-5, I Thessalonians 1:5

A word about the divine order: “the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.” The cross proceeds the crown. I Peter 1:11, II Corinthians 4:16-18

A word about the wonder of it: The angels were present at creation, they announced Jesus’ birth, they were with Him in garden and at His tomb, yet we read “things into which angels long to look.” Angels do not experience His grace, we do! I Peter 1:12, Ephesians 2:4-7

In summary, what are we to do? Talk about Jesus. Talk about grace. Memorize verses about the cross in order to be ready to talk about Him. Matthew 11:28, II Corinthians 5:14-15, 20, Ephesians 2:8-9, I Peter 3:15, II Corinthians 4:18, I Peter 4:1, 5:10-11

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Holy Living: I Peter 1:14-17

Summary: Those who “hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” will “like the Holy One who called you, be holy.” “Holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus” is a call to Christ. We must know Him as Holy.

1. A. How are we to preach the gospel? Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18, I Peter 1:12

B. How should we pray when we come to God’s Holy Spirit inspired word? II Kings 6:17

2. A. Last week we came to the first imperative in I Peter. What was it? What are the next imperatives? I Peter 1:13-17

B. How are the following commands perceived today?• “Hope completely” as “obedient children.”• “Be Holy.”• “Conduct yourselves in fear.”

C. I Peter 1:13-17 gives us commands. What does God have to say about His word? Proverbs 30:5, Matthew 5:17-19, John 10:35b, II Timothy 3:16

3. A. Today men pit grace against obedience. Read I Peter 1:13-17 again. What do you observe? I Peter 5:10

B. How is God described in I Peter 5:10? When will His grace be fully experienced and enjoyed? I Peter 1:13

C. What will a “hope completely” bring about in our lives? Luke 12:35-38, Titus 2:11-14, I John 3:1-3

4. A. What are the two positive imperatives in I Peter 1:14-17?

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B. What is this call to holiness all about? Exodus 3:1-6, Leviticus 11:44, 19:2, 20:7-8, Isaiah 6:1-5, Romans 12:1-2, Revelation 4:8-11, Revelation 15:1-4

C. What about us? How are we to approach a Holy God? Matthew 6:9, Luke 11:1-2, John 17:11

5. A. Our text, I Peter 1:14-17, tells what our call to holiness is not. What does it say? Romans 12:1-2, I Peter 1:14

B. There is an “if . . . then” in I Peter 1:17. What is it?

C. What does the Bible have to say about those who “address as Father the One who impartially judges“ and those who are commanded to “conduct yourself in fear during the time of your stay”? Psalm 111:7-10, Proverbs 1:7, 9:10, John 1:12-13, Romans 8:12-17, II Timothy 2:19

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Holy Living, Part 2: 1 Peter 1:17-21

Summary: Life is short, live holy! The apostle Peter makes it clear that the call to a living hope is a call to holy living. His case: the character of God demands it, and the cost of the precious, innocent blood of Jesus on our behalf empowers it. In so doing we demonstrate that we are transformed from the futility of living for ourselves to the highest and greatest purpose of bringing glory and honor to God.

1. A. For the sake of clarity, if somebody were to ask you what holiness is, how would you define it? What exactly does “holy” mean, and based upon what? Leviticus 10:3, 20:26, Titus 2:13-14, I John 1:5, Revelation 4:8

B. Explain from the above Scriptures what Christians are separated from, and what they are set apart for.

C. It has been said that even though we fall short, and may not even understand it all that clearly, longing for holiness is a mark of authenticity in the heart of every Christian. What about you; is that the general direction of your life? Is that not the whole purpose of salvation in the first place? Matthew 4:17, II Corinthians 5:15, 6:17-7:1

2. A. Let’s consider this further by examining the first reason that Peter gives for holy living, namely the character of God. What characteristics about God do we observe from 1Peter 1:14-17?

B. God is identified as “the Holy One.” He is the “One who called you.” Here we have another great “I AM” statement. We call Him our “Father.” What is God impartial about and why does that result in a justified fear toward Him? Deuteronomy 32:39, Psalm 89:32, Isaiah 46:9-10, Matthew 23:32-33, John 8:24, Hebrews 10:30-31

C. God is Holy. He is Sovereign and He is Judge; that is a sobering and fearsome combination! We don’t make the rules; He does. But man has been so busy raising himself up and bringing God down, that even the church barely knows the difference. Why is there so little holiness among Christians

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today? A steadfast and relentless commitment to personal holiness; why so little? What’s missing?

John 14:15, Romans 12:1-2

3. A. The second justification for personal holiness given by Peter is also huge. It is because of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. What characteristics of this can you find in 1 Peter 1:18-19?

B. Why is the innocent blood of Jesus so precious, and what does it accomplish for us? More important, what does it accomplish for God, the Holy One? Psalm 49:7-8, Isaiah 53:4-12, Romans 3:23-26, 5:9, II Corinthians 5:21, Colossians 1:20-22

C. Why was the Father “pleased to crush Him?” Why did He “see it and be satisfied?” Because the shed blood of Jesus, as judgment for our sins, met the justice of that holy God.

And for us; He bought and paid for us with the cost of His own blood. We think we have rights; but we are not our own. And “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Can you honestly say that your faith and hope are in God, to the extent that you no longer seek the futility of living for yourself? I Corinthians 6:18-20, II Timothy 2:22, I Peter 1:20-21

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The Living and Abiding Word of God: 1 Peter 1:23–2:3

Summary: “For you have been born again, not of seed which is perishable, but imperishable, the living and abiding word of God.” Think of it! Your birth in Christ cannot and will not perish or fade away.

1. A. “The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul.” The Bible is packed with truth. I Peter is a short little letter with an amazing amount of truth. Before turning to I Peter, read Psalm 19 and prayerfully consider verses 7-14.

B. Sum up what you found in Psalm 19. Ecclesiastes 12:12-13, John 8:31-32, 14:15, 17:17

2. A. Read I Peter 1:23-2:3. What does it say, or more specifically, what truth do you find there?

B. Who and what are you born of? John 1:12-13, 3:3-8, I Peter 1:23

C. Verse 23 is the middle of a sentence, so read I Peter 1:22-23. What are we told to do and why? John 13:34, 15:12-17, I John 4:19-21

3. A. Look back through chapter one. Who are you and who caused you to be who you are? I Peter 1:1-3, 17-21

B. How did you come to be who you are? Acts 16:31, I Peter 1:23

C. Read on in I Peter 1:24-25 and enjoy how sure your birth in Christ is! Matthew 24:35

4. A. What is “Therefore” there for? I Peter 2:1-3

B. Put off and put on is a principle repeated in the scripture. Describe I Peter 2:1-3 as a “put off, put on.”

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C. In I Peter 2:2 who are we to be like? Why? What are you longing for? Psalm 12:6, 119:18, 20, 40, 97, 174

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The Living and Abiding Word of God, Part 2:1 Peter 1:22-2:3

Summary: According to our text, there are two characteristics which mark every follower of Christ, namely love for one another and desire for the Word of God. Interestingly, these are the two commands in the text as well. We are to love one another fervently from the heart, and we are commanded to long for the pure milk of the Word. On the basis of what? “For you have been born again…through the living and abiding Word of God.”

1. A. In 1 Peter 1:22 we have an active imperative in the Greek, (command) to love one another, and to do it fervently from the heart. Why is this so hard for us left to ourselves?

B. Notice verse 22 from the beginning. What kind of people are characterized by “a sincere love” without hypocrisy? How is this related to the “For” in verse 23? John 1:12-13, 3:3-8

C. On both sides, before and after the command to love fervently is the assurance that we who are born again now have this capability; it only comes from the transforming power of the Word of God. Is this what your lifestyle demonstrates? John 13:34-35, I John 2:9-11, 3:10-11, 4:7-8

2. A. Peter himself, so captured by the Word, describes it further in what fashion? 1 Peter 1:24-25

B. Everything is so temporary, is it not? But not the living and abiding Word of God. “THE WORD OF THE LORD ABIDES FOREVER.” Please explain the relationship of this with, “and THIS is the Word that was preached to you.” Acts 4:29-31, II Corinthians 3:12, Ephesians 6:19-20

C. It is no accident that the word “preached” means to proclaim with power, not to suggest. Men and women, if the Word of the Lord is that solid, that permanent, that trustworthy, then our proclamation of HIM must be solid as well. These are not the fickle suggestions of man; they are the resolute, never changing utterances of God. Do you have a calm, settled authority

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regarding the Word of God? Acts 4:8-13, II Timothy 1:6-12

3.A. “Therefore” on the basis of having been born again transformed by this living and abiding Word of God, we are to put aside five things which demonstrate the opposite of Christian love. What are they? I Peter 2:1

B. It is not enough to just NOT do these things; we must replace them with something else. What is that something else? I Peter 2:2

C. Is there ever a time in which we stop growing “in respect to salvation?”

Then why do some of us act as if we don’t need this “pure milk of the Word” anymore? No wonder this is another active imperative in the Greek, (a direct and permanent command) to deal with our spiritual pride that demands the “meat of the Scriptures.”

Real wisdom recognizes that we never outgrow the basics of the Christian faith. We never outgrow our dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, growing in that dependence upon Him is one of the greatest life long projects we ever have to face. And in our maturity, we are commanded to “long for the pure milk of the Word” with the intensity of “newborn babes,” not necessarily because we are “newborn babes.” It was at the pinnacle of his ministry when John the Baptist said, “He must increase, I must decrease.” Should that not be the daily yearning in each of our hearts, to likewise live in dependence upon Him, that is, longing, longing, longing for this pure milk of the Word? John 15:4-5 Any and all kinds of learning can give you education. But only the Word of God will give you transformation. Life is short; start longing! Psalm 119:9-32

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The Living and Abiding Word of God, Part 3: 1 Peter 1:22-2:3

Summary: The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to give us the life of God. There are no teachings, dreams or programs of man that can substitute for this. We therefore must worship Him for His Word. As eternal life begins in us only by the Word of God, so we continue accordingly. People develop a taste for what they are exposed to. Do you “long for the pure milk of the Word” as a way of life, having “tasted the kindness of the Lord?”

1. A. What is the one and only source for becoming born again? I Thessalonians 2:13, I Peter 1:3-5, 1:23-25

B. For what purpose does God cause us to be born again, and in what fashion does that purpose demand the work of God, rather than the efforts or programs of man? I Peter 1:14-19, Jeremiah 13:23, Matthew 15:7-9, II Corinthians 5:15-21, Hebrews 4:12, Titus 3:3-11

C. It is alarming how many church leaders no longer depend on the living Word of God in their gospel message to grow their churches. However, it is the Word of God, the power of the Word of God alone, which performs its transforming work, not the methods of man. Are you depending on the Word of God alone for eternal life? Matthew 7:21-29, Luke 11:27-28, John 6:63, 14:23

2. A. What does this living and abiding Word of God produce within us, and compel within our hearts, as we become established in it? Psalm 119:38

B. What is reverence for God? I Chronicles 29:10-13, Job 1:1, Proverbs 3:5-7, Revelation 1:12-18

C. For us to see Jesus, we have no idea how we will be smitten with astonishment. And yet, do we not see Him all through the Holy Scriptures? Should we not worship Him for His Mighty Word? Acts 2:41-43

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3. A. What does Colossians 2:6-7 say regarding the way we begin our salvation and the way that we continue? Ephesians 2:8-10

B. So the way we “received Christ Jesus THE LORD” is also the same way that we “walk in Him,” which is by grace through faith. Explain how this is related to the command in our main text to “long for the pure milk of the Word.” Psalm 1:1-6, 119:130, John 15:4-11, Romans 15:4-6

C. Have you “tasted the kindness of the Lord?” People tend to develop a taste for what they are exposed to. It is the same way for us regarding the Scriptures. How developed is your taste for the Word of God? Psalm 119:103, Ezekiel 3:3

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II Peter 2

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The Foundation of the Church: 1 Peter 2:4-10

Summary: We have been born by the Word of Life, the Living Stone, Jesus Christ. Just as a newborn baby desires milk, the healthy Christian longs for the pure milk of the Word. We come to Him, the Living Stone, the very foundation of the Church, and we “are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood.”

