Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Ministry Precious Eyes of God in the Part 1 This Homework Belongs To: Phone Number My Group Leader is: Group Number
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Precious in the Eyes of God Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God... I John 3:1 Lesson 1 More Precious Than Gold 1 Peter 1:1-12 In the months ahead, we will be taking a look at 1 Peter a powerful little book tucked deep in the New Testament. It might be easy to overlook this epistle except for the fact that it s named after one of the most well known apostles Peter. Not only is the book named after Peter but he is also the author. You will notice in your study of this book that one of Peter s favorite words is precious. It seems almost out of character for a big burly fisherman, like Peter, to use the word precious except for the fact that the Lord Jesus had so completely transformed his life. Things that he once took for granted suddenly became precious (treasured, cherished, valued, important) to him. His most treasured possession was his faith in Christ so much so that he said it was more precious than gold! Pray before you begin your study of this book. Specifically ask the Lord to help you grow in faith in the year ahead. Memorize This Scripture That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ 1 Peter 1:7 1. Read 1 Peter 1:1-2. This is a warm greeting from the beloved apostle to those that are very precious in the eyes of God His chosen children. After reading these verses answer the questions below. a. Who is the author of this epistle? b. To whom was Peter writing? 2. All three persons of the trinity the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are at work in the lives of those that are born again. Verse 2 mentions something about each one. What do you learn about: a. God the Father b. Jesus Christ c. The Holy Spirit 3. Read 1 Peter 1:3-5. Peter begins to bless our God for who He is and what He has done. He first blesses the Lord for giving us a lively hope. The word lively indicates a hope that is alive and active and influencing the life of the Christian woman. How do you think this lively hope affects your daily choices and attitudes? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
4. Those that are born again, not only bless God for their living hope, but they also bless Him for giving them a very precious inheritance. How does Peter describe this inheritance in verse 4? 5. Peter honors God for another great thing that He has done. From verse 5 what do you think this is? 6. Not only are we precious to God but He is precious to us! Because of this, our hearts are overwhelmed with praise, thanksgiving and adoration for Him. How do the verses below bring us into a deeper awareness of His greatness? a. Psalm 16:7 b. Psalm 28:6,7 c. Psalm 68:19 7. Read 1 Peter 1:6-9. Because God is preparing us for our future in heaven, He allows His daughters to experience trials in this life. These trials test our faith and make it strong. Though we often begrudge trials, Peter opens our eyes to the fact that they are precious. What does he say they are more precious than? (V.7) 8. Gold is refined when it goes through the fire. The fire purifies and makes the gold very valuable. For us our trials act as the purifying fire that makes us priceless to God. Look up the following scriptures and share what you learn about the fiery trials of life? a. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (tribulations & troubles) b. James 1:2-4 c. 1 Peter 4:12-13 9. Peter had the awesome privilege of personally seeing Jesus, whereas we today live by faith. Without ever seeing Him, we believe in Him and love Him. According to verse 8 what indescribable emotion wells up within the believer as a result of their faith? 10. What one thing has touched your heart and become to you a precious lesson this week?
