Written in conjunction with FL, a beloved sister in the Lord, who uses the ESV and therefore some parts may contain different wordings to that used in the NKJV. Please feel free to use this as best suits the need. No permission needed.
1 Peter 1:1-2
The basic theme of First Peter concerns the proper response to suffering as Spirit-born believers in Yeshua the Messiah. There is agreement among some Bible commentators that the likely background to the Epistle was at the time of the Roman Emperor Nero, around AD64. It has been said that, suspected of being the perpetrator of the great fire of Rome, Nero deflected the blame onto followers of Lord Yeshua – ‘Christians’ 9 (see 1 Peter 4:16) – leading to a time of particularly horrific persecutions spreading throughout the Roman Empire. Knowing then that his readers would be facing more persecution than ever before, Peter wrote this letter to give them a divine perspective on these trials so that they would be able to endure them without wavering in their faith. They should not be surprised at their ordeal because the One they follow also suffered and died. Rather, they should count it a privilege to share the sufferings of Christ. They were to recognize that God allows these things in the lives of His children, not as a punishment but as a stimulus to growth in Christlikeness.
In this epistle, Peter frequently speaks of the believer’s position in Christ and future hope, and he does so to remind his readers that they are merely sojourners on this planet—their true home is yet to appear at the revelation of Jesus Christ in eternal glory. Through the grace of God in their salvation they were to seek, grow and live out an attitude of submission in the context of suffering for the name of Christ.
Reading: 1 Peter 1:1-2 – Peter’s greeting
Q1. The author of this letter is Peter, who introduced himself as ‘an apostle of Jesus Christ’. What does it tell us about him?
Q2. Peter refers to the recipients of his letter ‘elect’ and ‘exiles/pilgrims’. What do these terms mean? Do you think there is any relationship between the two terms in Peter’s mind?
Q3. Peter calls these believers ‘elect’ and this election is ‘according to’ (V.2) the work of the triune God:
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- the foreknowledge of God the Father,
- in the sanctification of the Spirit,
- for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.
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Let us look into these different aspects that Peter brings out.
Q3.1 In what way are believers in Christ the ‘elect’?
Q3.2 What are the ‘elect’ chosen for? What does ‘for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ’ mean?
Q4. Peter ends his greeting with a short prayer (brought out more clearly in the ESV), what special is that prayer in regard to the greeting?
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1 Peter 1:3-12
In our last Study, we noted the background surrounding Peter’s letter to the believers and its purpose of warning, preparing and strengthening them for the suffering they had begun and/or were about to experience as followers of Lord Yeshua the Messiah. We noted that the carefully chosen terminology used to address the recipients, i.e., ‘elect’, ‘pilgrims’ were designed ultimately to draw their minds to whose they were, who they were and the certainty of the hope to be revealed at the revelation of Lord Yeshua. We particularly considered the inter-connectedness of the “themes” brought out in 1 Peter 1:1-2: those chosen to be exiles through the sanctification of the Holy Spirit and as a result the experience of the grace and peace of God being multiplied to us – as “chosen exiles”- as we continue on in the Holy Spirit in obedience to the truth that is in Yeshua the Messiah.
Developing this, Peter continues on to bring to the forefront of the minds of these sojourners the greatness of their salvation and that even their trials were ‘working together for good’ (Romans 8:28) to the end that through these, the authenticity of their faith in God through the Messiah would be confirmed. This is the faith having been begun by the Spirit of God when they first believed upon Lord Yeshua. At it is written it is Lord Yeshua who is ‘the author and perfecter of our faith’ (Hebrews 12:2). God already knows whose faith is truly of Him – it’s we who need to know it that we might complete our race, fully assured that we have kept the faith, but more than that were, ‘kept by the power of God through faith.’
Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-12 The Hope (Confident Expectation) of our Faith – Salvation
Q1. Consider 1 Peter 1:3. What is the foundation of our hope and the nature of it?
Q2. Consider 1 Peter1:5. Share some other scriptures which speak of the keeping power of God for those who believe upon Messiah? Is that power dependant on anything?
Q3. What are the purposes of trials in a believer’s life? Where else in Peter’s letter does he speak on this?
Q4. Consider the answer to the previous question. Is this/could this help you endure any trials or merely some trials? Give explanations with your answers.
Q.5 Do you think this passage highlights the importance of the prophetic Scriptures? Where else does Peter refer to this?