1. A. What is the key to life, according to I Peter 2:4?

B. Do you value what God values? Is what is precious in His sight precious in your sight? Matthew 3:17

C. How did you become a Christian in the first place? What happened?

2. A. How is the church described in the bookends our text, the very first statement of I Peter 2:4 and the last statement of I Peter 2:10?

B. How is the Church, those who have come to Him and received mercy, described in scripture? Luke 6:47-48, John 10:16, Romans 12:5, I Corinthians 3:9, 12:27, Colossians 1:18, Revelation 19:7

3. A. This week, and in coming weeks as we look at this passage, we will look at three aspects of this building, the church; the foundation of the church, the nature of the church, and the function of the church. First, we look at the foundation of the church. How is this foundation described? I Peter 2:4-8

B. How has this foundation been proclaimed? (Take note of who is proclaiming this foundation.) Deuteronomy 32:2-4, Matthew 7:24-25, Acts 2:22-24, 3:12-16, 4:7-12, I Corinthians 10:1-4, Ephesians 2:19-22

4.A. How is this foundation described in our text, I Peter 2:4-8?

B. What do we tend to get occupied with? What should we be occupied with? Luke 21:5-6, 33-36, Hebrews 13:8

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5. A. Who laid this foundation? I Peter 2:6-8, Isaiah 8:11, 8:14, 28:16, Psalm 118:22-23

B. What is the function of a corner stone?

C. What is your relationship to THE Corner Stone?

I Peter 2:6-10, Matthew 7:24-27, 11:28, John 5:24, Hebrews 4:7, Psalm 62:5-8

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The Foundation of the Church, Part 2: 1 Peter 2:4-10

Summary: This text is not just about knowing Jesus, but the joy of coming to Him and receiving His mercy. As we consider the foundation, the nature and the function of the church, so far we have discussed Christ as the living foundation, precious in the sight of God and placed by the Father. We will examine these further, as well as the disobedient, who reject Jesus and take offense at His holy name.

1. A. By way of review, how is the Stone characterized in I Peter 2:4?

B. What makes this stone the “Living Stone” and why is that precious in the sight of God? I Corinthians 15:3-8, 15:12-20, John 3:16, Isaiah 53:5-11

C. It’s not just that Christ is living, but that He first died on the cross for our sins, and then was raised from the dead, in order to reconcile us to the holiness of God. This great exercise of love is what proves Jesus as precious in the sight of God. How precious is the Lord Jesus to you? Psalm 16:8-11, John 14:21, 21:15-17, Revelation 5:5-14

2. A. How do we know that this precious corner stone was placed by God the Father? I Peter 2:6, Isaiah 28:16

B. In what fashion did God continue to build His church, and what does this say regarding the way God uses His people?

Acts 2:42-43, Ephesians 2:19-22

C. There can only be one corner stone, and the foundation of the teaching of the apostles and prophets has already been set, having been established in the Holy Scriptures. Yet, God is still using His people today to build His church. How is God using you? Ephesians3:16-21, Colossians 1:28-29

3. A. Having addressed those who believe, how does Peter address “those who disbelieve?” I Peter 2:7-8

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B. The name of Jesus is offensive to many today, just as it was back then. Why the rejection and stumbling regarding the mighty name of Jesus? John 3:18-20, Matthew 21:33-44, Daniel 2:20-45

C. Notice that no amount of unbelief can thwart the invincible, sovereign and almighty God. THIS CORNER STONE WILL NOT BE MOVED! Should this not encourage and empower us to be lovingly bold for Jesus, no matter what the opposition? II Timothy 1:7-9, I Peter 3:15

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The Nature of the Church: 1 Peter 2:4-10

Summary: Following the metaphor of a spiritual house, last time we discussed the invincible sovereignty of the precious corner stone, Jesus Christ, and the foundation of the apostles and prophets. This time we begin to examine the nature of the church as living, as chosen by God, as a royal priesthood, a holy nation and as a people for God’s own possession.

1.A. In I Peter 2:5 Peter identifies believers “as living stones.” What does he base this on? I Peter 2:4, John 1:12, Ephesians 2:8-10).

B. What does it mean for us who follow Jesus to be living stones? II Peter1:4-8

C. We become “living” to the extent that we depend on and follow the risen and living Lord Jesus Christ. In that fashion we become “partakers of the divine nature.” So many in the church today are casual and gullible regarding their view of God. How should we deal with the false teachings that are so prevalent today? Mark 4:24, Colossians 1:9-14, I Thessalonians 5:14, II Timothy 4:1-5

2.A. How else are Christians identified according to I Peter 2:9?

B. What does it mean to be “a chosen race?” Romans 8:29-30, Philippians 1:6, II Timothy 1:9, I Peter 1:1-2

C. Are you living according to His own purpose and grace, recognizing that you were chosen in order to become conformed into the image of Christ? What would this look like? John 15:4-16, Ephesians 1:4

3.A. In I Peter 2:9 Peter states that “you are … a royal priesthood.” What do you think that means? I Peter 2:5

B. In one sense there could not be a priest (from the line of Levi) that is also from a lineage of royalty (the line of Judah), except for the Lord Jesus Christ, (Hebrews 7:11-27). He alone therefore is the one and only mediator between God and man, (1Tim.2:5).

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Then in what fashion do we also become “a royal priesthood?” Ephesians 5:1-2, Revelation 5:8-10

C. Do you picture yourself as having a “royal priesthood?” How would we carry this out specifically? Matthew 28:18-20, II Corinthians 6:14-7:1

4. A. In I Peter 2:9 we are also called a “holy nation.” What makes a holy person holy? Romans 10:9-12, II Corinthians 5:21, I Peter 2:24

B. I Peter 2:9 also makes it clear that we are set aside as “a people for God’s own possession;” this is what effective holiness is all about. On what basis have we become God’s own property, set aside for His own purpose? I Peter 1:15-19

C. Do you live out a life of personal holiness? Many Christians are living in defeat and shame, not having any real discipline of their thought life. How do we cultivate a steadfast and relentless commitment to holy living for the purpose of pleasing God and not ourselves? Proverbs 3:5-7, 4:23, Luke 10:27, Romans 12:1-2, I Corinthians 6:18-20, Ephesians 3:16-21, Titus 2:11-15, I John 1:9

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Coming to Him: 1 Peter 2:4

Summary: We were created for relationship with God though His Son, Jesus Christ. We were created male and female in the image of God with the capacity to know Him. You will never find real joy, fulfillment, and meaning in life until you see Jesus Christ as He really is, “choice and precious in the sight of God.”

1. A. What should be the focus of every Christian’s life? Psalm 34:1-3

B. What is the basis of our focus in life? Psalm 34:8,

I Peter 1:3, 1:23

C. What are the results of our focus in life? I Peter 2:1-4

2. A. Read I Peter 2:4. Who are we called to come to?

B. Who is the “Him” in I Peter 2:4, “coming to Him”?

Genesis 6:9, 39:2, Exodus 3:4-6, Psalm 34:3, Isaiah 6:3-5, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Daniel 2:17-18, 6:19-22, John 8:56, I Corinthians 1:22-25, Colossians 1:15-18

3. In I Peter 2:4, we have our sermon title, “Coming to Him.” What does this mean? Hebrews 4:16, 7:19, 7:25, 10:1, 10:22

4. A. In I Peter 2:4, how is Jesus is described?

B. How have people in general responded to His coming? Luke 4:22, John 1:10-11, 7:40-46, 19:15, I Corinthians 1:23

C. What is our constant danger in the Christian church? II Corinthians 11:3-4, Galatians 1:6-9

5. A. We need to see Him as He really is, “choice and precious in the sight of God.” What does this mean? Exodus 20:3, Matthew 3:17

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B. What kind of devotion does the scripture demand? How can this be, that is, when we see Jesus as he really is? Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 14:26, 16:13, Galatians 1:10, 2:20, Philippians 1:21, I Peter 2:1-5

6. What is God’s focus all throughout eternity? Romans 8:28-29, II Corinthians 3:18, 4:6, Ephesians 1:9-10, Colossians 1:28-2:3

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Aliens and Strangers: 1 Peter 2:11-12

Summary: Protecting your soul is parallel to glorifying God. Peter defines life as a spiritual battle and urges us to see it that way and “to abstain from fleshly lusts” and “keep our behavior excellent among the Gentiles.”

1. A. I Peter 2:11-12 is a turning point. What has Peter been talking about, and what does he move to in these verses?

I Peter 2:9-10

B. What comes to mind as you think on Peter’s description of who we are? I Peter 1:1-5, 1:23, 2:1-3

C. Wealth and then walk; it is a healthy New Testament pattern. Knowing who we are in Christ changes our daily walk with Him. Romans 1:1-7, 12:1-2, Ephesians 1:3-6, 4:1-3, Philippians 3:20, 4:1, Colossians

2. A. How does the description of believers change in I Peter 2:11?

B. What two primary concerns of the Christian life are found in I Peter 2:11-12?

C. Does our culture recognize these concerns, the salvation of our souls and the glorification of our God? Mark 8:34-38

3. A. Now, dig into this text, I Peter 2:11-12. What is the first word?

B. What is it to be the “beloved” of God? Romans 5:6, 5:8, Ephesians 2:4-5, I Peter 1:3, 2:10, I John 4:7-11

4. A. What is the exhortation in I Peter 2:11 and who is it to?

B. Could Peter have used stronger language? This word “epithumia”, translated desires, lusts, lustful, coveting, impulses,

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and long for, is a strong word. Romans 13:14, Galatians 5:16, 5:24, Colossians 3:5, I Peter 1:14, I John 2:16

C. Even more sobering, what do these “fleshly lusts” do and what are we to do? I Peter 2:11, 4:1-2, II Peter 1:3-4, 2:7-10, 2:18-19, 3:3

5. A. What is the exhortation in I Peter 2:12? What is the goal of the exhortation?

B. Think back on when you came to Christ and read I Peter 2:12. Did you respond to Christ by observing someone’s “excellent behavior” or on account of their “good deeds”?

C. How about right now, as you gather with others around the word of God? Are you urged on in your Christian walk as you observe how your brothers and sisters live? Romans 15:4, Hebrews 10:19-25

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Protecting the Soul, Glorifying God: 1 Peter 2:11-12

Summary: The Apostle Peter makes it clear that who we are has everything to do with the way we live. In the context of “this world is not our home,” all people of God have the mandate to “abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.” As a holy people for God’s own possession, we exist for the purpose of glorifying God with a corresponding holy behavior.