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Precious in the Eyes of God Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God... I John 3:1 Lesson 2 Staying Clean In A Polluted World 1 Peter 1:13-25 As a daughter of God, you have been called to be different different from what you would be if you did not believe in Jesus and different from the unbelievers around you. Know that you are Precious In The Eyes Of God! Don t ever let anyone rob that truth from you by telling you that you are worthless or by talking you into compromising in your walk with Him. The world is polluted and may press in hard at times, but God calls you to stand strong and stay clean. Just as He is holy, He wants you to be holy. Begin your lesson this week with a prayer. Ask the Lord to give you one pure and holy passion to follow hard after Him and His ways. Memorize This Scripture Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. John 15:3 1. 1 Peter 1:13-16 is written as one continuous sentence. What is the one word that is repeated several times in this lengthy sentence? 2. It is not easy to stay clean in a polluted world, but it is the Lord s will for our life. Several commands are given in verses 13-16 to help you maintain a holy walk. What are they? 3. It has been said that whoever controls the mind controls the person. The world today is doing everything it can to pollute the minds of people and control their behavior. Peter exhorts us to gird up the loins of our minds, which simply means we must guard our minds. From the scriptures below, what do you learn that will help you to better gird up your mind? a. Luke 12:29-31 b. Romans 12:2 c. Philippians 2:5 Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
4. The Christian woman is a transformed woman. The Spirit of God has given her an extreme makeover! Another way of stating verse 14 would be to simply say Don t slip back into your old ways of immorality. How is immorality (any sexual relationship outside of marriage) in conflict with the transformed life according to verses 15,16? 5. Read 1 Peter 1:17. As God s children, we need to be serious about sin and about holy living. Why does Peter tell us that we ought to live in reverent fear?. 6. What does 1 Peter 1:18 tell us that we know? 7. Keep in mind throughout your study of the book of 1 Peter that one of Peter s favorite words is precious. Read 1 Peter 1:18-19. Notice that he considers the blood of Jesus as precious. From the verses below what do we learn about the precious blood of Jesus? a. Ephesians 2:12-14 b. Colossians 1:14 c. Hebrews 10:19-23 d. Revelation 12:10-11 8. Part of staying clean in this world we live in involves loving one another. Read 1 Peter 1:22 and further describe this kind of love. 9. At this point in the lesson, you might be asking how can I possibly stay clean in this polluted world? The key stay in the Word of God and apply it. Now read verses 23-25 and share what you learn about why the Word is so vital in your life. 10. Share one aspect of this lesson that challenged you to live a clean and holy life.
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Precious in the Eyes of God Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God... I John 3:1 Lesson 3 Jesus Is Precious 1 Peter 2:1-25 Not only are we Precious In The Eyes Of God, but so is His Son Jesus. In our study this week, Peter gives us several portraits of Jesus a Living Stone, the Cornerstone, an example, a suffering Savior, the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. As we reflect on these characteristics we ll ponder all that God has done for us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We ll be challenged to follow in His steps and respond in a more Christ-like way toward others and toward the trials we face in life. Pause for a brief moment of prayer before heading into your homework. Thank God our Father for sending His precious Son. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to apply all that you study this week and especially to make you more like Jesus. Memorize This Scripture Unto you therefore which believe He is precious 1 Peter 2:7 1. Being born into God s family requires us to renounce the behavior of the old life and live a brand new life. In other words it s time to lay aside our childish and rebellious ways and grow up! Read 1 Peter 2:1-3 and share what will cause us to grow up. 2. Read verses 4-8. Jesus is referred to as a Living Stone in verse 4 and we are referred to as lively stones in verse 5. In other words we are to imitate Jesus. What would you expect to see in a person who has imitated Jesus and become a living stone? 3. Notice that Peter mentions one of his favorite words twice precious. Not only are we Precious in the Eyes of God but so too is His Son, Jesus Christ. What does it mean to you personally that He (Jesus) is precious? 4. Read 1 Peter 2:9,10. Not only are we referred to as newborn babes and lively stones but now Peter refers to us in these verses by using several other descriptions. What are they? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
5. Peculiar people means purchased possession. For a better understanding of this, look up the verses below and share what you learn. a. Exodus 19:5 b. Deuteronomy 14:2 c. Titus 2:14 6. People today don t like the word abstain. Rather than abstain, people want to indulge in their fleshly desires and then find a cure for the consequences. God s word for the Christian is to abstain from these evil desires. From verse 11, why is it crucial that we abstain? 7. Verses 11-16 make it clear that we are strangers in this world and we should live as pilgrims. Because of this, our behavior should reflect that we are servants of God. Therefore Peter beseeches us to abstain from fleshly lusts because they destroy our spiritual lives. For greater insight into what we are to abstain from, look up the scriptures below and share what you learn. a. Galatians 5:19-21 b. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 c. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 8. The Word of God is so clear about how we are to live here on earth! After Peter reminds us that we are strangers, pilgrims and ultimately servants of God, he then goes on to list for us characteristics, attitudes and actions that must be reflected by those who are dearly beloved. From verses 17-20 list as many of these as you can find. 9. After reading verses 21-25 you will learn just a few of the reasons why Jesus is precious. Write below what you discover about your Savior. 10. What one thing will you apply from the chapter this week in order to follow in the footsteps of Jesus?
