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 wrap up our 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...
* examine the duties of elders, in their role as shepherds (pastors) and overseers (bishops).
* note the importance of submission and humility in our relation to elders, one another, and God.
* consider how we might best counter our adversary, the devil.
* glean how Peter sought to encourage his brethren in their suffering.
For your convenience, here is a summary of this week's lesson, specifically 1 Peter, Chapter 5...
The final chapter contains charges to elders and their respective flocks. As a fellow elder, Peter commands elders to shepherd the flock of God among them, serving as overseers. Doing so willingly and eagerly, they were to serve as examples to the flock. The younger members of the flock are then commanded to submit to their elders and to one another, with humility (1 Peter 5:1-5).
They were to also humble themselves under the mighty hand of God and cast their cares upon Him, trusting that He would exalt them in due time because He cares for them. Since their adversary the devil walks about like a lion seeking to devour them, they are to be sober and vigilant, resisting him steadfast in the faith. They can take courage in knowing that other brethren are likewise suffering (1 Peter 5:6-9).
The epistle closes first with a prayer that God will eventually perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle them. Mention is made of Silvanus, and Peter's purpose in writing. Greetings are sent by "she who is in Babylon" and "Mark, my son." Finally, a command to greet one another with a kiss of love is given, along with a prayer for peace to all who are in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 5:10-14).
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1) How does Peter identify himself as he exhorts the elders? (1 Peter 5:1)
2) What is the duty of the elders? (1 Peter 5:2)
3) How were they to serve as elders? (1 Peter 5:3-4)
4) What reward can elders look forward to when the Chief Shepherd appears? (1 Peter 5:5)
5) What twofold duty is enjoined upon those who are younger? (1 Peter 5:5)
6) What were they commanded to do in relation to God? (1 Peter 5:6-7)
7) Why were they to do this? (1 Peter 5:6-7)
8) Who is their adversary? What is he doing? (1 Peter 5:8)
9) What should they do in regards to their adversary? (1 Peter 5:8-9)
10) What should encourage them in their suffering? (1 Peter 5:9-10)
11) By whom has Peter penned this epistle? (1 Peter 5:12)
12) What has been Peter's purpose in writing this epistle? (1 Peter 5:12)
13) Who sends them greetings? (1 Peter 5:13)
14) What final charge does Peter give? What final prayer? (1 Peter 5:14)
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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