1. A. Considering the context of our main passage, why does Peter call the people he is writing to, “beloved” in 1 Peter 2:11? 1 Peter 2: 9-10

B. List out each of the ways that God’s people are identified here in verses 9-10. Why do you think this meant so much to Peter as an apostle? 1 Peter 1:14-19

C. Keep in mind that it was many years before that Peter was an eye witness, and that with bitter tears, of the blood that gushed out from his dying Messiah. Many years of transformed lives later, don’t you think that blood was precious to Him, as well as the very people whom God had purchased with that blood? Do not the two go hand in hand, the blood of Christ and transformed lives? If you call yourself a Christian, how has the blood of Christ changed your life? 1 Peter 2:24

2. A. According to 1 Peter 2:11, the soul faces undeclared war from which enemy? What else should we understand regarding this opposition against our own souls? Matthew 16:26, John 10:10, Romans 8:5-9, James 4:1-4

B. As we shall see, God alone can protect/save our souls. How does He do this? Psalm 19:7, Psalm 103, James 1:18 & 2:1, 1 Peter 1:23

C. Since the Word of God alone has the power to restore/protect/save our souls, what then should be our response? Psalm 1:1-3, 16:7-11, 42:1-5, 62:5-8, 107:8-9, Colossians 3:16

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3. A. It has been said that all ministry is watching over the soul. How do we know this to be the case? Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 2:25

B. What are some of the non-negotiables, or primary responsibilities of effective ministry, and why? 2 Corinthians 12:15, Colossians 1:9-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

C. Are you a husband? This is for you. Are you mom or a dad? Then this is for you. Do you have influence over anybody? Then we should care enough and pray enough and spend ourselves enough because that is our calling. Do you? Colossians 1:28-29

4. A. Notice the “so that” in 1 Peter 2:12; what is the purpose of excellent behavior which we are to have? 1 Peter 3:15

B. 1 Peter 2:5 states that we as believers are being built up “for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” What are those “spiritual sacrifices?” Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 13:15, 13:16, Philippians 4:18

C. If we are going to have excellent behavior which causes people to ask about our faith, it will be manifested in our devotion to Christ, in our worship of Christ, in our serving others because we love Christ and in our giving to His causes. In this fashion we glorify God; is this your greatest ambition? Colossians 1:10

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Submission to the Government: 1 Peter 2:13-17

Summary: Our role as followers of Christ is to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. We do this by means of excellent behavior while under the scrutiny of others which glorifies God. We also do this with an attitude of submission, in this case to the governing authorities. Walking in submission honors the sovereignty of God and demonstrates doing what is right to a watching world.

1. A. For what purpose does Peter bring up submission in 1 Peter 2:13?

B. How might we understand the significance of “for the Lord’s sake?” Psalm 103:19, Daniel 2:20-22, 4:34-37, Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:14

C. If all authority comes from God, and it does, then how should we respond, and why? Psalm 62:11, Proverbs 3:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13

2. A. In the context of submission, Peter uses another phrase which is synonymous. Can you identify it? 1 Peter 2:15

B. The phrase, “doing right” is really one Greek word which has the idea of doing what is good or beneficial to another. In what fashion is submission to authority a necessary factor to carry this out? Micah 6:8, Romans 2:4, 12:3-10

C. What are some practical areas where we can develop a greater submission for the benefit of others? Hebrews 13:15-17, 1 Peter 2:16-20, 3:1-9

3. A. Remembering that submission is to do the right thing, and that it is the direct will of God, (1Peter 2:15), what kind of opposition do we face? Romans 8:7-8, Ephesians 6:11-12

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B. How then would you explain that submission is central to Christian behavior and attitudes? Ezekiel 3:1-11, John 3:36 (NASB), 10:27, 15:4-5, Romans 10:9-10

C. What does the way you spend your time and money demonstrate, regarding the priority of surrendering to the known will of God in your life? John 14:15, 2 Corinthians 5:15, 1 Peter 2:24

4. Submission to the government is not without limits. Discuss what we should do if we are forbidden to do what God commands, or, commanded to do what God forbids. (Exodus 20:1-6/Daniel 3:12-18, Acts 5:27-29).

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Real Freedom: 1 Peter 2:16-20

Summary: As we progress through our text on Fourth of July weekend, we come to the subject of freedom, which we will examine with four questions from a Biblical perspective. What is our responsibility to the government? What is the role of government? What is real freedom? And last, what does real freedom look like?

1. A. What is our Biblical responsibility to the government? 1 Peter 2:13

B. What justification did we give last week regarding submission to authority in general, and submission to the government in particular? Psalm 103:19, Daniel 4:34-37, Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:13-15, Acts 5:27-29

C. Does it not boil down to having a heart of obedience to the LORDSHIP of Jesus Christ? What can we do to help cultivate a dedicated submission to His authority which is pleasing to Him? John 1:12, 3:3, Rom. 10:9-10, Proverbs 2:1-7, 3:1-7, 22:4, John 14:15, 1 Peter 5:5

2. A. According to our text, what is the role of the government towards us? 1 Peter 2:14

B. What happens when there is no governmental leadership for society? Genesis 6:5, Judges 17:6

C. We have a great nation as established by our founding fathers which has resulted in unprecedented freedom here in the United States. What are some of the things we can do as Americans in support of our country? Romans 13:5-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-2

3. A. What is real freedom? 1 Peter 2:16

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B. True freedom, then, is to become a bond-slave of God. Why would this be the case, and how would you support it? Romans 6:1-18, 2 Corinthians 5:15, 17 & 21, 1 Peter 2:24

C. Real freedom is God centered, not self centered. Are you more concerned about what others think or about what pleases God? 2 Corinthians 5:9, Titus 2:12-15

4. A. And last, what does real freedom look like? 1 Peter 2:17

B. What do you think it means to “Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king?” Luke 10:27, Galatians 5:13-14

C. How can we best carry this out? Romans 12:1-3, Philippians 2:3-5

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Unjust Suffering: 1 Peter 2:18-21

Summary: Submission and unjust suffering often go hand in hand. What God says about submission and unjust suffering is not something our flesh wants to hear. But if you will listen, hear and absorb what God has to say, it is liberating truth.

1. A. We have already learned that true freedom is to become a bond-slave of God. A bond-slave of God is to submit to governmental authority and submission to human authority is ultimately submission to God. Now read our text in context, I Peter 2:13-25. What do you observe about submission in these verses?

B. Why are we to submit to human authority? What are the results of this submission? I Peter 2:18-21

C. What was the key to Christ’s submission? What affect does that have on our lives?

2. A. What is the command in I Peter 2:18?

B. Why does this make us nervous? What can we say for sure about all that seems to us to be unjust suffering? I Peter 1:6-9, 2:18-19, 23, Hebrews 11:1, 6

C. How are we to be in submission? What will it look like? I Peter 2:18-19, Ephesians 6:5-8, Colossians 3:22-24

3. A. Unjust suffering is very real. What do you observe in I Peter 2:20 concerning this issue of unjust suffering?

B. How are we able to unjustly suffer? I Peter 2:15, 21-25

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C. Read the bookends of verses 19 and 20. Look at some other places that this word favor (grace) is used and explain what it means. John 1:14, 17, Romans 5:15-17

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Following Christ: 1 Peter 2:21-23

Summary: The Bible weds intensely practical instruction with profoundly important doctrine. Nothing is more practical than following Jesus, the one who “kept entrusting Himself to Him who Judges righteously.”

1. A. As an overview of this text, I Peter 2:21-25, read it out loud and answer these questions: To what purpose were you called?

B. Why were you called to this purpose?

C. What example are you called to follow?

2. A. What is Peter’s mind saturated with, in the power of the Holy Spirit, as he writes this text? Isaiah 53

B. What is it about the Bible, and this text, that causes Christians to believe the Bible?

C. Is man able to predict the future? How many years ago did God, through Isaiah, pen this?

3. A Think back in I Peter and how practical the instruction has been. We need only to review the last few sermon titles to see how practical this has been: Submission to the Government, Responsibilities of Citizenship and Real Freedom, and Unjust Suffering. Now look at our text, I Peter 2:21-23, and take note of how the practical is wed to doctrine. Philippians 2:5-8

B. Support this statement, “The way you think is the way you act”, from text in the Bible. Matthew 15:15-20, Mark 7:17-23

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C. What are you called to? I Peter 2:21-23, Proverbs 3:5-7

4. A. What two great doctrines do you find in I Peter 2:22-24?

B. These doctrines, the sinlessness of Jesus and His substitutionary atonement accomplished at the cross, are wed to two truths or facts. What are they? I Peter 2:22-24, Isaiah 53:4, 6, 7, 9, II Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15, I John 3:5

C. Look at I Peter 2:22 and think of your own mouth, or anyone else’s for that matter. Only He is the sinless Savior!

Isaiah 6:5, Jeremiah 17:9, Mark 1:22, John 7:44-46, James 3:2, 3:7-8

5. A. It is not just what He did say (I Peter 2:22) but what He did not say (I Peter 2:23). Observe how He spoke and did not speak. Matthew 26:59-68, 27:11-14, 27:22-31, 27:39-46, Luke 23:34

B. How could He speak and not speak as He did? How can we follow Him? To whom did He entrust Himself? Luke 23:46, Philippians 2:9-13, I Peter 2:23

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The Shepherd & Guardian of Your Soul: 1 Peter 2:24-25

Summary: “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him” (Isaiah 53:6). Do you see yourself as a sheep in need of a shepherd and guardian?

1. A. Read I Peter 2:21-25. To what purpose have you been called? To whom were you called? What example are we to follow? I Peter 2:21-23

B. “I have made the Lord God my refuge.” Can you say that? Psalm 73:25-28, Proverbs 3:5-6

C. Who is this God to whom we are to entrust ourselves? I Peter 2:23, John 5:19-24

2. A. The object of our trust, the key to every exhortation in the Bible, is to entrust ourselves to the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls (I Peter 2:25). Psalm 23:1 says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Can you say that?

B. Why do sheep need a shepherd? How are we like sheep? Isaiah 53:6, James 2:10, I Peter 2:25

C. What is the most important thing to a sheep? John 10:1-15

3. A. What did Jesus do and why did He do it? (I Peter 2:24) Psalm 40:7-8, Mark 10:45, Luke 19:10, John 12:27-28, Romans 3:21-26, I Corinthians 15:1-4, Galatians 3:13-14, Hebrews 10:9-10

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B. What was the motive and the necessity of the cross?Isaiah 6:3, John 3:16, 15:13, Romans 5:8, 6:23, II Corinthians 5:21, I John 4:10, Revelation 4:8

C. We have just seen that God is holy and sin must be judged (think courtroom). God is righteous and sin must be paid for (think accounting). Faced with the reality of God’s motive and the necessity of sending His Son to the cross, what are we to do? Colossians 2:13-14, 3:1-3, I John 3:16

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I Peter 3

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Holy Women Who Hoped in God: 1 Peter 3:1-6

Summary: God Himself created marriage in such a way, that to follow it brings the greatest happiness to us, as well as glory for Him. Christian marriage is to be a work of art which pictures the love relationship between Christ and the church. The submission of Jesus Christ to the Father is our greatest example of holy living, which, as we imitate it, produces a holy optimism within us in all its fullness. We will consider the Biblical case for submission further as we explore what God says regarding the Christian wife.

1. A. In 1Peter 3:1 we find the first phrase, “In the same way….” According to the context, the same way as what? Which of these characteristics would apply to the wife? 1Peter 2:21-25

B. Discuss some of the key words and phrases in the above text such as “this purpose,” “to follow,” “committed no sin,” no “deceit,” “did not revile,” “while suffering,” and how they relate to “kept entrusting Himself to Him.”

C. Everyone, not just the wives, to what extent are you entrusting yourself to God? Do you smile at the future because of your confidence in Him? Proverbs 31:25, Lamentations 3:21-23, Philippians 1:6, 2Timothy 1:12

2. A. During the sermon it was made clear that holy women:* Hope in God* Demonstrate confidence in His Word* Obtain their adornment primarily from God and* Submit to their husbands, even with respect and honor. 1Peter 3:1-6

B. What kind of husband is the wife supposed to submit to? Why? 1Peter 3:1

C. Mark it! One of the greatest ways to gain the enjoyable cooperation of a man is with that disarming weapon of respect. Have you seen this to be the case, elsewhere in the Scriptures or in your own life? How so?

