Epistles of Peter The First Epistle December 3, 2017

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1 The First Epistle December 3, 2017 Lesson Respect and Honor Scriptures 1 Peter 3:1-7; Col. 3:18-19 The perfect balance living with balance in your life means living in peace and harmony every day. To have balance is to have a feeling of being whole and complete. When something is out of balance, it is broken, jagged, and off-centered. The results of living an out-of-balance life is confusion, fear, and failure. Let s look at what it takes for there to be perfect balance when it comes to a marriage relationship, according to the epistle of Peter. RESPECT and HONOR form the foundation of a strong marriage that pleases the Lord. On one side of the scale, we find RESPECT. Peter taught that the wife should choose to submit to her husband. In doing so, the wife puts the marriage relationship in Biblical order, showing proper respect to her husband and his authority in the home. Her respect shown to him and her submission to Christ, along with her humble attitude and godly actions, will make a lasting impression on her husband. For example, Sarah respected her husband and submitted to him because she feared the Lord and desired to please him. On the other side of the scale, we find HONOR. Having authority does not relinquish the husband s responsibility, but rather increases his obligation to the wife. He is to value her as Christ values her. So likewise the husband should submit to his wife by giving honor to her. The apostle Paul explained the husband s submission to his wife in terms of his love and self-sacrifice for her. Just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it, husbands are to love their wives. Key Verse: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord... Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it (Ep. 5:22, 25). As seen in 1 Peter 3:2, what is a chaste conversation coupled with fear? What is an ornament of a meek and quiet spirit? (v. 4) What does God consider to be of great price? (v. 4) What is the husband s role in the marriage relationship? (v. 7) When there is perfect balance of respect and honor in the marriage relationship, this allows the prayers to be what? (v. 7) For there to be balance, a marriage relationship cannot be onesided. When husbands and wives fulfill their responsibilities in the marriage as shown in the Word of God, their relationship will be strong and pleasing to the Lord. Submission from the wife shown by respecting her husband, and love for the wife shown by his honoring her will form the perfect balance in marriage.

2 The First Epistle December 10, 2017 Lesson Love One Another Scriptures - 1 Pe. 1:8, 22; 3:8-9; 4:8-10; 1 Co. 13:1-5 Actions speak louder than words. This lesson is about relationships in the church. Everyone needs to know they are loved, and such love is experienced by the way we are treated. In turn, we need to show others that we love them by our actions. The phrase spoken, I love you, is of little value unless these words are demonstrated by our actions. Consider a basketball team. Every player has value, and each player will need the others on the team in order to bring success. Each one serves the other, and thus enables the plan to play out, accomplishing the goal. When the team members are compassionate and show understanding and consideration to each other, you will have a great team that will see many victories. In Team Zion, we need an abundance of God s kind of love that is not self-promoting or self-seeking, but gives itself to others in order to edify one another and please the Lord. Our team must be seen as those who work together rather than pull apart. If we want the church to be a fellowship of blessing, then we must develop an attitude and atmosphere of blessing one another within the church. If we do not understand love and what it is to love the Lord, we will not have the ability to love one another. So the first step in creating a loving atmosphere is for us to purify our souls, which can only be done through the blood of Jesus and by obeying the truth, which is the Word of God. Next, we are to show a sincere, genuine love of the brethren with a pure heart and with an earnest, fervent spirit. Key Verse: And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Why is love so important in the church? Described what kind of atmosphere is created in church where every member feels valued and finds significance. What Christian conduct is listed in 1 Peter 4:8-9 that creates a loving relationship among the members? What is charity? (1 Corinthians 13:4-5) A PLACE TO BE! This is where people go and find an atmosphere of love, life and acceptance. It is a place where exciting things happen. The church is to be a fellowship where every member can flourish and find his/her significance in Christ. In Team Zion, we need each other to succeed; and by loving one another, the church will become A PLACE TO BE!

3 The First Epistle December 17, 2017 Lesson Subjection and Humility Scriptures 1 Peter 5:1-7; Hebrews 13:17; John 21:15-19 Follow the Leader As children, we have played this game in which the participants copy the actions and words of a person who had been chosen as leader. In this week s lesson, Peter taught why subjection and humility are so important in the church, both for leaders and followers. First, a leader is chosen who is able to lead well. Let s look at the responsibility of leadership as shown in 1 Peter 5:1-7. A leader does the following: 1) Feeds the members of the church (flock); 2) Takes oversight of the church with accountability to God for those he/she serves; and 3) Serves as an example, not being lords over God s heritage. Leaders have a great obligation, for people follow leadership (good or bad). Subjection as found in a leader means taking up responsibilities and willingly carrying the burden. To be an effective leader, he/she must have a modest self-opinion which is called humility. Peter was called by Jesus to be a leader:... lovest thou me... Feed my sheep (John 21:15-19). By this question, lovest thou me, Peter felt a deep sense of his littleness compared to the greatness of Jesus in whom he loved; he was humbled. Also, Peter was asked to take the responsibility to carry the burden, Feed my sheep. Second, followers must be willing to follow. All the good leadership in the world can t lead those who refuse to follow. Let s look at the responsibility of followers: 1) Obey them that have the rule over you; 2) Submit yourselves unto the leader; and 3) Humble yourselves. With the understanding that leaders are watching for our souls, it is to the follower s benefit to obey leaders that have the rule over them. Remember Jesus called us his sheep, and the way the Lord will feed our souls is by his called leaders. The follower submitting himself means yielding to authority and admonition. With humbleness comes the grace from God and the ability to follow. Key Verse: Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). What does it mean to be subject one to another? What is the responsibility of a leader? What is the responsibility of a follower? What is unprofitable for a follower? (He. 13:17) Let s play!! Follow the Leader requires both leaders and followers working together for the good of the whole church. When subjection and humility are prevalent in the leadership and also in the church membership, the church will succeed in its mission.

