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: Responding Spiritually and Not in a Worldly Way
Readings: John 18:1-11; 1 Peter 3:14-16
- In what way did Jesus respond:
- to a situation of treachery?
- to a situation of violence?
- to a situation which endangered his companions?
- In what way did Peter respond:
- to a situation of violence?
- to the danger surrounding his Master?
- In the whole situation, did Peter react in a spiritual or a natural way?
- Analyze the differences between Jesus' and Peter's responses to the situation:
- Are we sometimes like Peter in our responses?
- Are we sometimes like Jesus in our responses?
- As believers are we sometimes called to suffer for the sake of righteousness? Will we be blessed by God if we suffer because we are believers?
- Should we be afraid of those who persecute us?
- How should we honour Jesus Christ in our hearts?
- ln what manner should we reply when we are challenged about our faith?
- How can we keep our consciences clear?