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3. A. We have, even in the church a great misunderstanding about submission today. Submission is not inequality; that is, to carry out a submissive role is not to be less important or less significant. A tremendous example of this is in the Holy Trinity. What was the position of Jesus the Son in comparison to God the Father? John 1:1 & 14, 5:17-18, 8:53-59, 10:24-33, Colossians 1:13-18, Hebrews 1:1-3

B. If Jesus the Son is equal with God the Father, why did He surrender Himself to the will of the Father to such an extent? Romans 5:8, 6:23, Philippians 2:5-11, Titus 2:11-15, 1Peter 2:24, Rev. 5:1-14

C. To embrace the principle of authority and submission is to walk through the front door of success and personal fulfillment. Marriage God’s way is positively liberating. Are you smiling at the future? Proverbs 3:1-8, 1Corinthians 11:3, 15:28

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Holy Women Who Hoped in God, Part 2: I Peter 3:1-6

In times of trouble, what are you hoping in? “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”

1. A. What is the whole book of I Peter about? I Peter 1:3, 1:13, 1:21, 3:5

B. What does it mean to hope in God? What does the future hold for us? Psalm 2:1-12, Psalm 121:1-2, Proverbs 31:25-30, Revelation 19:4-9

C. How are we instructed to respond to adversity? In whom have you placed you trust? I Peter 3:13-18

2. A. What is marriage, and in particular, the woman’s role, all about? Genesis 1:26-28, 2:18-25, Proverbs 14:1, I Peter 3:1-7

B. On what is a Godly marriage based? In our passage, I Peter 3:1-6, how are women adorned? What have they placed their trust in? In what way are they beautiful? To whom are they submissive? Psalm 127:1, I Peter 3:1-6

C. This matter of submission is ear jarring and counter-culture today. Please note the following:

1) This command is to wives, not husbands; nowhere are husbands commanded to enforce this command given to wives.

2) This command does not speak to relative worth (see I Corinthians 11:8-12). Men and woman are equal (“fellow heirs”), but different, and with different roles in marriage (see I Peter 3:7 and the above passages in Genesis). The same word for helper in Genesis 2 is used of God throughout the Old Testament (see Psalm 33:20, 46:1, 70:5, 115:11, 121:1-2).

3) This command is not absolute. Absolute submission is to God and God alone.

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4) This command is central to God’s instruction regarding marriage (see Ephesians 5:22, Titus 2:3-5, I Peter 3:1, Colossians 3:18).

5) This command “is precious in the sight of God” I Peter 3:4

3. A. Why are wives called to submit in I Peter 3:1-2?

B. What kind of man is referred to in I Peter 3:1 and how are they to “be won”? I Peter 2:8, 3:1-6, I Timothy 2:8-11

C. What do holy women hope in? Psalm 119:2, I Peter 3:5, Romans 5:1-5, 10:11, Hebrews 11:6, John 15:5, 8, 11, Philippians 2:9, 4:13

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Christ-Like Husbands: 1 Peter 3:7

I Peter 3:7 begins “You husbands likewise….” Likewise points back to Christ. Marriage is a picture of the Gospel, our relationship with Christ. Our great need in our marriages is for Christ-like husbands.

1. A. The heart of this little letter is in chapter 2, verses 21 through 25. Begin by reading I Peter 2:21-25 and then jumping to our text, I Peter 3:7. As we look at Christian marriage, marriage based on a relationship with Christ, how do these verses describe Christ’s relationship to the church?

B. Men, husbands, has your relationship with Christ improved over time? Has this developing relationship with Christ improved your marriage, your relationship with your wife? Do you share the joy of this with your brothers in Christ?

2. A. This text, I Peter 3:7, is part of God’s instruction on marriage. What can be said about submitting to God’s instruction? I Peter 2:15, 2:20, 3:6, 3:17, 4:19

B. What are the implications of the instruction in these verses, that is “doing what is right”?

3. A. Christian marriage is a witness to those around us. What is God’s instruction on Christian marriage? Ephesians 5:18-33, I Peter 2:21-3:9

B. What happens to marriage, wives, husbands, children, whole cultures and societies when these instructions are not heeded? How serious is this?

C. Let I Peter 3:8 sink in. Do you know of any “harmonious” marriages, marriage where husbands and wives are in harmony, as if singing in harmony? If so, why are they that way?

4. A. What specifically are husband commanded to do in I Peter 3:7?

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B. “In an understanding way”; husbands, get to know her and your responsibility to her. Love her sacrificially, unconditionally, with a sanctifying love, lead her always toward Christ like purity, love her with a caring love, and love her with an active love, as Christ loved us. Ephesians 5:18, 25-27, I Peter 2:24, John 3:16, I John 4:10, Romans 5:8

5. A. Read I Peter 3:7 again, and beginning with “as with”, what is this verse saying?

B. Beginning with “as with” in I Peter 3:7, what are the implications of this verse? Specifically, what are the implications for the husband’s prayer life?

C. I Peter 3:7 ties together the condition of the husband’s spiritual life, his communion with Christ, to the condition of his marriage. Husbands, have you found this to be true?

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Loving Life: 1 Peter 3:8-12

Summary: Do you know how to enjoy life? Not the way most people think, in a self-centered fashion, but by putting God and others first? In the context of marriage, that is what we will discuss here as we examine the attitudes, actions and some Old Testament comments on what it means “to love life and see good days.”

1. A. Point out each of the five attitudes found in 1 Peter 3:8 and how you think they should be defined. Isaiah 57:15, John 11:35, Romans 12:10, Romans 15:5, Ephesians 4:32

B. What frame of mind, or quality of heart, is assumed by Peter even before his “sum up?” Discuss how such disciplines are related to the five attitudes we found in 3:8. 1 Peter 2:21-3:7

C. We all know, all too well, that we don’t just drift in this direction. What must we pray for God to do within our own hearts, in order to glorify Him in these ways? Romans 12:1-3, 12:15-16, Philippians 2:1-5, James 1:27, 1 Peter 5:5

2. A. What are we not to do, according to 1 Peter 3:9?

B. What do you think getting even has in common with unforgiveness and bitterness? Will it be like us to be that way, if we are walking in step with the Scriptures we discussed above? Luke 23:33-34, Ephesians 5:1

C. So, how enjoyable is that bitterness to you anyway? That’s really living isn’t it? More seriously, discuss some of the practical ways we might bless others in return for their dirt. Matthew 5:38-47

3. A. What does 1 Peter 3:10 say, (quoting from Psalm 34), that we are to do if we are going “to love life and see good days?”

B. In what fashion does what you say have a bearing on your quality of life? Proverbs 10:19, 13:3, 18:21, 21:23, James 3:1-13

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C. What is the best way to deal with your own speech problems? Psalm 51:10, Proverbs 4:23, James 1:19-22

4. A. If you want the favor of the Lord on your side and His attention to your prayers, what must you do? Why? 1 Peter 3:11-12

B. Take another look at 3:11. What kind of initiative and diligence is assumed here? Job 1:1, 28:28, Proverbs 3:5-7, Romans 12:18-21

C. We might say then, to humble yourself and to choose the fear of the Lord is really living! Answered prayer alone is incredible, is it not? Isaiah 33:6

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God’s Perspective on Suffering: 1 Peter 3:13-17

Summary: Peter in this letter tells us that suffering is real and it is varied. There is suffering in general and suffering for doing what is right. But suffering is also full of purpose because God is sovereign. And, suffering is short because God is eternal. We are not to fear because God uses it for great good, even perfecting our hope in Him. That calm stability in Christ which He develops through our submission, we must be prepared to gently explain to others with all respect.

1. A. Before we get into our main text, suffering is a theme all through this letter from the Apostle Peter. What was his perspective? 1 Peter 1:6-7, 2:11-12, 2:18-20, 3:8-9, 3:18, 4:12-5:1, 5:6-11

B. Many people blame God for sin and suffering in this world. But what does the Bible confirm, and what might Peter have been taught, regarding the first cause of sin and suffering? Genesis 3:8-19, Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:13-16, Romans 5:12

C. The fallen angel Satan is the first and original cause of all evil and hence all suffering. Mankind has been in rebellion against God since his first temptation. So we see that we have pain, suffering and tragedy because of the curse of sin in this world. Since God in Himself is good, should we not embrace Him and seek Him in times of trouble? Psalm 37:1-6, 37:39-40, 103:8-14

2. A. What kind of suffering does Peter address in 1 Peter 3:13-14, and what does he say not to do?

B. What is the setting and the significance of the quotation contained in verse 14? What does this demonstrate regarding the sovereignty of God? Psalm 103:19, Isaiah 8:1-14, 46:8-10

C. Suffering is purposeful because God is sovereign. Everyone thinks they are in charge, but only God really is! This should melt away our fears, building hope and reverence for God in our hearts, should it not? Isaiah 33:6, 41:10

3. A. Why is the follower of Jesus Christ supposed to accept suffering for doing what is right? 1 Peter 2:21, 3:15-17

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B. Would you allow your soul to be bonded with His soul, in the fellowship of His sufferings? Matthew 27:41-46, Philippians 3:8-10

C. In what fashion would you give an account for such hope that is in you, as it becomes evident to others?

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God’s Perspective on Suffering, Part 2: 1 Peter 3:13-17

Suffering brings eternal reward, Christ like character, and suffering opens the door with others for the Gospel. So be “ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you.”

1. A. What are you here for? I Peter 3:12-17

B. Focus your attention on I Peter 3:15 when you answer the above question. How does I Peter 3:15 play out the lives of believers? Acts 4:1-3, 7-13, 18-20, 16:22-34

C. What made Peter “ready to make a defense to everyone” “for the hope” that was in him? Acts 4:13, I Peter 3:15

2. A. Read I Peter 3:13-14. What is the cause of suffering in these verses?

B. How might “suffering for the sake of righteousness” look in our lives? II Timothy 3:10-12

C. “What can we say to these things”? Luke 12:4-7, Romans 8:31-39

3. A. Suffer and be blessed? How counter-culture is that? I Peter 3:14, Isaiah 55:8-11

B. There are three Biblical principles for us to ponder: suffering for the sake of righteousness brings eternal reward, suffering brings Christ like character, and suffering opens the door with others for the Gospel.

Suffering brings eternal reward-Matthew 5:10-12, Romans 8:18, II Corinthians 4:16-18

Suffering brings Christ like character-Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, I Peter 1:6-7, 4:12-14

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Suffering opens doors for the Gospel- Acts 5:27-32, 40-42, I Peter 3:15

C. What is our application for these principles? Acts 4:29-30, Romans 1:14-17, Ephesians 6:18-20, Colossians 4:2-6

4. A. What is the reason for the “hope that is in you”? I Peter 3:15, 18

B. Are you “ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you”? Are you being asked and should you wait to be asked? Do others see the “hope that is in you”? Do others see “gentleness and reverence”? Proverbs 1:7, 2:1-5, 15:1, Matthew 11:28-30

C. We have come full circle: Do you ask questions, like “What are we here for?” or “What is your spiritual background?”

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Christ Also Suffered: 1 Peter 3:16-18

The basis for God’s grace is the cross of Jesus Christ. “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust.” The theme of I Peter is hope in the midst of suffering.