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1 Peter 1:13-2:10
In 1 Peter 1:3-12, Peter extols God and reminds believers what God has done for them and encourages their faith in the salvation of God from different aspects while they are facing trials at present times. What is brought out in our passage today is that the proper response to this salvation is the pursuit of sanctification or holiness and we consider this in two parts.
Reading: 1 Peter 1:13-2:10
Sanctification—Living like you are born again – “Therefore, preparing your mind for action…” (1 Peter 1:13) (ESV, as with each Scripture reference below)
Q1. Why might Peter have chosen to mention the mind before action? According to Peter (1 Peter 1:13-16), how are we to prepare our mind and what action is to follow?
Q2. In 1 Peter 1:17-20, why do you think Peter reminds believers their Father is an impartial Judge? What do you think is the purpose of this passage?
Q3. Chapter 1 of Peter’s epistle with the glorious power and work of God’s word (1 Peter 1:22-25)—what are they? What is the ultimate hallmark for holy living? How do you experience God’s word in your life?
The Privilege and Duties of God’s people
Peter goes on to use a metaphor to teach believers how to receive God’s word and grow as newborn infants. After that, he switches to another metaphor to talk about God’s building work (1 Peter 2:4-8)
Q4. What is the building work Peter is talking about here? Who is the living stone and who are the living stones? What is their relationship? What are the spiritual sacrifices mentioned in these verses referring to?
Q5. In 1 Peter 2:7-8 when Peter quotes from the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) to talk about those who reject the living stone, what do you think might be in Peter’s mind?
Q6. In contrast to those who disobey, Peter listed the titles of those who believe: let these titles sink in. Peter tells the elect once again who they are and what is their honorable duties (1 Peter 2:9-10). What are these?
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1 Peter 2:11-17
Last time we considered the proper response to our salvation by grace through faith in Lord Yeshua the Messiah being living out the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. We began to consider from Peter’s letter, what this looks like in practice. Peter is equipping the recipients by instructing them how to – as it was put – ‘live like you are born again.’ We also began to look at the evidence – or ‘hall mark’ – of holy living together with privileges and responsibility flowing from this.
Our passage today gives us a good opportunity to begin to learn more about one aspect of sanctification – namely, submission – in the context of our duties as ‘sojourners/exiles’ to governing authorities in civil society.
Reading: 1 Peter 2:11-17
Q1. According to the Holy Scriptures, what is meant by ‘fleshy lusts’ at verse 11 and why are these explained as that which ‘wars against your soul’?
Q2. Look at verse 12. What is an important principle of sanctification referred to in this verse and its purpose? Does this remind you of similar admonitions elsewhere in the word of God and if so which ones?
Q3. In the NKJV, the first word of verse 13 is ‘Therefore’. It is often said by bible teachers that whenever you see the word ‘therefore’ you should ask yourself what it is there for? This verse is no exception! Considering what Peter has already said and what he goes on to say at verses 13-16, why is it important for believers in Lord Yeshua to obey the governing authorities?
Q4. Consider your answer above. Are you clear on where God has set His boundary for His commandment to obey the authorities beyond which no child of God can go? Which Scriptures would you/do you hold fast to on this point and why?
Q5. Look at verse 17. It is interesting that Peter does not expound on these action words (underlined): ‘Honour all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.’ Why do you think this might be?
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1Peter 2:18-25
In previous studies, we have been looking at the apostle Peter’s teaching on the proper response to this great salvation being the pursuit of sanctification or holiness. While he reminds believers of their true identity, privileges, and duties as God’s people, he also instructs them how to live this out. Peter instructs them to abstain from and fight against fleshly lusts as they live as sojourners and pilgrims, so as to keep honorable conduct and good deeds, which is profitable people, especially when interacting with those of high resistance to the Gospel. This is so they may yet be brought to glorify God on the day of visitation. One of the ways to have such a good impact is through the proper use of the new freedom in Christ: to act against the natural inclination of the flesh (i.e. don’t use it as a cover up for evil) and to make different choices for the glory of God (i.e. living as servants of God).
‘Be subject for the Lord’s sake’ is a great way to exercise that freedom in Christ. In last study, we considered this in light of what is proper submission to governing authorities in civil society. In this study (1 Peter 2:18-25) we consider the same as we look at proper submission to employers— servant and master relationship at Peter’s time. We will also learn from Jesus’ example of submission in suffering.
