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Study-Guide-1.Pdf STUDY GUIDE SUMMIT VIEW CHURCH INTRODUCTION “Christians are not different from the rest in Over the next three months, we’ll be studying the their“ nationality, language book of 1 Peter together. Over these twelve weeks, or customs. They live in we’ll see how we, as believers, can be filled with hope, and experience God, despite facing difficult and trying their own countries, but as circumstances. In fact, Peter communicates that in sojourners. They fulfill all the face of opposition, Christians are provided a great their duties as citizens, but opportunity to show the difference Jesus makes in our they suffer as foreigners. lives. They find their homeland wherever they are, but This guide has been prepared for you to use their homeland is not in individually, or as a life group, as a tool to further explore the text and engage with the messages from any one place. They are 1 Peter. We pray that it gives you additional resources in the flesh, but do not and helps you go deeper during this teaching series. live according to the flesh. They live on earth, but are AUTHOR citizens of heaven. They obey all laws, but they live Peter is identified as the author of the letter in 1 Peter 1:1. Peter likely wrote the letter with the help of Silas higher than that required (1 Peter 5:12). The Gospel accounts tell us that Peter by law. They love all, but was a fisherman from Bethsaida; he and his brother all persecute them”.“ Andrew were among the first to be called to follow Jesus (John 1:43-44). Church history suggests that most - Address to Diognetus of the material from the Gospel of Mark are events Circa 2nd/3rd century and stories dictated to John Mark by the Apostle Peter. Peter was also heavily involved in the establishment of the early church, where the Book of Acts highlights his ministry in Acts 1-12, before switching to Paul’s missionary journeys from Acts 13 and on. AUDIENCE As seen in 1 Peter 1:1, the letter is written to believers who are in exile throughout Asia Minor (modern day Turkey, see map). The locations are written in a sequential order, meaning Peter’s intention was that the letter would be itinerant and read widely. The language we find in this letter is extremely inclusive, meaning Peter is addressing the whole church, Jew and Gentile Christians, not just one small segment of the community. Map from Crossway ESV Study Bible at www.esv.org. TIME The letter was written around 62/63 A.D. while Peter was likely in Rome (called Babylon in 1 Pet. 5:13). I PETER STUDY GUIDE ▶ I INTRODUCTION -- continued -- MAJOR THEMES A key passage that can summarize the OUTLINE OF 1 PETER entire book is found in 1 Peter 4:12-13. In this passage, Peter reminds us that we should I. Opening Greeting (1:1-2) not be caught off guard when we experience hardships, but in fact, we should rejoice in II. Called to Salvation as Exiles them, because it means we are sharing in the (1:3-2:10) life of Christ. a. 1:3-5 Our Inheritance There are two themes that present b. 1:6-9 Rejoice in Suffering themselves throughout 1 Peter̶suffering c. 1:10-12 Privilege of Revelation and the glory of God. While on the surface it d. 1:13-21 The Basis for Holy Living, may seem that these two things don’t belong Our Future Inheritance in the same sentence, Peter helps to show us e. 1:22-2:10 Living as the New that they can and often do intersect in the life People of God of a Christian. III. Living as Aliens to Bring Glory to PURPOSE God in a Hostile World (2:11-4:11) Peter is seeking to bring encouragement a. 2:11-12 Christian Life as a Battle and reassurance to Christians who are and Witness experiencing persecution, and provide b. 2:13-3:12 Demonstrating the insight on how to live in light of it. Peter Gospel in Our Relationships focuses on our identity in Christ, and how c. 3:13-4:11 How to Respond to that identity impacts our conduct in the Suffering various areas of our lives. Peter encourages us to remain faithful, knowing that God IV. Persevering in Suffering (4:12-5:11) ultimately has the final word, and we can a. 4:12-19 Persevere in Suffering experience eternal glory (1 Pet. 5:10). and Joy b. 5:1-5 Exhortations for Elders SUPPLEMENTAL and Young RESOURCES c. 5:6-11 Exhortations to Humility ▶ VIDEO: Bible Project – 1 Peter V. Concluding Words (5:12-14) ▶ RIGHT NOW MEDIA The Book of 1 Peter by Kyle Idleman ▶ BOOK 1 Peter For You by Juan Sanchez ▶ BOOK The Story of God Bible Commentary – 1 Peter by Dennis Edwards ▶ BOOK Disappearing Church by Mark Sayers ▶ BOOK Faith for