Social Relationships – Lesson Plan
Key Thought: Peter describes God’s will in the ways Christians are to relate to various levels of authority, doing what is right and good to bring glory to God.
1. Have a volunteer read I Peter 2:13-17.
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a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What is Peter generally telling us about how to relate to government and leaders of the nation?
c. Personal Application : Why is it important for you to be as good a citizen as possible, even in troubled political situations? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “What if you don’t like the laws of the land or the government? Should we obey them even if we don’t agree with them? We, as Christians, should rebel and fight against any law or institution, even the church, if we feel they are unjust or discriminates against anyone.” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read I Peter 2:18-23.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. What do you consider your rights in life today? In what way can we stand up for our rights in ways that agree with Jesus’ example for us?
c. Personal Application : Have you ever felt like your rights were violated in some way? What was your reaction? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, If my boss, parent, husband, or anyone that says or does anything against me or my people, I’m raising hell on them. Nobody’s going to make me feel disrespected, especially is they are not nice or civil about it.” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read I Peter 3:1-7.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. How does what is said in this passage relate to today’s society?
c. Personal Application: Why is it important for husbands and wives to give each other dignity and respect in their relationship? How can Christ be crucified in an unchristian attitude or actions? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Women today are more interested in decking themselves out with makeup, paint, polish, and jewelry than they are of being meek and quiet. Too many are boisterous, loud, argumentative, and brawling rather than being in subjection. Did our society do this, or is the Scripture not applicable today in this area? How would you respond to your neighbor?
4. Have a volunteer read Acts 5:27-32.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. How does what Peter did here relate to what he said about the obedience we are to give to authorities?
c. Personal Application : Have you ever been disobedient to authority? Was it justified in your mind? Does the Bible justify it? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
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