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Precious in the Eyes of God Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God... I John 3:1 Lesson 4 A Rare Jewel 1 Peter 3:1-12 This week will be spent studying the first part of Chapter Three. In this lesson, Peter specifically addresses the biblical role of a wife. But no matter what your marital status is, you can learn from Peter the essentials for happy and successful relationships. The godly woman is a rare jewel in the world we live in. She's a woman who's chosen to adorn her life with the qualities that God says are valuable. She's also chosen to lay aside certain things that will hinder her from loving and ministering to others like Jesus did. Stop and pray before you begin answering your homework questions. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to the precious truths of His Word and to make you a powerful woman of influence in your world today. Memorize This Scripture For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers 1 Peter 3:12 1. The instructions of 1 Peter 3:1,2 and 5-7 are specifically directed to wives but are applicable to all Christian women. Peter is a man greatly concerned with people and how they handle themselves in relationships. Marriage is one of those special relationships. Read these two verses and answer the questions below. a. What is the command given to wives? b. How is the unbelieving husband won to Christ? c. What qualities should be obvious in the Christian wife? 2. Peter isn t just concerned with women who are wives. He s concerned about every woman of God and her relationships. Now read verses 3-4. These verses deal with both the external and internal adorning of a woman who is priceless. From these verses what do you think the focus of a godly woman s life should be? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
3. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within because that s what is so precious to God and what makes you a rare jewel! Peter exhorts us to put on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. The world these days doesn t seem to put a high price on these jewels but God does. Let s look at Christ s example from the verses below and learn how we can be more like Him. a. Matthew 11:28-30 b. 1 Peter 2:21-23 4. Now let s take a look at 1 Peter 3:8-12 and notice the many exhortations that are applicable to all believers and their relationships to others. A phrase that might aptly describe these characteristics would be love in action. From verse 8, list and define the five actions that make you that rare and precious jewel. Characteristic Definition (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) 5. In our Christian walk there are both to do s and not to do s. In verse 9 there are some very specific instructions for us to heed. In your own words, tell what we are TO DO and NOT TO DO from this verse? 6. Which one of us doesn t want to love life? Which one of us doesn t want to have a good day every day? Well, in order to love life and see good days what does Peter instruct us TO DO and NOT TO DO in verse 10? 7. We have a few more instructions left to add to our ongoing TO DO and NOT TO DO list. In verse 11, what instructions do you see? 8. Remember, we are Precious In The Eyes Of God. Notice in the first part of verse 12 the awesome promise regarding His eyes. Write it out below and purpose in your heart to call it to your remembrance whenever you need it. 9. Your heavenly Father never takes His eyes off of you. How is this confirmed in the scriptures below? a. Psalm 17:6-8 b. Psalm 32:8 c. Psalm 33:18-21 10. Finally, what jewel will you choose to adorn yourself with from this week s lesson?
