An overarching theme of the Bible, maybe even the overarching theme, is that of God’s work in saving fallen humanity. From the fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis to the fall of Babylon in Revelation, Scripture in one way or another reveals the work of God in seeking to save “that which was lost” … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Col 1:13-14; Isa. 53:1-12; John 11:25; Ps. 18:50; 2 Pet. 1:1. Memory Text: “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24, NKJV). As we have … Continue reading –>
A great example of the servant leadership of Jesus is found in His behavior at the Last Supper. At that time, Jesus was fully conscious of who He was (the Son of God) and that He was about to return to His Father (John 13:1). After the meal He washed the feet of the disciples. … Continue reading –>
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 … Continue reading –>
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 … Continue reading –>
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 … Continue reading –>
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 … Continue reading –>
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, … Continue reading –>
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 … Continue reading –>
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 … Continue reading –>
