Professional Documents
Culture Documents
On 1 Peter
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Christ Risen and Exalted: 1 Peter 3:19-22...............................................74
I Peter 4......................................................................................................76
Living for the Will of God, Part 1: 1 Peter 4:1-6.....................................78
Living for the Will of God, Part 2: 1 Peter 4:1-6.....................................80
The End is Near: 1 Peter 4:7-9.................................................................82
The End is Near, Part 2: 1 Peter 4:7-9.....................................................84
For the Purpose of Prayer: 1 Peter 4:7....................................................86
Making the Most of Your Life: 1 Peter 4:10-11.......................................88
Making the Most of Your Life, Part 2: 1 Peter 4:10-11...........................90
Making the Most of Your Life, Part 3: 1 Peter 4:11.................................92
Making the Most of Your Life, Part 4: 1 Peter 4:10-11...........................94
Making the Most of your Life, Part 5: 1 Peter 4: 10-11..........................96
Making the Most of Your Life, Part 6: 1 Peter 4:11.................................98
Suffering as a Christian: 1 Peter 4:12-13..............................................100
Suffering as a Christian, Part 2: 1 Peter 4:14-16..................................102
Suffering as a Christian, Part 3: 1 Peter 4:17-19..................................104
I Peter 5....................................................................................................107
Shepherding the Flock of God: 1 Peter 5:1-2.......................................109
Shepherding the Flock of God, Part 2: 1 Peter 5:1-4............................111
Shepherding the Flock of God, Part 3: 1 Peter 5:1-4...........................113
Shepherding the Flock of God, Part 4: 1 Peter 5:3-4...........................115
Clothe Yourselves with Humility: 1 Peter 5:5-7.....................................117
Cast Your Anxieties on Him: 1 Peter 5:7................................................119
Be Careful 1 Peter 5:5-8
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Standing Firm in Grace: 1 Peter 5:10-14..............................................123
Appendix..................................................................................................126
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I Peter 1
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Chosen Aliens: 1 Peter 1:1-2
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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
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
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
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greater our joy, thanksgiving and peace will be! How is yours?
Philippians 4:4-7
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
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
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
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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.
Psalm 51:4, Isaiah 6:3-5, Ezekiel 18:4, Romans 2:4,
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
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Our Imperishable Inheritance: 1 Peter 1:4-5
2. A. Read I Peter 1:3-4. What does this new birth bring in verse 4?
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Real Faith, Part 1: 1 Peter 1:6-7
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
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
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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
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
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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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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.
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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
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
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Holy Living: 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 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.
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
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little holiness among Christians today? A steadfast and relentless
commitment to personal holiness; why so little? What’s missing?
John 14:15, Romans 12:1-2
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. Who and what are you born of? John 1:12-13, 3:3-8,
I Peter 1:23
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
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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
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utterances of God. Do you have a calm, settled authority
regarding the Word of God? Acts 4:8-13, II Timothy 1:6-12
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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
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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
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II Peter 2
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The Foundation of the Church: 1 Peter 2:4-10
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
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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
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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.
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
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
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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
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The Nature of the Church: 1 Peter 2:4-10
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).
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). Then in
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what fashion do we also become “a royal priesthood?” Ephesians
5:1-2, Revelation 5:8-10
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
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Coming to Him: 1 Peter 2:4
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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
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Aliens and Strangers: 1 Peter 2:11-12
3. A. Now, dig into this text, I Peter 2:11-12. What is the first
word?
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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
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.
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
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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
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
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Submission to the Government: 1 Peter 2:13-17
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
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
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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
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Real Freedom: 1 Peter 2:16-20
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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
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Unjust Suffering: 1 Peter 2:18-21
C. What was the key to Christ’s submission? What affect does that
have on our lives?
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
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Following Christ: 1 Peter 2:21-23
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?
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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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
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
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The Shepherd & Guardian of Your Soul: 1 Peter 2:24-25
B. “I have made the Lord God my refuge.” Can you say that?
Psalm 73:25-28, Proverbs 3:5-6
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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
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
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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
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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.”
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
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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).
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
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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?
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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
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
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?”
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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
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God’s Perspective on Suffering: 1 Peter 3:13-17
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
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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
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Suffering opens doors for the Gospel- Acts 5:27-32, 40-42,
I Peter 3:15
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.
B. Does God use suffering for good? Does He even plan suffering
and use it for good? I Peter 3:18, Philippians 2:8
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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Why did He suffer unto death? Genesis 2:16-17, Isaiah 53:6,
Romans 1:21, 3:23, Revelation 21:3-4
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
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Christ Risen and Exalted: 1 Peter 3:19-22
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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
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I Peter 4
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Living for the Will of God, Part 1: 1 Peter 4:1-6
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
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B. How does God exercise His justice in all this? 1 Peter 4:5
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Living for the Will of God, Part 2: 1 Peter 4:1-6
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
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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
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
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The End is Near: 1 Peter 4:7-9
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. 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
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
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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. 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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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).
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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.”
How are the gifts classified in this text? What is the ultimate
purpose of gifts?
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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
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?
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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
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Making the Most of Your Life, Part 3: 1 Peter 4:11
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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
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Making the Most of Your Life, Part 4: 1 Peter 4:10-11
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
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
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
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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.
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
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3. A. What speaking gift was dear to the heart of the apostle Paul?
I Corinthians 15:1-5
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.”
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
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Suffering as a Christian: 1 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
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Suffering as a Christian, Part 2: 1 Peter 4:14-16
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
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. 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.
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
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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
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I Peter 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!
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
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Shepherding the Flock of God, Part 2: 1 Peter 5:1-4
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
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
B. What did Moses really care about at the end of his life?
Numbers 27:12-20
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Shepherding the Flock of God, Part 3: 1 Peter 5:1-4
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
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
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Shepherding the Flock of God, Part 4: 1 Peter 5:3-4
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
C. What in your life is unfading? John 6:35, 8:51, John 10:9, 14-
15, 27-30, 11:25-26
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
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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
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Clothe Yourselves with Humility: 1 Peter 5:5-7
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3.A. What is the command given by the apostle Peter in I Peter
5:6?
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Cast Your Anxieties on Him: 1 Peter 5:7
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
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Be Careful 1 Peter 5:5-8
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Standing Firm in Grace: 1 Peter 5:10-14
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
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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
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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