Aim: to apply the principles for gradual and radical change in Peter to ourselves.
Recurring Thought: If God could change Peter, He can change us. If He can change us, He can change the people around us.
Introduction
We all identify with Peter because of his failures – his falling into temptation, his denial of Jesus Christ, his rash speaking, his failure to keep awake and pray. However, God can change a person radically and basically. As that person cooperates with the Holy Spirit the implications of this radical change are worked out in his life (1 Peter 1:1,23). The information on Peter is found mainly in the four gospels, the early chapters of the Acts of the Apostles and in Peter's two letters. We will now study the life of Peter in this series of six Bible studies.
Theme: The Sufferings of the Followers of Jesus Christ
Readings: Matthew 26:30-46; 1 Peter
Note: Peter was offended by suffering and rejected it not only for Christ but also for himself and believers. Later he understood not only the necessity for Christ's unique suffering but also the necessity for Christ's followers to suffer.
- Read 1 Peter 2:21; Acts 9:15-16. Who is called to suffer? Who is the one who calls us to suffer?
- Is the calling to sufferings a hardship or a privilege? (Philippians 1:29)
- Read 1 Peter 1:6-7. How can we rejoice in sufferings? What will be the result of our sufferings?
- What different things do the following verses teach us about suffering?
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