As we have seen already, Peter wrote against the backdrop of persecution. The great-controversy theme wasn’t just abstract theology to his readers; they were experiencing it in a way that many of us have not, at least for now. Read 1 Peter 5:8-10 and Revelation 12:7-9. What do these texts teach us about the origin … [Click to read more …]
Key Thought: Elders function as both pastors and overseers of churches. Peter calls for a spirit of humility and service of leadership. Lesson 7, May 13, 2017 1. Have a volunteer read I Peter 5: 1-4. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. b. … [Click to read more …]
You can view an in-depth discussion of “Servant Leadership” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. (Adobe Flash Player version.) A Youtube version of this week’s lesson at Hope Sabbath School is below. You can download the video, the MP3 audio, and the lesson outline from the HopeTV Sabbath School Site. … [Click to read more …]
Society was very stratified in the ancient world in which Peter lived. The ruling elite had what today might be called a “commanding presence.” Around them were clustered people of lower rank, and the lowest rank of all belonged to a slave. Humility was the proper attitude of those of lower rank toward those of … [Click to read more …]
Read 1 Peter 5:3 and Matthew 20:24-28. What crucial principles of Christian leadership are found in these texts? In Greek, the key word in 1 Peter 5:3 is katakurieuontes. The same word also is found in Matthew 20:25 and means to “exercise dominion” or to “lord it” over someone. Thus, the instruction to elders given … [Click to read more …]
Jobs for servants. Suppose you saw a notice that read, “Wanted: Servant for soul-winning program at Adventist church.” What would you expect a “servant” to do for the soul-winning program? Has the church you attend ever had a pastor you believe filled the role of “servant” as Peter wrote about in his day? Would you apply … [Click to read more …]
Read 1 Peter 5:1-4. What attitudes should leaders bring to their roles in the church? How can these principles apply to any of us, regardless of our role? Peter begins his instructions to elders by observing that he himself is a fellow elder. He then notes two things about himself: he is a witness of … [Click to read more …]
Look up the following texts: Acts 6:1-6, Acts 14:23, Acts 15:6, 1 Tim. 5:17, 1 Pet. 5:2. What insights do these verses give us regarding the challenges facing the early church and the role of its leaders? A large group of people becoming believers and joining the church is a great blessing from God. Yet, … [Click to read more …]
Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Pet. 5:1-10, Acts 6:1-6, Jer. 10:21, Matt. 20:24-28, Prov. 3:34, Rev. 12:7-9. Memory Text: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, NKJV). Studies of growing churches almost always highlight the importance of effective leadership. This leadership takes its vision from God and … [Click to read more …]
Sunday’s study talked about the persecution Christians faced. Here is a fuller excerpt from the letter written to the emperor about what Christians suffered in those early centuries: “… the method I have observed towards those who have been denounced to me as Christians is this: I interrogated them whether they were Christians; if they … [Click to read more …]