1. A. Peter knew suffering, he had seen the Lord suffer, and he knew he would suffer more, yet he had hope. Remember and enjoy your hope in Christ. I Peter 1:3, 13, 20-21

B. How is suffering described in the follow verses? I Peter 2:21-22, 3:8-9, 3:14-18

C. What happens to the Christian when he/she suffers for the sake of righteousness? I Peter 2:19-20, 3:15, Hebrews 6:17-20

2. A. What is I Peter 3:17 saying?

B. Does God use suffering for good? Does He even plan suffering and use it for good? I Peter 3:18, Philippians 2:8

C. How should we respond to God, Who plans and uses suffering for good? Galatians 6:14, I Corinthians 1:18

3. A. We need to understand the cross and God’s role in the cross.

First, listen to what Peter said about the cross. For him, it was the main issue! Remember, you must understand the cross and God’s role in the cross. What did Peter emphasis? Acts 2:22-24, 4:19-28, John 10:17-18

Read I Peter 3:18 again, and answer five simple questions- Who suffered? Why did He suffer? When did He suffer? For whom did He suffer? And again, since its in the verse twice, why did He suffer?

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Answer the questions again from the following verses- Who suffered? Acts 10:38, John 7:46, 8:28-29, I Peter 2:21-23, Hebrews 4:15

Why did He suffer unto death? Genesis 2:16-17, Isaiah 53:6, Romans 1:21, 3:23, Revelation 21:3-4

When did He suffer? John 19:30, Colossians 2:13-14, Romans 6:8-9, 8:1 Hebrews 7:26-27, 9:11-12, 9:27-28, 10:10-14

For whom did He suffer and die? Psalm 32:2, Jeremiah 2:22, 13:23, Romans 4:7-8, 5:6, I Timothy 1:15

And again, why did He suffer? Jeremiah 33:8, Romans 3:25-26, I Peter 1:3, 3:18

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Christ Risen and Exalted: 1 Peter 3:19-22

Summary: Our text refers to a large period of time, reaching back to when Christ preached through Noah to the people of his day, till Jesus is exalted to the right hand of the Father. Noah’s ark is a great foreshadowing of the way Jesus rescues us. “Baptism now saves you” is not referring to a religious ritual of water baptism, but instead to the way we must be immersed into Jesus. All of this in the context of suffering, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead establishes the certainty that we too are the victors.

1. A. Let’s review 1 Peter 3:18. How is Jesus characterized, and how are we characterized? Acts 2:22-24, Romans 3:23, 5:6-8, 1 Peter 2:21-23, Hebrews 4:15

B. Why did Jesus suffer and die? Isaiah 53:5-6, 2 Corinthians 5:15-21, Colossians 2:13-14, Hebrews 10:10-14

C. Jesus Christ died for our sins in order to “bring us to God.” How well are you drawing near to Him? Psalm 119:9-11, Jeremiah 31:3

2. A. Who “made proclamation,” and when did this occur? 1Peter 3:19-20

B. How would you explain that it was Jesus preaching through Noah; to the people of his time, and that they were the spirits of those people who are now in prison waiting for final judgment? Nehemiah 9:30, 1 Peter 1:10-12, 2 Peter 2:4-9, Revelation 20:11-15

C. Notice in 1 Peter 3:20 that only a few were brought to safety from the flood. Are you judging your service to the Lord by results or by looking successful? What does the Lord really want from us? John 15:4-12, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

3. A. In context, the phrase “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you” is referring to Noah’s ark. How else is this “baptism” described? 1 Peter 3:21

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B. “Baptism” is not really a translation, but instead a transliteration. That makes a difference because the actual translation is to be dipped, submerged or immersed. In what fashion, then, is Noah’s ark a picture of “a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ?” Romans 6:1-12, 8:11

C. Baptism that saves is not by performing a ritual of water baptism. Instead, it’s being immersed into the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you depending on Him alone for your salvation, as well as for the obedience of your faith? John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Romans 8:1-4

4. Where is Jesus now? Are you gratefully “subjected to Him?” Proverbs 3:5-7, Philippians 2:9-13, 1 Peter 3:22

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I Peter 4

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Living for the Will of God, Part 1: 1 Peter 4:1-6

Summary: Why is the topic of suffering so widely neglected in the church today? Maybe it is because most of us want Jesus for what He can do for us; not for what He wants us to be for Him. And yet, the Christian life begins with death to self. Living in light of Jesus’ first coming is to live holy for Him, even in suffering. Living in light of His second coming is to do that, but also to spread the Gospel in order to save the lost.

1. A. We are commanded to arm ourselves for what purpose? 1 Peter 4:1-2, 3:18

B. What does it mean “to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God?” What is the Biblical, God honoring place for suffering in this way of life? Matthew 10:38-39, 16:21-25, 2 Corinthians 5:15

C. Is it your ambition to be a living and holy sacrifice for God, day by day? How so? Romans 12:1-3

2. A. What is the first command (imperative) in the book of Romans, and why? Romans 6:4-11

B. How else should we understand what it means to “consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus?” Acts 1:8, Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 5:21

C. “Consider yourselves” in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to “be My witnesses” (martyrs). It’s not just about what God does for us! It’s more about what He wants us to BE for Him. Our transformation is to live for Him, our calling is to bond with Him in the fellowship of His sufferings, and our glory is to possibly die for Him. Oh, Jesus is so worthy of our obedience! And, He is most worthy of our worship. But is He not also worthy of our suffering?

3. A. In what fashion are some followers of Jesus maligned by the world back in Peters’ day as well as today? 1 Peter 4:3-4

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B. How does God exercise His justice in all this? 1 Peter 4:5

C. What should be the response of believers regarding the soon second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ? Titus 2:13-15, 1 Peter 4:6-7, Jude 1:21-23

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Living for the Will of God, Part 2: 1 Peter 4:1-6

Summary: The Apostle Peter demonstrates that followers of Christ are free from the penalty of sin, (justification) and the power of sin, (sanctification). Ultimately we will also be set free from the very presence of sin (glorification). Since Jesus suffered and died in order to bring us to Himself, we are to arm ourselves to live holy for Him, even at the cost of suffering.

1. A. In the context of suffering, for what purpose did Jesus die? Find the purpose clause in 1 Peter 3:18.

B. In what fashion was Lot and his family rescued, and how does that illustrate the way Christians are also rescued? Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 1 Peter 3:19-22

C. The Lord Jesus “died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God.” By satisfying the justice of God when He suffered in our place, He sets us free from the penalty of sin. But also, He draws us near to that Holy God. What are you doing to draw near to Him? Psalm 42:1-5, 63:1-8, Proverbs 2:1-7

2. A. What is the command given in 1 Peter 4:1?

B. Just how do we “arm” ourselves? And, how is the phrase, “he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” explained for us in the next verse (4:2)? Romans 6:6-12, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Galatians 2:20

C. Because we belong to Christ, we are set free from the power of sin. What then is our part; what is our responsibility each day before God? Romans 6:12-18, 12:1-2, Galatians 5:16

3. A. Even as Paul discussed slavery to sin, so does Peter. Find the 3 categories of lust, escapism and idolatry, and what Peter says about them in 1 Peter 4:3.

B. What does God say regarding sexual sin? 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 5:5-7

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C. We have already seen that in Christ, as we have been transformed by Him, that we are set free from the power of sin. Why then do believers struggle with sexual sin? Nothing will stunt the spiritual growth of the believer more than a failure to make a clean break from the old sinful ways. What does God empower His people to actually do by means of His overcoming grace? Psalm 51:1-10, Proverbs 5:15-21, Romans 6:16-22, 1 Corinthians 6:18, Hebrews 13:4

4. A. In what fashion does the world generally respond to Christians who walk in repentance, and how does God respond to them in return? 1 Peter 4:4-5

B. Who is He “who is ready to judge the living and the dead,” and what do the Scriptures say about Him? Acts 10:39-43, 17:30-31, Philippians 2:8-11, Revelation 4:8

C. Since they face such a judgment, what must we be doing if we are to exemplify the compassionate obedience of Christ? Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, 1 Peter 4:6

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The End is Near: 1 Peter 4:7-9

“The end of all things is at hand;” this is the solemn assertion of the Holy Spirit of God. History has a beginning and history has an end. In light of this, we are exhorted to pray more and love more.

1. A. What does the Bible have to say about the end of history? I Peter 4:7, Hebrews 10:37, James 5:7-9

B. What is it like today, at this point in history, and what does the Bible say it will be like? Matthew 24:4-8, 24:37-39, Mark 13:5-8, Luke 21:8-9

C. In light of “the end of all things is at hand,” what should we do? I Peter 4:7-9

2. A. How are we exhorted to pray in I Peter 4:7?

B. “Sound judgment” is one word in the Greek. Think like a saved person. Luke 8:35, Romans 12:1-3, II Corinthians 5:13-15

C. When you pray, ask God to help you pray more thoughtfully, with a mind that has been saved and sees thing eternally. Colossians 3:1-4

3. A. How else are we exhorted to pray in I Peter 4:7?

B. This word “sober” is only in the New Testament 6 times, and three are in I Peter. How does its use help you with your prayer life? I Thessalonians 5:1-8, II Timothy 4:1-5, I Peter 1:13, 4:7, 5:8

4. A. A “sober spirit,” is the opposite of being lulled to sleep. How does this apply to prayer? Matthew 26:36-46

B. When was the last time you or I prayed with “sound judgment and sober spirit” for an hour? Do you or I pray in light of “the end of all things is at hand?” Matthew 9:36-38, John 4:34-36, Acts

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4:31, 17:30-31, Ephesians 6:18-20, Philippians 1:18-20, I Thessalonians 5:16-18

5. What should we expect the next time we look at I Peter? I Peter 4:8-9, John 13:34-35, I John 2:9-10, 4:7-10

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The End is Near, Part 2: 1 Peter 4:7-9

1. A. In review, remember history has a beginning and an end and “the end of all things is at hand.” Briefly describe how history will be summed up and what we are to do in light of this fact. Romans 13:11-14, Ephesians 1:7-12, Colossians 4:2-6, I Peter 4:7-9

B. When you think of “the end is at hand,” does it strike fear in your heart or eager anticipation? Why? Philippians 3:17-21, Hebrews 9:27-28, Hebrews 10:37-39

C. As we come off a week of prayer, how good it is to be reminded how important prayer is and how God answers prayer. Luke 22:44, Acts 12:5, 12:11-12

2. A. What are we exhorted to do in I Peter 4:8-9?

B. I Peter 4:8-9 can be summarized by saying we are to love with fervency, love with forgiveness, and love with hospitality. How are we to do this? John 13:34-35, Mark 12:28-31, I Corinthians 13:4-7, Ephesians 4:31-5:2, I Peter 1:22-23

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For the Purpose of Prayer: 1 Peter 4:7

Summary: The apostle Peter made it very clear; the end of all things is near. It is the Lord Jesus Himself who is in control of the end of the world. Therefore we are to have sound judgment, or transformed thinking, and be on the alert for the purpose of prayer.

1. A. How did Peter view the historical setting in his own time? How does that affect us today? Romans 13:11, I Peter 4:7a, II Peter 3:3-13

B. Speaking of the end times, who is the ONLY one who is worthy to open the book of seven seals, and what does that indicate regarding the sovereign control that He has regarding the future? Revelation 5:1-6:1

C. Take a closer look at Revelation 5:8-14. What kind of prayer is this and how should this impact our own prayers? Do you spend enough time alone with God to be moved into worship like this? Are you willing to do this on a consistent basis?

2. A. There are two commands right in the middle of I Peter 4:7. What are they?

B. How should we understand the command to be of “sound judgment?” What does it mean to cultivate a “sober spirit?” Joshua 1:7-8, Psalm 1:1-3, Mark 12:30, Romans 12:1-3, Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Peter 1:13-21

C. It is good to “get into the Word,” but how much better when the Word gets into us, and becomes us, so that we are compelled to love the Lord with all we’ve got! How much better when the Word transforms our thinking, so that we become living sacrifices for God. How much better when we learn to give up entertainment for self-discipline, and to give up our ambitions for His ambitions! Is that not the calling of every single believer? II Corinthians 5:15, 21

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3. A. What kind of “purpose” is Peter talking about at the end of I Peter 4:7?

