Happy Friday and greetings from Bible Study Snacks! Whether it's your first time with us, or if you're a regular follower of this blog, it's great to have you!
I am delighted that you will be joining me as we walk through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. As always, I hope you had a great week, and that today finds you in good health, positive in energy, and strong in faith!
This week, we continue the study of The First Epistle of Peter, or 1 Peter. It was written about 60 A.D., and was addressed to all believers in general. Its purpose was to encourage, prompt, and instruct the suffering Christians; also to summon them to personal holiness. The central focus here in Peter's epistle is persecution.
The studies presented here are intentionally brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. It is my ultimate hope that they might inspire you to an even deeper study of Scripture!
As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let us pray together...
"Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen"
If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are some things to think about for this week's lesson...
This Weeks Objectives: Participants should be able to...
* notice the attitudes one should have in suffering for righteousness' sake.
* review how we should serve God as we live in the "end times".
For your convenience, here is a summary of this week's lesson, specifically 1 Peter, Chapter 4...
The theme of suffering for righteousness' sake continues. Just as Christ was willing to suffer for us in the flesh, we should have the same attitude and strive to live for the will of God instead of the lusts of men. When we give up sins like lewdness, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, etc., those in the world make think it strange. Yet they themselves will give an account to Him who will judge both the living and the dead by the gospel preached to those who are dead (1 Peter 4:1-6).
Living in the end times, Peter admonishes Christians to be serious and watchful in their prayers, fervent in their love for one another, and hospitable to one another without grumbling. They are to make use of their gifts as good stewards of God's manifold grace, whether it be in speaking or serving, using such abilities to glorify God through Christ who has all authority and power (1 Peter 4:7-11).
Suffering for Christ should not be considered a strange thing, but an occasion to rejoice. Those who partake of Christ's sufferings will be exceedingly glad when His glory is revealed. In the meantime, they are blessed because the Spirit of God rests upon those who glorify Christ by their suffering.
While they should not suffer for doing evil, there is nothing shameful about suffering for Christ. As God's judgment draws near, those who do not obey the gospel have no hope, whereas those who suffer according to God's will can commit their souls in doing good to Him who is a faithful Creator (1 Peter 4:12-19).
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1) What two reasons are given for us to have the "mind of Christ"regarding suffering? (1 Peter 4:1)
2) How should one live in whatever time they have left in the flesh? (1 Peter 4:2)
3) What sins are mentioned as being "the will of the Gentiles?" (1 Peter 4:3)
4) How do people in the world react when you no longer do such things? (1 Peter 4:4)
5) To whom shall they have to answer? (1 Peter 4:5)
6) Why was the gospel preached to those who are dead? (1 Peter 4:6)
7) In view of the end of all things being at hand, how should we live? (1 Peter 4:7-10)
8) How should one speak? How should one serve? Why? (1 Peter 4:11)
9) What should be our reactions to any fiery trial that may come our way? (1 Peter 4:12-13)
10) What do those who suffer for Christ have to look forward to? (1 Peter 4:13)
11) Why is one who suffers for Christ blessed? (1 Peter 4:14)
12) For what reasons should a Christian not suffer? (1 Peter 4:15)
13) How should one react if they suffer as a Christian? (1 Peter 4:16)
14) Upon whom does the judgment of God begin? Who will face the greater judgment? (1 Peter 4:17)
15) Who will be "scarcely saved"? (1 Peter 4:18)
16) What should those who suffer according to the will of God do? (1 Peter 4:19)
After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!
As always, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until our next Bible study...
God bless you!
Sheri
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