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: Relying on God's Power
Practical Aim: to rely on God's power rather than our own natural strength.
Readings: Matthew 26:30-46; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Peter 3:9-10
- List the three ways in which Peter over-estimated his own powers. Read also Matthew 26:69,75.
- Look up Zechariah 13:7. How is this prophecy of the prophet Zechariah fulfilled? (Matthew 26:56)
- To what extent was Jesus willing to be submissive to his Father's will?
- What does this passage teach us about the humanity of Jesus?
- What does this passage teach us about the divinity of Jesus?
- Read Hebrews 5:7-10. How do these verses link with our passage in Matthew in reference to both the humanity and divinity of Jesus?
- Read 1 Peter 1:2. What new power did Peter find?
- How was a change shown in Peter's behavior? (1 Peter 3:9-10)