Reading: 1 Peter 2:18-25 (Scriptures quoted in this Q&A are taken from ESV)
Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect… (v.18-21)
Q1. What is the practical command that Peter gives to believers in their relationship with their masters and what may have been the potential difficulties with this? (1 Peter 2:18,20)
Q2. In speaking to those servants who has been treated unjustly or receiving undeserved suffering, what does Peter encourage them to consider and be motivated by – what is his emphasis (1 Peter 2:19-20)? Where else in the Bible shares similar teaching to servants? Who else in the Bible faced a similar situation and what was their response?
Q3. ‘For to this you have been called’ (2:21)—what is this calling? Do you/could you share your own experience of this calling?
Q4. Looking at v.21-23, how does Peter describe Jesus’ suffering and what are the qualities and actions of Jesus that sets an example for us to follow?
Q5. Looking at v.24-25, what has Jesus done, and can you see how He uses His ‘freedom’ to make an extraordinary choice? What are the results/benefits of His action? How do all these speak to you about following in His steps?
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1 Peter 3:1-7
In our last study we considered the theme of submission in the context of servant-master (employee-employer), particularly in connection with suffering. At the time of Peter’s letter servants would have suffered much, being a despised class of people, which thing is true in every generation to some degree. Peter wanted those recipients of his letter who were servants to look to Lord Yeshua who endured incomparable sufferings as their example – or, as it were, ‘a pattern of writing’ – to be copied amid their own sufferings as His followers, that they too may glorify God. Continuing his exhortation of ‘having honourable conduct’ (1 Peter 2:12), in our passage today Peter now addresses the home setting – specifically believing husbands and wives – the latter particularly with regard to sufferings they often faced in Peter’s day. He is especially mindful of those wives who, having believed upon Lord Yeshua, were ‘born-again’ (John 3:3-7) but their husbands were not. Believing husbands however are not left out and Peter also has some instructions for these too.
In looking at this passage one aspect which comes out is the structure and harmony God desires to see in godly households, specifically marriages. Scripture teaches – and life confirms it – that this is an area in which suffering can be experienced, particularly where one spouse is godly and the other is not. Nevertheless, it is the same Lord Yeshua who Peter has been referring to earlier in his letter who is to be the example for submission to God and enduring suffering to believing wives and husbands that in this too, they may glorify God.
Reading: 1 Peter 8:3-7
Q1. Why is the word ‘likewise’ at verse 1 important and what are wives commanded and exhorted to do in verses 1-2?
Q2. According to verses 1-2, what impact could the right conduct of the wife have on an unbelieving husband and what are the implications of these verses and a Scriptural caution elsewhere against taking this too far? According to verses 3-4 what are examples of the conduct to which Peter refers?
Q3. Consider verses 3-5. What kind of “beauty” in believing wives (and holy women) is ‘precious in the sight of God’? Share a few Scriptures which are particularly meaningful or striking to you that speak of those “adornments” in believing women which are precious or of value in God’s sight.
Q4. Verse 6 points us to Sarah, the wife of Abraham, as an example of a woman who was submissive to her husband.
Q4a. How did Sarah do this?
Q4b. Looking at the Hebrew Scriptures concerning Sarai/Sarah, in what ways did submission to her husband present difficulties for her and what does verse 5 suggest may have helped her in those times? Share insights from the Scripture records of Sarai/Sarah which could aid understanding of what is meant by ‘submission’ in this context.
Q5. What does Peter instruct believing husbands at verse 7 and what are the consequences of them failing to submit to God’s will for them? Which other Scripture speak to both believing wives and husbands about God’s order for households?
Q6. Consider verse 7 again. There is a glimpse of the order God has ordained between men and women. Which other Scriptures teaches more explicitly on this and what does verse 7 clearly state concerning the absolute equality both men and women before God?
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1 Peter 3:8-12
(All Scripture references below are taken from the ESV Bible)
Peter begins this passage with the word [f]inally’ in summing up and bringing to a close the whole section on submission. His message on submission follows on after the instruction to his readers to ‘[k]eep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation’ (1 Peter 2:12). Honorable conduct and a life which is of beneficial service to others, according with the will and glory to God, can reasonably be said to illustrate a life of submission, as can be gleaned from all that Peter goes on to say after this through to our passage today. Having this as a ‘backdrop’ as we consider Peter’s teaching and encouragement to all believers (those who were born-again and belong to God, heirs of the grace of life, sojourners, and exiles on earth) how to live a blessed life in a hostile culture. We can note from the worlds, ‘finally, all of you be…’ that Peter means for all – whether citizens, masters/slaves, husbands/wives – to take heed of his word to them.
