13 Major Themes in 1 and 2 Peter – Discussion starters
- The end of this study. What are two or three blessings that you have experienced in our twelve weeks of study of the two epistles of Peter? Besides studying these two messages, have you also considered aspects of the life of Peter as he mentored his fellow disciples and the early church? Although as Protestants we do not accept that Peter was the first pope, do we look to Peter as a stalwart and effective leader of the early Christian church? How so?
- Issues Peter dealt with. What were the primary lessons Peter presented in 1 Peter and 2 Peter? Peter is known through Christian history as a leading theologian. What matters of theology did he present with the greatest f
ervor? Can you think of one or more essential themes that Peter wrote about? Which of these themes apply to our life today as end-time Christians? - Suffering, Jesus, and salvation. How did Jesus suffer while offering us salvation? As the author and finisher of our faith, why did He have to suffer at all? What did the blood of the sacrifices offer the sinner? How did the Day of Atonement affect the sins laid on the altar? With all of these symbols and rituals, did the Children of Israel have an advantage over us today in understanding God’s love and the effect of sin in our lives?
- How should we live? Do you think Peter was smiling when he said, “Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness?” Do you feel like smiling or crying when you consider these lines? Is a life loaded with duties to perform, character faults to get rid of, and the anxiety of trying to live a perfect Christian life something to smile about? What can we do to fill Christian living with peace and love?
- Hope in the Second Coming. Are you anticipating with great eagerness the day when all sinners will be destroyed forever? Does a “worldwide firestorm” to consume those who have not asked for forgiveness and a close walk with Jesus sound like the perfect celebration at the end of time? What can you and I do to bring hope to someone in our family, at work, or in the community? What thoughts can help all of us anticipate the day of the Second Coming with great eagerness?
- Order in society and in the church. If a church is filled with people marching to heaven, do we still need to concern ourselves with order and obedience in the church? Is the pastor primarily responsible for keeping the church in order? Does the pastor need church members who are skilled at leadership and want to lead your church to higher ground day by day? Can you be a church leader like that? How?
- The primacy of Scripture. Are you ever amazed that people who consider themselves to be Bible believers ignore or misinterpret what the Bible teaches? Have you ever thought of ways you could work with fellow church members to place the Bible in the center of our lives? What could you do to make your community aware of the importance of the Bible in your families?
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Hi Joyce. Thank you so much for your thought provoking and questions. Sometimes they stop me in my tracks and often challenge me not to be complacent. Much appreciated.