Christians often talk about “the passion of Christ.” The word passion comes from a Greek verb that means “to suffer,” and the phrase “the passion of Christ” usually refers to what Jesus suffered in the final period of His life, beginning with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Peter, too, dwells on the theme of Christ’s … Continue reading –>
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 –>
While theologians debate “perfectionism,” believe it or not, most of us aren’t trying to be “perfect” for the sake of being a Pharisee. We love Jesus and want to please Him, to show appreciation for His great sacrifice and love. I don’t know that the woman washing Jesus’ feet was really thinking about being perfect. … 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 –>
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. … Continue reading –>
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. … 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 –>
The lesson title immediately brought to mind Hymn 537, “He Leadeth Me”. The Memory Text in 1 Peter 5:7 gives us instructions just as much as does Hymn 181 “Does Jesus Care?” which first questions us, then answers our questions of the Saviour’s love and care for us. 1 Tim 5:17 speaks of leadership in … Continue reading –>
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 … Continue reading –>