Let’s have a closer look at this “portrait” for believers in 1 Peter 3:8-12 and learn to apply this truth to ourselves.
Reading: 1 Peter 2:11-3:12.
Q1. Looking at 1 Peter 3:8, what are the five attitudes Peter teach believers to pursue and do? What is Peter calling for? Have a closer look and reflect on each attitude and explain what they mean.
Q2. Looking at 1 Peter 3:9, what does Peter teach about the right response to ill treatment/wrongs? Who was the originator of this teaching, and could you recall from Scripture how He leaves us an example on this? Note the words, ‘for to this you were called’ – what does Peter call believers’ attention to after this tough calling?
Q3. What are the 3 admonitions for those who desires to love life and see good days? (see 1 Peter 3:10-11). Which other Scriptures teach about the tongue? What are some right and wrong use of the tongue according to the Scriptures?
Q4. Looking at 1 Peter 3:12, what would the motive and assurance for believers to live and pursue a life stated in vs.10-11? Note the assurance from the words at v.12 – can you recall elsewhere in the Scriptures similar assurances have been given for those who obey God?
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1 Peter 3:14-22
Peter continues his letter in this section beginning with the word ‘[a]nd’. This little word first draws the eyes of the believers back to what he has just been saying, before directing them forward to what he wants to add. It could just as easily be read as ‘also’.
In our passage today, Peter wants the recipients of his letter to consider that though by doing good, it is less likely that people will want to harm you, that this is no means the case all the time. It was not the case for our Lord Yeshua – it will not necessarily always be the case for His followers! Peter, therefore, continues his teachings to the believers to encourage them in bearing up well under suffering, even when the suffer in doing good. He continues to point to the now risen and ascended Lord Yeshua the Messiah, seated at the right hand of the Father, as our example and pattern to follow in sufferings for righteousness’ sake and as the reason for the sure and certain hope we have in Almighty God.
Reading: 1 Peter 2:11-3:22
Q1. Consider 1 Peter 3:13-14. Clearly, it is normally the case that you are less likely to suffer harm if you do good – but by no means always the case. Indeed, the word of God assures us that this will become less the case as this ‘last hour’ continues to unfold! Although Peter quotes from Isaiah (8:12) at verse 14b, where in the New Testament are the words Peter would have relied upon for his statement at verse 14a. (Note a, b, c etc denotes each sentence in one verse).
Q2. Looking at 1 Peter 3:14-16 what does Peter tell the recipients – and us – to do in times of suffering for righteousness? What are the 5 key points Peter gives in these verses and share your understanding what they mean, using any personal examples which you may wish share which may be beneficially edifying.
Q3. Explain what Peter means at 1 Peter 3:17.
Q4. Looking at 1 Peter 3:17-18, Peter’s words at verse 17 are very simple, very clear but is as a road marked with suffering, pain and denial of self in wrongful sufferings. How much we need the enabling grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to follow Messiah in this way! With verse 18 in mind (which speaks of the death and resurrection of Lord Yeshua), let’s take a moment to consider the prophesy of the suffering of Yeshua at Isaiah 52:13-53:13, which broadens what Peter touched upon at 1 Peter 2:22-25. Who is the Helper who Peter has mentioned throughout his letter and again at verse 18 who enables persecuted believers to endure, steadfast in faithfulness through faith in Yeshua?
Q5. What does 1 Peter 3:19-20 this mean and how do the Scriptures undergird your understanding? (verse 19 is a difficult passage to understand – feel free to share bible teachers’ commentaries which aid your understanding).
Q6. Given what Peter has already written in his letter about salvation ‘by grace through faith’ in Messiah Yeshua to Spirit-born believers in Him, explain the meaning of 1 Peter 3:21.
Q7. Verse 22 is a wonderful reminder of where our Lord Yeshua the Messiah now is, in location and position. Share a few other Scriptures which also teaches these things and what this means for those who are children of God in and through Yeshua.
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1 Peter 4:1-11
(All Scripture references below are taken from the ESV Bible)
In our last study at 1 Peter 3:13-22, Peter instructs believers not to fear nor be troubled in suffering for righteousness but instead, be prepared to give a defense and share the reason for hope when opportunities come. Peter also picks Noah’s time as a parallel to his own times to present the example of Jesus’ suffering, to encourage believers that though they might suffer at present, they would be vindicated at the end.