B. If what we have been discussing is all “for the purpose of prayer”, what does that tell us regarding the importance of prayer? Why? John 15:4-5, Matthew 7:7-11, II Corinthians 5:9, Philippians 4:13, Colossians 1:10).

C. Prayer is so much more than asking God for what we want. Prayer is an expression of our dependence upon Him, and submission to Him, as we trust Him to know what is best for us. Do you do that?

Prayer is meant to cultivate an ongoing love relationship with God. Are you doing that? Real prayer is connecting with God, which embraces both listening to Him as well as pouring out your heart to Him. Isn’t that what you really want? If you were to make this a primary ambition in your daily life, what would it look like? Psalm 42:1-2, 145:1-5, Micah 6:8

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Making the Most of Your Life: 1 Peter 4:10-11

What do you want to do with your life? Do the best with what God’s given you! Employ your gift(s) from God “so that in all things God may be glorified.” Spiritual gifts can be defined as “any ability that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and used in any ministry of the Church.”

1. A. Read I Peter 4:10-11 and as an overview, give short answers to the following questions:

Who receives the gifts? How are gifts to be used?

How are the gifts classified in this text? What is the ultimate purpose of gifts?

What is the context of verses 10-11? (7-11 is a paragraph)

2. A. In I Peter 4:10, in the NASB, the word gift is preceded by “special” in italics. We know then that it is added to the text to help us understand. This word “gift” is defined in the Greek as “a gift of grace, a free gift.” We could rightly say a “grace gift” which points to the giver, not the gift. Who is the giver? Romans 5:15, I Corinthians 1:4-7

B. Why have believers in Christ been gifted? Mark 10:45, Ephesians 4:11-12, I Peter 4:10

3. A. Unity and diversity. What does that mean in a Biblical sense? I Corinthians 12:7, 11, 13, Ephesians 4:4, 7

B. We see the “body” analogy in the New Testament scriptures. We have a constant example of how the “Body of Christ” should function when we observe and learn how each part of our physical body works together. What can you say about this analogy? Psalm 139:13-14, Romans 12:4-5, I Corinthians 12:4-7,

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12-20

4. A. Looking back to our overview questions, who receives the gift(s)? I Peter 4:10, Romans 12:3, 6, I Corinthians 12:7, 11, 18, Ephesians 4:7, 16

B. Since the Bible teaches we are all grace gifted spiritually, what are we to do about it? Romans 12:6, I Corinthians 12:25, Ephesians 4:1-3, Hebrews 12:1-2, James 4:17, I Peter 4:10, II Peter 1:2-3, I John 4:19

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Making the Most of Your Life, Part 2: 1 Peter 4:10-11

Summary: In the context of exercising fervent love for one another for the glory of Christ, Peter gives instruction on spiritual gifts. This is not something for us to gloat over, nor to depreciate ourselves over. Just as certain that our “grace gift” is not earned or deserved, it is given to every follower of Christ nonetheless. So why don’t we do a better job using our gifts? It could be doctrinal confusion, a wrong self- diagnosis, a dreading of drudgery, or we have lost our first love. But one thing is certain, as we fill ourselves with the knowledge and love of Christ, nothing can hold us back!

1. A. As emphasized last week, verse 10 states that all believers have “received a grace gift” directly from “the manifold grace of God.” What is the significance of us receiving this exclusively by His grace? John 15:4-5, Ephesians 2:8-10

B. Since we are saved initially by the grace of God and not by works, explain how God intends that we continue in that salvation on a daily basis. John 7:37-39, Galatians 3:2-3, 2 Timothy 2:1-7

C. Some of us do not feel capable, or we think we don’t have anything to offer. Some of us don’t even feel worthy. But what does God say? Exodus 3:1-12, Psalm 103:10-13, Ephesians 3:16-4:2, Philippians 1:6, 4:13, Colossians 1:27-29)

2. A. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Do you think this is a suggestion or a command? Why?

B. The word “employ” (a present active participle ) is expressed as an imperative in the Greek, which is a command. Considering the context how does 1 Peter 4:7 add to the urgency of this command? In what fashion does verse 8 motivate us to obey this

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command? 1 Peter 4:7-11

C. Do you love your brothers and sisters in Christ? Does it show in your commitment to serve them with your gift? Do you even know what your gift is? They tend to surface as we make ourselves available to assist God’s people. What are some of the most important disciplines we can cultivate in order to bring this about? Joshua 1:7-8, Psalm 1:2-3, Isaiah 6:8, Acts 6:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

3. A. Again in verse 10, what is the meaning of “good stewards?” Genesis 39:1-9

B. What were some of the characteristics of Joseph, even in the midst of his horrible circumstances? Was the grace of God upon him? How so? How do you think his view of God impacted his sense of stewardship?

C. Not only did Joseph have a strong sense of personal responsibility before God as a worker, but he also was committed to personal holiness. A good steward is also a pure steward. How might we profit from his example? Proverbs 3:5-7, 4:23, Romans 13:14, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Galatians 5:16, Hebrews 4:16, James 4:4-8, 1 John 1:8-9

4. A. What two categories of gifts does Peter discuss in 1 Peter 4:11?

B. Other than the fact that we are commanded to do so, why bother using our gifts? What is the greatest reason, the grandest motivation to apply ourselves with vigor and self sacrifice in using our gifts? Isaiah 53:4-6, Matthew 27:46, John 3:16, 14:15, 14:21, Mark 6:34, 1 John 4:19

C. Caring and feeling sympathy for the needs of others is one thing, but love goes beyond that; genuine love is compelled to take action. Have you lost your first love? Then it probably shows. Is your love for Christ growing steadily? Then that will show as well. What we discover almost by accident is that the more we spend ourselves for God, the greater our joy of living becomes. His honor and glory becomes our delight. Why not

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come to the Lord in prayer, that we would grow in these ways. Job 22:21-26, 2 Peter 3:18

Making the Most of Your Life, Part 3: 1 Peter 4:11

Summary: One of the ways we seek significance is to live for something bigger than ourselves. Last time we discussed the power of God’s grace in the stewardship of using our gifts. We serve out of an overflow of love for others. Today we consider the manifestation of the Spirit through us, as we examine the matter of being opportunistic with our gifts. And for what purpose? To God “belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever!” There is no highest and best purpose for living than that.

1. A. What is every single believer given the moment we are born again? 1 Corinthians 12:7

B. How is the “manifestation of the Spirit” meant to be exercised through us? What is the urgency? The motivation? The power and the purpose? 1 Peter 4:7-11

C. In these last days, are you moved by fervent love to serve others? Does the gladness of God flow through you like a river in spending your life for Him? Psalm 59:16-17, 63:3-7, John 7:37-39

2. A. On His resolute way to Jerusalem, Jesus taught this parable. What was it? Luke 19:10-28

B. Given that the nobleman who receives the kingdom represents none other than Jesus, what do we see regarding His expectations for productivity while He was away? How does He describe the servants who were productive and how did he reward them? Luke 19:15-19

C. If we are to be faithful regarding our gift, we are the ones who must “do business with this until I come back.” This kind of

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aggressive opportunism brings glory to God and is greatly rewarded. Are you seeking God for the vision, the planning, the investment, wisdom, time and energy needed to do business for Him?

3. A. What is the purpose clause that we find in 1 Peter 4:11?

B. To Christ “belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen!” And oh, how it does belong! Let’s discuss just why this is the case. Isaiah 53, Philippians 2:5-11, 3:20-21, Colossians 1:13-22, Titus 2:13-14, Hebrews 1:1-3, Revelation 1:3-8, 1:12-18

C. Is your life all about making much of Jesus? If the Word of Christ is dwelling in us richly, then we will be consumed with his glory as we enjoy His companionship. As we savor His precious presence. And no amount of praise is too much, no amount of sacrifice is too much and no amount of service is too much. Overflow will happen! To Him be the glory now, today, forever and ever! Colossians 3:16, 1 Chronicles 29:11-13, Revelation 5:6-14

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Making the Most of Your Life, Part 4: 1 Peter 4:10-11

“Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God.”

1. A. Read I Peter 4:10-11. We are to speak and serve as good stewards by the grace of God, in His strength, for His glory. But what is the context of this exhortation? I Peter 3:18-22, I Peter 4:7-9, Hebrews 10:37

B. He’s coming back! In review of last week, what is God impressed with? What happens when someone does not know God for what He’s really like and therefore does not use what He gives him or her? Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:12-27

C. What can be said about those who use what God has given them? Matthew 25:21, Luke 19:17, John 15:16, Hebrews 6:10, I Peter 4:10

2. A. What two categories of spiritual gifts does Peter point out in I Peter 4:11?

B. Who is to exercise the gift of speaking? I Peter 4:10, Ephesians 5:18-19, Colossians 3:12, 3:16, Hebrews 5:12

3. A. The spiritual gift of teaching, apart from the fact that we have just seen we are all called to speak God’s word, can be defined as “the ability to explain the scripture and to apply it to peoples lives.” What does the scripture say about teaching scripture? Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 10, 31:10-12, Joshua 3:7-9, I Kings 10:23-24, Mark 12:28-31

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B. This phrase was repeated during this sermon: “Stay with the curriculum!” What does that mean? Ezekiel 3:1-4, Acts 7:35-38, Romans 3:1-2, 15:4, II Timothy 3:14-17, Hebrews 4:12, I Peter 4:11

C. Today we may see many readily take on the roll of teacher. Does that match what we see in scripture? Exodus 3:10-14, 4:1, 10-13, Isaiah 6:1-7, Jeremiah 1:4-10, James 3:1

4. A. What is our challenge, in every generation? Jeremiah 5:30-31, 23:16-37, Psalm 34:18

B. As we come full circle, we see that we need to see God for who He really is. Where have we heard this before? Exodus 20:1-7

C. How are we to see God for who He really is? Isaiah 66:1-2, John 8:31-32

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Making the Most of your Life, Part 5: 1 Peter 4: 10-11

Summary: “Only one life will soon be passed; only what’s done for Christ will last.” We all need a sense of purpose as we go through this life, of living for something bigger than ourselves. Is your purpose in life to glorify God? This can only be done through the Lord Jesus Christ, and is largely accomplished by using our spiritual gifts. As we discuss the highest and best purpose of the Christian life, we will examine the speaking gifts of exhortation/encouragement and evangelism.