this Moment by Rick McKinley I PETER STUDY GUIDE ▶ 2 I peter I:I-2 As with most letters within the New Testament, Peter starts off with a greeting that introduces us to his audience, as well as his CONVERSATION STARTERS purpose for writing. We may have the propensity to overlook these ? When we walk through our front doors few verses when we open the after a long trip, we frequently state, book, thinking that there is little “Home sweet home.” What are we trying to to no substance to it. However, communicate when we use such language? if we take time to pause, read, Have you ever had an experience where and reflect, we will gain a better ? you may have been “home,” yet you still felt understanding of our God and unwelcome, unwanted, or uncertain? salvation. This week, while we may only be looking at two verses, READ & DISCUSS there is enough in them for us to spend all eternity studying. 1 Peter 1:1-2 The term “elect exile” creates an interesting connotation. While the readers of this letter were scattered and may have felt things were in ruin, Peter doesn’t allow geographical separation and difficult circumstances to take away from an eternal perspective. This week we will explore our security in God’s plan of salvation. Within this passage, we see some large theological terms that carry great importance. If needed, spend some time reflecting on what each of them mean. Elect: Generally refers to either the members of God’s people or to those within a local church. As we see within 1 Peter, it is addressing the creation of a people, rather than a calling of an isolated individual. God’s people are a privileged people, for they have direct access to Him, are saved by Him, and have Him there to uphold them through all trials. What does it mean to be “chosen” or “elect?” For further clarification see: John 15:16; ? Acts 13:17; Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:3-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14. Exiles: The removal of an individual from one’s native land. Typically done in instances when one conquers another. The usage of the term “exile” would conjure up images for the original audience of the captivity the Jews experienced underneath the rule of Babylon (as highlighted in the books of Kings, Chronicles, Ezra, Daniel, Jeremiah, etc.). Helpful Supplemental Video: Exile – The Bible Project Have you experienced this feeling before? When? What have been the ? circumstances? I PETER STUDY GUIDE ▶ 3 I peter I:I-2 -- continued -- Foreknowledge: God is fully aware of all events before they occur. Nothing is outside of God’s knowledge (past, present, or future). Nothing is hidden from Him and He knows everything completely. Foreknowledge is often connected to God’s plan of salvation as well as His reign over the universe. Considering that we have been God’s chosen people from all eternity, does this ? change the way we view our circumstances? Even in the midst of hard ones? Sanctification: As believers we receive a new identity, a new heart, and the Spirit to indwell us. The Spirit does a work in setting us apart, for dedicated service to God, as well as aiding in our progressive maturity into Christlikeness. There are two things Peter can be addressing here: 1) Initial conversion or 2) The ? gradual progress in becoming more like Jesus. Which interpretation seems to make the most sense? Note: It is entirely possible Peter is meaning both here. The Spirit sets people apart for God, so they may be holy. The Spirit empowers people to live in obedience that they may grow in holiness. Each role of the Trinity is highlighted and introduced in this passage. Based upon ? this passage, what is the activity of each member? APPLICATION While Peter will later explain the duties a Christian has in the realm of politics, work, marriage, the church, and other relationships, he starts off explaining the exiles’ identity in God. ▶ Why is it this so important to remember as we further study 1 Peter? ▶ How important is it for Christians to understand that this world is not our home? ▶ What kind of perspective does this remind us to have towards the things of this world? I PETER STUDY GUIDE ▶ 4 I peter I:3-I2 How do you usually respond to when you receive great news? When we get the phone call or CONVERSATION STARTERS text message about the birth of a new baby, new job, promotion, or engagement, we are often filled In moments of doubt and uncertainty, what with joy in response to what has ? do you typically lean on for support and security? happened.
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