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Precious in the Eyes of God Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God... I John 3:1 Lesson 5 The Good Life 1 Peter 3:13-22 Suffering is inevitable for the believer. No one is exempt. Trials and heartaches cross all social, financial, physical, cultural and political lines. 1 Peter is a book that has much to say about suffering. In this week s lesson, we ll cover a few of those topics. No matter what we face, we must always remember that ultimately God is in control. If He s allowed something to touch your life, then He s going to use it for your good and to teach you more about Him. The Christian woman who s submitted her life to the Lordship of Christ can count on the fact that she will experience the good life! Even if she suffers for the sake of righteousness, she is blessed. Take a moment right now to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you the right perspective about life through the Word, and to strengthen you to stand firm for Christ no matter what you face. Memorize This Scripture Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 1. One of the greatest tactics the enemy uses against God s precious ones is fear. Time and time again Satan tries to fill us with terror so that we are stopped dead in our tracks. Even though he might hurt us, he cannot harm us. Read 1 Peter 3:13-14 and share how this strengthens you to face your fears. 2. In the world today, we re plagued with fears about the future, fears about homeland security, fears about earthquakes, tsunamis, famine, wars, etc. Not to mention the fact that we have our own troubles to add to this overwhelming list. But the Christian woman does not have to be defeated, because she's been given the power to conquer her fears and troubles. Take time to look up the verses below and share how they build your confidence in the Lord. a. Psalm 34:4 b. John 14:26-28 c. 2 Timothy 1:7 3. Read 1 Peter 3:15. As Christians, we are faced with crises, and we are tempted to give in to our fears and make the wrong decisions. But if we sanctify or set Christ apart as Lord in our hearts, we need never fear men or circumstances. What does the phrase sanctify the Lord God in your hearts mean to you? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
4. Because Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives, everything we face becomes an opportunity to witness or give an answer regarding our faith. Verse 15 specifically says that we are to give our answer with meekness and fear. Explain what each of these words means below. Meekness Fear 5. Read 1 Peter 3:16. Notice the words having a good conscience. It is essential for the woman of God to maintain a good conscience. What do the following scriptures warn us about regarding our conscience? a. 1 Timothy 4:1-3 b. Titus 1:15 c. Hebrews 10:22 6. In verse 17, Peter returns to the topic of suffering. It s not always easy to maintain a good conscience. It s not always easy to do the right thing, especially when I know that it will bring unjust suffering upon me. How does this verse confirm that no matter what, I am to choose to do what is right and pleasing to God? 7. Read verses 18-22. We don t stand alone as we walk through this Christian life. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all at work in the life of God s precious people. From the verses below share what you learn about the Trinity. a. God (v.20) b. Jesus Christ (v.21,22) c. Holy Spirit (v.18) 8. If anybody knew what it was like to suffer unjustly, Noah did! Noah walked with God and obeyed Him despite how people mocked him. How does his example challenge you to stand strong in spite of any opposition you might face in your world today? 9. How fitting that Peter should end this portion of scripture by putting the attention back on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. No matter how impossible your situations seem, rest assured that Jesus is in control. How do you know this from verse 22? 10. Close this section by thanking the Lord for the good life He has blessed you with. Now write a prayer giving the Lord permission to set you apart wholly for Him.
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Precious in the Eyes of God Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God... I John 3:1 Lesson 6 Triumphant In Trials 1 Peter 4:1-19 Every Christian woman who lives a godly life, experiences a certain amount of suffering and persecution. Peter tells us in our study this week to expect suffering rather than to look at it as something that is alien to the Christian life. Jesus explained to His disciples that they should expect trials but He also gave them an encouraging promise: In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Through His death on the cross and His resurrection, Jesus overcame sin and all the tribulations of the world. Now, because of Jesus victory, no matter what we face we can be triumphant in trials. Start your lesson with a prayer. Ask the Lord to help you see beyond any trials you are facing today and to be of good cheer. God bless you as you diligently and faithfully complete this week s lesson. Memorize This Scripture These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 1. Our Lord came to earth to deal with sin and to conquer it