4 A Epistles of Peter The First Epistle December 24, 2017 Lesson Be Sober and Vigilant Scriptures 1 Peter 5:8-11; Luke 21:34-36 WATCH IT! is a term used by one who cries out or speaks suddenly to give warning. In this lesson, we see Peter conclude the first epistle by giving a warning about our adversary, the devil. Satan is a real, dangerous enemy, and we must not ignore the powerful influences of his demonic spirits. Let s look at what Peter taught concerning our spiritual enemy. Be sober, be vigilant was the first warning. The Greek word for sober is nepho, which means to be calm, temperate, discreet, sober, and to watch. Gregoreo is the Greek word for vigilant. It means to watch, give strict attention to, be cautious, be active, and to keep awake. Why such warning? Because Peter gave a picture of the devil being as a roaring lion, walking about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pe. 5:8). Lions attack their victims by catching them off guard, when they are weak, careless, and irresponsible in their judgments and actions. Likewise, when we become careless (not spiritually awake), we also make ourselves an easy prey. After Peter gave this warning, he further advised Christians to resist the devil. In football, a defensive player s responsibility is to withstand (resist) the actions of the offensive team, so that they will fail in their attempt to score a touchdown. To resist the devil is to withstand him and defend ourselves with spiritual weapons, so that our enemy will fail in his attempt to devour us. In Luke 21:34-36, Jesus also warned us to take heed, to watch, and to PRAY so that we may be accounted worthy to stand before the Lord. Prayer is our greatest spiritual weapon and defensive tool for overcoming the devil s attacks. In turn, prayer is also our greatest offensive tool that gives us the strength to push forward to obtain the victory. So let s P.U.S.H. Pray Until Something Happens! Key Verse: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Although we suffer as Christians and face Satan s attacks, what are we assured of? What are the similarities between the devil and a lion? Name and give a definition for the warnings shown in the lesson Scriptures above. VICTORY IS OURS if we take heed, be sober, be vigilant, resist the devil, and pray always. Even though the devil attacks us, we can withstand him and be stedfast in the faith. Our God, who is the God of all grace, will make us perfect, establish us, strengthen us, and will place us on a firm foundation, in order to bring us to victory. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 5:11). F a i t h - N - Focu s f o r T e e n s,

ttghh Epistles of Peter The Second Epistle December 31, 2017 Lesson Precious Faith Scriptures 2 Peter 1:1; John 5:39; 15:26; 16:8, 13-14 The word faith is used by many people today who do not profess

5 ttghh Epistles of Peter The Second Epistle December 31, 2017 Lesson Precious Faith Scriptures 2 Peter 1:1; John 5:39; 15:26; 16:8, The word faith is used by many people today who do not profess to be Christians. They say things like just have faith, meaning just believe for the best or just be positive. On the other hand, when Christians speak of faith, they don t just mean believe in a positive outcome, but they have a very specific kind of faith in mind. The kind of faith Christians have in mind is the same kind of faith the apostle Peter called precious faith. This precious faith is rooted in the words of God revealed by the Holy Spirit, and therefore is centered in Jesus Christ. In today s lesson, we will learn how this precious faith in Christ begins and develops, and why it is truly so precious. Key Verse: Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:1). The Scriptures testify of whom? (John 5:39) Jesus taught that another Comforter (the Holy Spirit) was going to come and testify about whom? (John 15:26) What did Jesus say the Comforter/Holy Spirit was going to do to the world? (John 16:8) What did Jesus say the Spirit of Truth would do for His disciples? (John 16:13-14) Why do you think Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Truth? What are some truths from God s Word that have been revealed to you by the Holy Spirit? The Word of God (i.e. the Holy Scripture) speaks of God s plan through Christ; and the Holy Spirit opens up our understanding, which allows us to experience God even as we believe in Jesus Christ. When the Word of God is read or heard, the Holy Spirit works to convict the world of sin and to show the need for God s righteousness through Jesus Christ. When sinners respond to the Spirit by turning from their sin and believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, they begin a life of faith that is the same as the early Christians. Through faith in Christ, they begin experiencing God s nature (e.g. true righteousness, peace, joy, and love) in their lives. The Spirit then works in their hearts to lead and guide them into all Truth (God s word). In other words, the Spirit helps believers to know and experience more and more of God s plan through Christ. If you are a believer, then faith is very precious to you because you have experienced God and His goodness through faith. As the Spirit reveals more of God s plan to you, you experience more of God by faith; and if you continue living by this precious faith in the Son of God, you will experience the fullness of God throughout eternity! Writer: Trevor Graves

This is tape number SHS328. Unless otherwise noted, all biblical references are quoted from the King James Version.

Session 28 The Person and Gifts of the Holy Spirit Chuck Smith 1 This is tape number SHS328. Unless otherwise noted, all biblical references are quoted from the King James Version. All of the gifts of