As we come to 4:1-11, Peter continues in focusing on Jesus’ suffering in the flesh to instruct believers to deal with sin since Jesus Christ is their Saviour (4:1-6), and to live as a good steward of God’s gracious gifts for His glory (4:7-11) as the end of all things is near.
Reading: 1 Peter 3:13—4:11
Q1. Looking at the words in 1 Peter 4:1-2, ‘[s]ince therefore Christ suffered in the flesh’ Peter continues his earlier thought at 1 Peter 3:18. What is the meaning of the words, ‘arm yourselves with the same way of thinking’ (underlined for emphasis)? Consider this and share why this is important for believers to do?
Q2. At 1 Peter 4:3, Peter reminds believers how they spent time in the past, ‘in doing the will of the Gentiles’ (NKJV)/’doing what the Gentiles want to do (ESV). What is the nature and characteristics of “the will of the Gentiles”?
Q3. Looking at 1 Peter 4:4-6, Peter states the cause of persecution and the reason for endurance in suffering – what are they (see v.4-5)? Could you relate this to yourself/believers living for the Lord in the 21st century? In the light of ‘the impending judgement of God’ (verse 5), could you see God’s mercy and the urgency it brings in verse 6?
Q4. Considering 1 Peter 4:7-9, where Peter reminds believers ‘the end of all things is at hand’ what does Peter teach should be part of the priority in daily living? What is the ‘above all’ importance and why?
Q5. Peter touches upon God’s gracious gift bestow on each believer at 1 Peter 4:10-11. According to this passage and the Scriptures, what are these gifts and what is the purpose of them? What should be the attitude in exercising them? As you reflect, are you able to see/recognize the gift(s) you received from God and share about this?
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1 Peter 4:12-19
In our last study we saw how Peter warns believers by instruction again concerning the contrast of the lives of debauched unbelievers from that which should characterize the lives as Spirit-born believers in Lord Yeshua. Drawing their attention to the shortness of time as ‘the end of all things’ drew near, Peter is careful to teach what their focus should be: serious-mindedness, prayerfulness, earnest love for the brethren and serving one another with the gifts God has given to each for serving the Body as well as serving as the Body. The goal of these things is the glory of God, through His Son Yeshua the Messiah.
Still with the glory of God ultimately in mind, Peter in the portion of his letter in today’s study, as in every chapter, again turns to the matter of suffering as a Christian. Today’s passage brings a dual emphasis: suffering as a Christian from trials without and the sufferings which can arise from God putting His ‘house’ in order through purification process of His beloved children. Peter intentionally ends this segment of this letter with the one solution ultimately for the suffering believer in either case: to ‘commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.’ I believe the operative word here is ‘faithful’.
Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Q1. Consider verse 12. What might have been ‘the fiery trial’ Peter refers to and why might Peter have cautioned them not to think it ‘as though some strange thing had happened to [them]’?(Underlined for emphasis)
Q2. In verses 13-16 and 19 Peter is very clear in instructing them on the right attitude and response the believers should pursue and adopt concerning this fiery trial. Quite often, repeating the same thing while perhaps emphasizing different aspects is a good way of helping truth to sink in more deeply. Can you find where in every chapter of this epistle Peter has written about suffering as a Christian and the godly response to follow? List/recount them and share in brief some key principles you have learned from these.
Q3. Verse 16 touches on something which I believe is not spoken of very much within the topic of Christian suffering – the matter of shame. What does Peter encourage a believer enduring this aspect of suffering to do and what encouragement does the word of God give to matter of experiencing the feeling of shame as a Christian?
Q4. Focusing on verses 17-18, explain what Peter is teaching believers and relying on other Scriptures what biblical principle(s) does this highlight?
Q5. Verse 19 is again clear in its instruction. What are the two things Peter tells a suffering believer to do in this verse? Can you think of portion of Scripture which gives similar encouragement?
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1 Peter 5:1-7
(All Scripture references below are taken from the ESV Bible)
In this passage today we see Peter nearing the end of his letter written to the Spirit-born believers in Lord Yeshua the Messiah of the Dispersion of Asia Minor. After encouraging them and instructing them all in how to live under hostility and persecution, he particularly gives and heartfelt exhortation to elders. Peter commands them to shepherd and watch over the flock of God, this being both natural and significant, having also warned that ‘it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God’ (1 Peter 4:17)!
Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-5:7
Q1. Consider 1 Peter 5:1. Before giving his exhortation to elders, how does Peter introduce himself? Could you imagine what this would have meant and the impact this would likely have had upon the hearers?
Q2. Looking at 1 Peter 5:2-3 carefully, note how Peter does not give a detailed job description, but reminds elders what they have been called to and brings out an important mindset in 3 sets of don’ts and dos. What are these and could you try to describe the profile of a shepherd through them?
Q3. To shepherd the flock of God – especially in a hostile culture – is no easy task! What does Peter point to as the motivation of this ministry to elders at 1 Peter 5:4?
Q4. After addressing the elders in the household of God, it is only natural and important to instruct the young as well.
Q4a. Looking at 1 Peter 5:5, what instructions does Peter give the young and why is it important?
Q4b. In the same verse, without directly specifying possible conflicts in Christian relationships, Peter instructs all Christians to pursue a key attitude in dealing with each other. In what way does Peter highlight this and why is it important?
Q5. After stressing that ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’, Peter reminds Christians that humility is an important attitude before God (note ‘[t]herefore’ in verse 6). Looking at 1 Peter 5:6-7, why is humility before God important in times of anxiety when facing hostility and suffering?
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1 Peter 5:8-11
Immediately before to the very end of his letter, Peter exhorts the believers to not lose sight of the fact of the adversary of all believers – an important consideration in the midst of suffering and in any wrestling with submission to the will of God. Peter is, however, very careful to also encourage them in the truth that, as formidable an adversary as the enemy is, that which is given to us by God in Yeshua the Messiah is powerful enough to withstand him. In this study we take a brief look at a few points on what the bible says about the believers spiritual warfare against our enemy and the victory God has given us in and through Lord Yeshua, the Son of the living and one true God. Hallelujah!
Reading: 1 Peter 5:8-11
Q1. According to Peter’s words solely at 1 Peter 5:8 why do we need to be sober and vigilant? Who is our adversary and how is he portrayed in this verse and in other Scripture passages?
Q2. Share some New Testament Scriptures concerning some of the ways in which the adversary seeks to attack believers in Messiah Yeshua.
Q3. In 1 Peter 5:9 specifically, what are the three things Peter instruct believers to do in connection to the adversary. Share some other Scriptures which can help do as Peter instructs and which may give understanding by what Peter means by those instructions.
Q4. Consider your answers to be above question light of verses 8-9 again. When you have “heard the roar of the lion” – your adversary and can you share which Scripture(s) the Spirit of God has raised up most often to help you. How did the Lord help you in those times?
Q5. In what way does Peter magnify God in verse 10. Share some other Scriptures which highlight this awesome attribute of our great God.
Q6. Continuing to consider verse 10, what promise do believers have from God in times of suffering by this particular means (i.e. suffering by reason of spiritual warfare)? What do each of the four key terms used by Peter here mean concerning this promise of God? Does this encourage you within?
Q7. It is good to be reminded that in all our sufferings, in Messiah Yeshua we can know victory in, by and through our great God and Father to whom the glory and dominion belong! Share some biblical insights into the terms ‘the glory’ and ‘dominion’ Peter uses in closing at verse 11.
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1 Peter 5:12-14
(All Scripture references below are taken from the ESV Bible)
As Peter finishes his letter, he restates the purpose of his letter as a final exhortation and encouragement to believers. In a nutshell it is that they ‘[s]tand firm in the true grace of God!’ Peter really pours out his heart as an elder to the flock of God! Let us meditate on this precious conclusion.
Reading: 1 Peter 5:10-14
Q1. Looking at 1 Peter 5:12, what has Peter said about his letter – what is the nature and purpose of this letter?
Q2. Staying at verse 12, Peter mentions ‘this is the true grace of God’, what is ‘this’ referring? Reflecting on the whole letter of Peter, could you briefly describe the scope of this grace of God which Peter mentions in this letter?
Q3. Continue to meditate on verse 12, why do you think Peter adds the adjective ‘true’ before the grace of God?
Q4. After declaring what ‘the true grace of God’ is, Peter goes on to exhort believers to ‘[s]tand firm in it.’ What does this powerfully worded phrase mean and why is it important? Share in your own words how you experience this in your walk with God.
Q5. Looking at 1 Peter 5:12-14, Peter mentions names and other believers in his final greetings. What can we learn from this in the light of ‘the true grace of God’ among believers in Messiah Yeshua?
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