forever. He dealt with the ignorance of sin by teaching the truth and living it before men s lives. Peter exhorts us to be sober. In other words, he tells us to keep our minds clear and think right or think like Jesus. From 1 Peter 4:1-7 write down as many instructions you can find that will help you to be sober and well armed to live for Christ in these last days. 2. The command in verse 7 watch unto prayer had special meaning to Peter because he went to sleep when he should have been praying. The end result of that was he denied his Lord. Keeping that in mind, why is prayer such an essential part of our Christian walk? 3. Read verse 8. Peter encourages the suffering saints to be fervent in love. From the verses below find the characteristics of fervent love. a. I Corinthians 13:1-4 b. I Corinthians 13:5,6 c. I Corinthians 13:7,8 Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
4. One of the ways that love is evident in the Christian woman is through the virtue of hospitality. Hospitality literally means friendly to strangers. How is being grudging a denial of the love we are to have? 5. God equips each believer with spiritual gifts or talents with which to serve Him and other people. Read 1 Peter 4:10,11. List the instructions given in these verses concerning each Christian s ministry or service. 6. During Peter s lifetime, Christians suffered intense persecution for their faith in Christ. Suffering can either bring out the best in us or the worst in us. Read verse 12. Notice the tender expression Peter uses to refer to God s people beloved. How does knowing this help you to better cope with the trials you face? 7. Always remember that fiery trials are not without purpose in the life of a Christian woman. Peter teaches us not to think that trials or suffering are strange. For greater insight into why he commands this attitude of us, look up the following scriptures and record what you find. a. Deuteronomy 8:2,3 b. 1 Peter 1:7 c. 1 Peter 4:13,14 8. Now read verse 15. There are certain things for which we are not to suffer for. List these. 9. As women, we have a tendency to let our trials get the best of us. Read verses 16-19. What truths can you plant deep within your heart that will stabilize you during times of suffering? 10. This lesson has been packed full of commands for God s precious ones. Which one command needs your immediate attention?
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Precious in the Eyes of God Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God... I John 3:1 Lesson 7 To God Be The Glory 1 Peter 5:1-14 This week we will complete our study of the book of 1 Peter. By now there should be no doubt that you are Precious In The Eyes Of God! This epistle has been packed full of instruction to equip and prepare us to face, both today and in our future, any circumstance that comes our way. Peter makes it very clear that one reason we have trials is because we have an enemy the devil. But we need not be defeated by him if we listen and follow God s instructions laid out for us in His Word. No matter how difficult our trials may become, as daughters of God, we always have hope God knows what He s doing and He is in complete control. Take a moment to pray right now. Ask for understanding and retention of what you will study this week. To God Be The Glory for the great things He has done in you as you have studied 1 Peter. Memorize This Scripture Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 1. Peter opens chapter 5:1-4 with a job description of elders or Pastors. What did he exhort the elders to do? 2. Read verse 5. Not only does Peter instruct the elders in their behavior but he instructs us too. He tells us to be clothed with humility because God resists the proud but gives grace to His humble ones. Look up the verses below and share what you learn about the significance of humility. a. Proverbs 22:4 b. Matthew 18:2-4 c. Colossians 3:12-14 3. Now define humility in your own words. Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
4. We will be humbled one way or another. It is best to willingly humble ourselves rather than to face the embarrassment of having to be humbled. Read verse 6 and share the benefit of humbling ourselves. 5. According to 1 Peter 5:7 you are Precious In The Eyes of God and He wants you to once and for all give your cares to Him past, present and future. How does God show His love and care for us when we give our cares to Him? a. Psalm 37:5 b. Psalm 55:22 c. Psalm 138:8 6. One reason we have cares is because we have an enemy. Read 1 Peter 5:8 and describe what you observe about the devil. 7. Satan terrorizes us in an effort to cause us to retreat and run away in defeat. This should not be so in the life of a believer. What should our stance be from verse 9? 8. Read 1 Peter 5:10,11. Though Satan wants to destroy you, God has a different plan. What is it from verse 10? 9. 1 Peter has been a book about relationships. He s instructed us in our relationship with other believers, with the lost, with Satan and with God. Think of all you ve read this week in Chapter 5. What one instruction has been most beneficial to you? 10. What Scripture from the book of 1 Peter has made you realize that you are truly Precious In The Eyes Of God? To God Be The Glory For The Great Things He Has Done!