1. A. What purpose clauses can you find in our main context of 1Peter 4:7-11?

B. Examining purpose clauses are phrases like, “for the purpose of,” “because,” “so that,” etc. which is a tremendous study tool for discovering the heart of God. Now consider the phrase in verse 11, “so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Can we glorify God any other way? Why does it have to be “through Jesus Christ?” John 15:4-8, Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 5:15, 5:21, 1 Peter 2:24

C. We are talking about nothing less than the highest and best purpose of the Christian life here. What does it look like to carry this out in a practical sense? II Corinthians 6:14-7:1, Colossians 3:16-24, II Timothy 1:6-12, Titus 2:11-14, I John 1:8-9

2. A. I Peter 4:11 describes two categories of spiritual gifts, speaking gifts and serving gifts. Among the speaking gifts, how would you identify the gift of encouragement/exhortation? Proverbs 15:30, 25:11, Romans 15:4-5

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B. Who were some examples of encouragement, and how might we profit from their example? Deuteronomy 31:1-8, Joshua 1:1-9, 10:25, 1Samuel 14:6-7, II Chronicles 28:20, II Chronicles 32:1-7, Acts 4:36-37, 9:23-27, Ephesians 6:10-11, II Timothy 2:1-2

C. Just when we become weary, beaten down, defeated and depressed, the Lord our God HIMSELF becomes our strength and our stronghold! He does this for a reason; why do you think that is? II Corinthians 1:3-4, Ephesians 4:12

3. A. What speaking gift was dear to the heart of the apostle Paul? I Corinthians 15:1-5

B. Please match the following components of evangelism with the right Scriptures. Compassion for the lost, some grasp of the holiness of God, brokenness over your own sins first, forgiveness and cleansing of sin, a willing spirit from a clear conscience, digesting the Gospel in your heart before sharing it with others, reverence for the Lord’s authority over you, depending on the power of the Holy Spirit, sharing the Gospel right where you are, and taking it where ever the Lord leads. Isaiah 6:1-8, Ezekiel 3:1-4, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 6:34, Acts 1:8

C. Let’s pray for the Lord to prepare our hearts, our Scriptures and our obedience.

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Making the Most of Your Life, Part 6: 1 Peter 4:11

“Saved to serve.” Service: This is what you were made for; this is why you are still here. He chose you, He saved you, and He saved you in order that you might serve, and He honors service. He gives you gifts and then He provides the strength you need, “so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”

1. A. As we begin this last of six parts, read the whole paragraph, I Peter 4:7-11. How does it begin?

B. What does the Bible have to say about “the end of all things is at hand”? Colossians 3:1-4, I Peter 1:3, 13, 23, John 3:16, 14:1-3, Philippians 3:20

C. According to this paragraph, in light of His soon return, what are we to do?

2. A. “We are saved to serve.” We will look at three questions. What is service? How do we serve? Why do we serve? To whom do we look to for our answer? Matthew 20:25-28, Mark 10:42-45, John 20:21

B. As we begin to look at these questions, why do we need instruction on this matter of service? I Timothy 6:17-21, II Timothy 4:1-5, Luke 9:44-46, 22:22-27, Galatians 5:13

C. As we look at what service is, how important is this matter of serving the Lord? John 12:23-26, I Peter 4:7-11, Luke 12:31-37, Matthew 6:19-21, I Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:23-24, Acts 6:2-4 (“serve”, verse 2, and “ministry”, verse 4, is the same Greek word)

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3. How, in who’s strength, are we to serve? I Peter 4:11, Galatians 2:20, John 14:16, 15:5-7, Philippians 4:13, Colossians 1:28-29, Romans 15:30, Ephesians 2:8-10, Matthew 25:14-17

4. Why do we serve? Matthew 25:19-23, John 13:5, 12-17, Revelation 7:13-17, 22:1-6

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Suffering as a Christian: 1 Peter 4:12-13

As a Christian, what should be our response to suffering? “Do not be surprised,” “keep on rejoicing,” and remember the future, “the revelation of His glory.”

1. A. Begin by praying through the following verses, remembering the Cross of Christ. II Corinthians 5:21, I Peter 3:18, 1:18-19, 2:24

B. What does it mean to be His “blood bought children?” Use the verses from 1A and whatever scriptures God has stored in your heart. I Peter 1:2, Romans 6:23, I Peter 2:22

2. A. Are Christians exempt from suffering? I Peter 1:6-7, 4:12-13

B. What are three responses to suffering found in I Peter 4:12-13?

3. “Do not be surprised.” The KJV version has “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial.” Suffering is “part and parcel” of Christian living. What does it mean to you? I Peter 4:12-13, 5:9, James 5:10-11, Job 23:10, Proverbs 17:3, Isaiah 48:10, Exodus 3:7-8

4. “Keep on rejoicing.” Is Christian joy based on circumstances? If not, what is it based on? What should be the norm of the Christian life? I Peter 4:13, 1:6-8, 2:21, I Thessalonians 5:16-18, Philippians 3:8-11, Colossians 1:24, James 1:2-4, Romans 5:1-6, 8:18

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5. A. Remember the future; “so that at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice.” What should govern your thoughts as you look to the future? I Peter 4:7, 13, 1:7, Romans 8:18-25, II Corinthians 4:16-18, Hebrew 10:37

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Suffering as a Christian, Part 2: 1 Peter 4:14-16

Summary: Peter was living proof that understanding the sufferings of Christ helps us to properly share in our sufferings for Christ. When we are reviled for the name of Jesus we are blessed, even as the prophets. But we must be careful to avoid doing evil and having to suffer for what we deserve. It’s when we suffer for what we do not deserve, in the name of Christ, that we glorify God.

1. A. Considering the context of I Peter 4:12-19, what were some of the sufferings of Christ as described here in Peter’s letter? I Peter 1:18-19, 2:21-24, 3:18

B. What does it mean for us to “share the sufferings of Christ?” Luke 9:23-24, John 12:24-26, 15:18-211, Philippians 3:10, I Peter 4:13

C. Are you living your life today as if you are “conformed to His death”? What hope and exultation do we have as a result of sharing in “the fellowship of His sufferings”? John 14:23,

II Corinthians 4:17, Jude 1:24-25

2. A. How do we get blessed according to I Peter 4:14?

B. What is “the Spirit of glory and of God” that rests upon us? Isaiah 11:1-2, Matthew 5:10-16, Ephesians 3:16-21

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C. When we are suffering for the name of Christ, in spite of this we can rejoice and have peace. How do we do this?

Philippians 4:4-7, Hebrews 12:1-3

3. A. How can we avoid feeling ashamed when the time of suffering comes? I Peter 4:15-16

B. If we are not to suffer as “a troublesome meddler,” then how is that distinguished from the conviction of sin which comes from sharing the Gospel? What about the conflicts that arise out of legitimate opposition to evil? John 16:7-11, Acts 1:8, 4:18-20, Romans 12:16-18, II Timothy 4:1-5, I Peter 3:15

C. Notice that we are not supposed to deserve any suffering by doing wrong. God wants to reward us for suffering for what is right, by suffering for His name. Also, we are not supposed to try to do the Holy Spirit’s work in convicting others, but we are commanded to be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are commanded to proclaim and exemplify Christ with gentleness and reverence. Is there not a difference between prideful condemnation and a gentle, well evidenced case presented with respect? Love, courage, wisdom and humility; we could use a big dose of these today could we not? Why not spend time in prayer, right now, over these things.

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Suffering as a Christian, Part 3: 1 Peter 4:17-19

The God of the Bible, the God who loves you and calls you “Beloved,” He has sovereign purpose in bringing suffering into your life. God has purpose in the Christian’s suffering. Glorify Him by entrusting yourself to Him. Trust Him with a child like faith and you will never ever be disappointed.

1. A. Read the paragraph, I Peter 4:12-19. How does it begin and end?

B. Who is Peter writing to and what are they called to do? Romans 5:8, 9:25, I Peter 4:12, 4:19, I John 4:10

2. A. How is suffering described and how are we called to respond to suffering? I Peter 1:6, 2:19-20, 3:14-17, 4:12-13, 4:19, 5:6-9

B. Did you notice that the suffering may be verbal, and that verbal suffering is real? Matthew 9:23-24, 10:25, 27:41-43, Mark 5:39-40, 10:33-34, 15:31-32, Luke 8:52-53, 22:63-65, 23:10-11, John 9:28, I Peter 2:12, 2:23, 3:16, 4:14

3. A. I Peter 4:19 may be seen as a summary of this book to this point. Keeping it as simple as possible, how would you summarize this text?

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B. What does it mean to trust the Lord, as it says in our text, “entrust their souls?” Psalm 34:1-5, Proverbs 3:5-7

4. A. What does I Peter 4:17-18 say about judgment and salvation? What are those who reject the gospel called?

B. Can anyone expect salvation by believing in God while rejecting or not submitting to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? I Peter 4:17-18, John 14:6

5. A. In contrast to the “Godless man and the sinner,” what does the faith of the believer look like? What can they expect in this life? I Peter 4:19, Job 1:20-22

B. If you are a Christian and you are suffering right now, what can you be sure of? I Peter 4:19, 3:17, 2:21, Revelation 6:9-11, Matthew 16:21, Luke 13:33, John 7:30, 8:20, 13:1, 21:18-19, Acts 9:15-16, 14:21-22

C. According to I Peter 4:19, what are we to do? I Peter 4:16

6. A. Stop and enjoy that God has purpose in your suffering, Christian! I Peter 2:21, 3:9, 4:1, 4:19, Romans 8:18, 8:32, 10:11, Isaiah 28:16, John 14:1-3, Hebrews 12:1-2, Proverbs 3:5

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Shepherding the Flock of God: 1 Peter 5:1-2

Given the fact that we will and do suffer, we have been exhorted to “entrust our souls to a faithful creator.” In light of this, Christian leaders, and by extension, all of us (for we all lead someone), lead aright!

1. A. Read I Peter 5:1-4. Does it seem as if the subject has shifted from the previous verses?

B. Are you suffering? Do you know anyone who is not suffering to some degree? Is suffering part and parcel of the Christian experience? I Peter 4:12-19

C. What do you know to be true that can comfort and exhort anyone, especially the Christian, who is suffering? I Peter 4:17-19, I Peter 2:24, John 3:16-17, Romans 6:23, 8:1, Ephesians 2:8-9

2. A. Who is exhorted in I Peter 5:1-2? Titus 1:5, Acts 20:17, 20:28, Philippians 1:1, I Timothy 3:1, 3:8

B. How does Peter describe himself in I Peter 5:1?

C. What can you learn from Peter’s self-description? (think church hierarchy and humility) I Peter 5:4-5, John 10:11, 10:14, Hebrews 13:18-21

3. A. What is Peter referring to when he identifies himself as a “witness of the sufferings of Christ?”

B. Of all the things Peter had witnessed (the ascension, the resurrection), what comes to mind when he identifies himself as a “witness of the suffering of Christ?” Matthew 26:73-75

C. What is our application, seeing how Peter was used of God even after such failure as a “witness of the suffering?”Luke 22:31-32, Acts 5:28-29, 5:40-42

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4. A. What does Peter identify himself as being a “partaker” of? How much was this on Peter’s mind? I Peter 5:1, 1:6-8, 11, 13, 4:12-13, 5:10

B. How is glory and suffering tied together?Luke 6:22-23, Romans 8:18-21, II Corinthian 4:16-18, Hebrews 12:2

C. In light of who Peter identifies himself as, what is the exhortation in I Peter 5:2? Psalm 100:1-3, Hebrews 13:15-17, Acts 20:28, II Corinthians 5:14-15

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Shepherding the Flock of God, Part 2: 1 Peter 5:1-4

Summary: Last time we looked at Peter’s self description as a fellow elder and witness of the sufferings and glories of Christ. Today we consider his exhortation to shepherd the flock of God, as Peter was passing the baton towards the end of his life. The shepherding which God does through us is feeding, seeking and caring for the sheep.

1. A. What is the command given by Peter, and whose flock is it? I Peter 5:1-2

B. Peter gives specific direction regarding proper shepherding in our main text, but so does Luke when he writes about the apostle Paul. What can we learn from the example of both apostles? Acts 20:17-35, I Peter 5:3-4

C. Does anybody follow you? Do you love the Lord Jesus? Then you are a shepherd! Do you have a commitment to express that love by helping others and building them up? Psalm 78:70-72, John 21:15-17, Philippians 2:1-5, II Timothy 2:1-2

2. A. A primary component of shepherding is feeding. How important is this to God and what does He say about it? Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34:1-15

B. What does it mean for us to feed others in the faith? Nehemiah 8:8-10, Jeremiah 3:15, Matthew 14:15-21

C. It is amazing what God can do through us just by making ourselves available to Him. How might we do this? Job 22:21-26, Psalm 1:2-3, 92:12-15, Matthew 28:18-20

3. A. How do we know that seeking lost sheep is now and always has been critical to our Lord? Luke 19:10

B. In what fashion did the Lord Jesus come to seek and to save the lost? Isaiah 53:5-6, Philippians 2:5-8, I Peter 3:18

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C. So how does the Lord Jesus use us to help lost sheep? II Corinthians 5:15, I Thessalonians 5:14, Hebrews 10:23-25

4. A. When it comes to God, caring matters. How did Jesus care? Matthew 20:34, Mark 1:40-41, John 3:16-17, 10:11-16, 11:32-36

B. What did Moses really care about at the end of his life? Numbers 27:12-20

C. Christ wants to care through us, so that we shepherd His beloved, blood bought people. Jesus was moved with compassion. And He still is. Are you?

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Shepherding the Flock of God, Part 3: 1 Peter 5:1-4

The chief shepherd is the one coming back. He is the good shepherd who laid His life down. He is the great shepherd who rose from the dead. The heart of God is to shepherd His sheep.

1. A. Read the text, I Peter 5:1-4, and note the terms shepherd and flock. What do you know to be true of shepherds and flocks?

B. What is our chief shepherd like, and what is His flock like? Genesis 48:15, Numbers 27:16-17, Isaiah 53:1-12

C. Seek, care, feed; “shepherd the flock of God among you” as God is shepherding you. Psalm 78:70-72, Ezekiel 34:11-15, Acts 20:28, Hebrews 13:20-21

2. A. What was the burden of God’s heart in Ezekiel 34:1-10?

B. What does the New Testament have to say about the burden of God’s heart for us? Matthew 11:28, Luke 19:10, John 20:21, Romans 10:15

C. What does God recognize and emphasize as our need? Deuteronomy 8:3, Psalm 34:8-11, Proverbs 30:5, Matthew 4:3-4, Luke 4:3-4, I Peter 1:23, 2:2

3. A. What are the three couplets, negative then positive, found in I Peter 5:2-3?

B. Are you voluntarily shepherding the flock, your children, your neighbors, co-workers? Has “sordid gain,” money, career, or position crept into your life and become your priority? Are we eagerly, voluntarily, serving as examples to the flock of God? What is God’s heart concerning your heart to serve and minister? John 2:13-17, Mark 11:15-17, Philippians 2:14-30

C. Where do we get this heart to shepherd and serve? Isaiah 53:11-12, Philippians 2:1-13

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Shepherding the Flock of God, Part 4: 1 Peter 5:3-4

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God has promised reward for faithful service done for the glory of His Son in the power of His Spirit. We are all sheep and shepherds, as someone is following or observing our example. Much life change happens in the context of life example.

1. A. This study ends with “you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” Read the following texts. Contemplate on “men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” and on what man would get if he got what he really deserves. I Peter 5:1-4, II Peter 1:20-21, Romans 3:23, 6:23, Matthew 25:21

B. What does I Peter 5:4 say about this “crown of glory?” I Peter 1:3-5

C. What in your life is unfading? John 6:35, 8:51, John 10:9, 14-15, 27-30, 11:25-26

2. A. What is the exhortation in I Peter 5:1-4 and what is the results of this exhortation?

B. What does it mean to “shepherd the flock of God?” What does God want, what is He looking for, and what does it mean to “shepherd” the way He wants His flock shepherded? I Peter 5:1-4

C. What is the background for this text? John 10:1-18

3. A. Last week we looked in I Peter 5:2 we saw how shepherding the flock of God plays itself out in the first two of three couplets. What is the third couplet in verse 3?

B. What is the Biblical model for “nor as yet lording it over those allotted to your charge but proving to be examples to the flock?” Luke 22:24-27, Galatians 1:6-10, Ephesians 4:11-13

C. We are called to follow Christ Jesus. What example did he set for us? John 13:1-5, 12-17, Mark 1:35, Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:33-34

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4. A. In I Peter 5:3, the word used here for example, means to leave a mark, make an impression or stamp. Another word translated “example” means to imitate and in some cases both words occur in the same verse. Look for these in the following verses- I Corinthians 4:16, Philippians 3:17, I Thessalonians 1:6-7, I Timothy 4:12

B. We follow Him and it gives others an example to follow in us. Those that follow us will ultimately be following Him. How humbling is that? We are followed even when we do not follow Him. How convicting is that? I Corinthians 11:1, Titus 2:7-8, Judges 7:15-18

C. Is this reward in I Peter 5:4 an earthly reward? II Timothy 4:5-8, 16-17, Revelation 1:4-8, 21:1-7, 22:12-13

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Clothe Yourselves with Humility: 1 Peter 5:5-7

Summary: The Lord of glory delights in humble, childlike faith. Humility is a very slippery virtue but winsome when authentic. Just as shepherds must lead by example in all humility, so we must submit to their authority in all humility. We fulfill this with a driving ambition to please Christ out of reverence for His holy Word. A good way to develop humility is to feast on the greatness of God while being honest about ourselves.

1. A. Previously we considered three bad ways to shepherd God’s flock, and three good ways. What were they, and who does Peter refer to as our supreme example? I Peter 5:2-4

B. In what fashion did the Lord Jesus lead by example? Mark 6:34, John 13:1-17, 17:4, Philippians 2:3-8

C. What do the bad examples of selfish reluctance, greed and domineering pride all have in common? Philippians 2:21, James 3:14-16

How would you summarize the example of Christ; what is the common thread? Then what should by our greatest ambition as well? II Corinthians 5:9, 5:15

2. A. What two commands do we find in I Peter 5:5, and why?

B. Nothing could be worse than having God be against you! But there are other reasons for us to submit to proven church leaders with humility. What are they? Ephesians 4:11-12, II Timothy 4:1-5, Hebrews 13:7, 13:17

C. One of the greatest lessons of the Christian life (or lifelong projects, depending on how you look at it), is that humble submission to authority is proportionate to one’s reverence for the holy Word. Mark it, reverence for God breeds humility of self. The reverse is also true; humbling ourselves before God releases us to revere His Word. So then, do you tremble at His Word? Psalm 119:38, Isaiah 66:1-2, Haggai 1:12

3.A. What is the command given by the apostle Peter in I Peter 5:6?

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B. In what fashion then do we cultivate humility? What does the phrase, “under the mighty hand of God” have to do with it? I Chronicles 29:11-14, Job 42:1-6, Isaiah 6:1-5, Romans 5:6-8, Revelation 1:10-18, 4:1-11, 5:1-14

C. How fitting it is to know our place, way below His greatness! What is one of the best ways that we demonstrate humble dependence upon our Lord? I Peter 5:7

Cast Your Anxieties on Him: 1 Peter 5:7

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 Summary: Some atheists believe they can find peace by ignoring God and by making much of themselves.  But really, just the opposite is the case. Real peace flows from humility, as we exalt Jesus Christ to His rightful place. We can toss all of our anxieties upon God, because it is Him, the Almighty, God Most High and exalted; He is the One who cares for us.

1.A. What commands do we find in I Peter 5:5-6?

B. Notice that humility and being subject to our elders go hand in hand. How else might we express humility to God? Isaiah 66:1-2

C. Care free living is found in the presence of God and flows through humility. What can we do to carry this out in practical ways? II Chronicles 7:14, I John 1:8-9

2. A. In what fashion is the command to “humble yourselves” related to the participle, “casting all your anxiety upon Him?” I Peter 5:6-7

B. Notice that we are instructed to cast our anxiety upon God, not the trials themselves. Does this mean that we pray for ourselves in this regard, or for others, or both? Why? I Samuel 30:6, Psalm 27:13-14, 94:17-19, Romans 5:1-5

C. It may be humbling having to depend upon God, but is that not where real peace comes from? Matthew 6:25-34, Romans 15:4-6

3. A. We are to cast all our anxiety upon Whom? I Peter 5:7

B. How capable is He in whom we trust, and how much does He care for us? Psalm 103:8-19, John 3:16-17, Romans 5:8, 8:28-32, Hebrews 4:14-16

C. How then should we respond to Him who is sovereign and yet so good? Matthew 7:7-11, Philippians 4:6-7, Hebrews 13:20-21

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Be Careful 1 Peter 5:5-8

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We have an enemy, a very real adversary. We are no match for him. He would like to eat us for lunch, and many millions are blinded by the god of this age. What should we do? The text moves from carefree living (not careless) to careful living and the two are in perfect harmony.

1. A. What have we just been exhorted to do in I Peter 5:5-7?

B. Why have we all been called to humility? I Peter 5:5-7, Romans 8:31-32

2. A. Be careful. Why? I Peter 5:8-9, 4:7

B. How serious is this exhortation? Mark 14:32-42

C. What are we to do? I Peter 5:8-9

3. A. Know your enemy. Just like a sports team watches the opposition’s game tapes, we need to know our enemy. Who is he, what is he up to, and what should we do?

Who is he? I Peter 5:8, Matthew 4:10, Jude 9, Revelation 9:11, 12:9

What is he up to? Matthew 4:1-11, John 8:44, 10:10, II Corinthians 2:10-11, 11:2-3, I Peter 5:8, Revelation 12:10

What should we do (and remember)? Proverbs 16:18, 18:12 Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 (references to Deuteronomy 8:3. 6:13-17) Matthew 10:28, Romans 8:1, 16:17-20, Colossians 2:13-15I Thessalonians 5:4-8,  I Timothy 1:15, II Timothy 4:5, Hebrews 2:14-15 James 4:6-10, I Peter 4:7, 5:6-9, I John 2:15-16, 4:4, Revelation 19:20-20:3

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Standing Firm in Grace: 1 Peter 5:10-14

Summary: The apostle Peter concludes his letter with treasures regarding the God of all grace. Along with the eternal glory of

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His holiness and supreme dominion, we also see the greatness of His favor upon us, however undeserved. His grace does not preclude suffering because it serves to establish us in Christ-likeness. We are commanded to stand firm in the true grace of God, which includes walking in faithfulness, love and peace.

1. A. What characteristics of God can you find in I Peter 5:10?

B. How should we understand “His eternal glory?” Isaiah 6:1-3, Proverbs 9:10, John 6:68-69, Revelation 4:8-9

C. It is this great and glorious holy One, who is also the God of all grace! He is the One “who called you to His eternal glory in Christ.” How do we fulfill this calling today as His children? John 10:27-28, 15:4-17, Romans 8:4-14, II Timothy 1:9, Hebrews 5:7-9

2. A. How does Peter describe the suffering of God’s people in I Peter 5:10?

B. The grace of God does not eliminate suffering. Why not? II Corinthians 4:16-17, Philippians 3:10, I Peter 1:3-7, 3:18, 4:1-2

C. The point: our suffering is short compared to that eternal weight of glory which awaits us. Besides, God uses suffering to “perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” Are you willing to handle the suffering He allows in your life with a good and willing spirit? II Corinthians 12:7-10, II Timothy 1:7-9

3. A. What kind of worship does Peter express in I Peter 5:11?

B. How might we understand His “dominion forever and ever?” Psalm 103:19, Isaiah 46:8-10, Jeremiah 18:1-6, Matthew 28:18, I Timothy 6:14-16, Revelation 1:6

C. What does the eternal dominion of God have to do with us? Psalm 119:33-38, Matthew 28:18-20, John 14:21, Philippians 2:10-15

4. A. How does Peter regard Silvanus in I Peter 5:12?

B. What makes a “faithful brother?” John 13:34, II Corinthians 5:9, II Timothy 2:1-7

C. Speaking of faithfulness, the parting command has been given. “This is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!” God is not looking for greatness, just faithfulness. Let’s go forward in His

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grace with all confidence. Micah 6:8, Hebrews 13:7-9

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Appendix

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The follow Scriptures are from the New American Standard Bible and are the ones used in this Bible study.

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