Peter uses fairly general terms to describe our future inheritance. What are some of the benefits for the believer in this present life? The book of 1 Peter indicates blessings for the believer, both in this present life and in the eternal life to come. Which of Peter’s instructions do you find hardest to follow? How can we develop these positive characteristic in our lives? How can we work together to nurture the growth of these characteristics in each other? On a white board or large piece of paper, as a group, make a list of these words or attributes. Peter identifies many attributes, attitudes and behaviours that ought to describe the character and behaviour of a believer. What impact should this have on our lifestyle? What are the reasons Peter gives for us to seek to live holy lives? In what specific ways does Peter urge people to live holy lives? He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness by his wounds you have been healed. Peter describes the high price that Christ paid for us (1:18-21 3:18). How do you think you would cope if you were required to suffer for being a Christian? Do you think your relationship with Christ would change during a time of suffering? Is there anything you could be doing now to prepare for the possibility of Christian suffering? In what ways can we help those who are suffering (Hebrews 13:3)? How might we be able to learn from those who do suffer imprisonment and martyrdom for their Christian faith? Open Doors estimate that 255 Christians are killed for their faith each month. There are many people around the world suffering for Christ. In what ways did Jesus suffer? What can we learn about Jesus’ example in suffering? (1 Peter 1:19 2:4 2:21-25 3:18 4:1) Peter presents Jesus as an example for us to follow: ‘To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps’. What type of suffering can the follower of Christ expect to face? What other types of suffering does Peter refer to? What sort of suffering should we seek to avoid (1 Peter 2:20 4:15)? Have you experienced suffering for following Christ? In this letter, Peter assures his readers that suffering is a part of the Christian life. Session Two: Christ’s Example in Suffering In the meantime he encourages them to live godly lives, submitting to one another and submitting to the state authorities. Peter reassures his readers that God would richly reward them when their lives here on earth are over. He had three pieces of advice for them: make sure you don’t deserve the persecution don’t take revenge on your persecutors and don’t let persecution discourage you. Peter did not tell his audience how to avoid persecution, rather he instructed his readers to endure persecution. Peter wrote this letter to encourage the believers to persevere despite the persecution they were facing. This letter reveals a patient and mature Peter who dearly loved Jesus and was courageously willing to suffer for Christ. The book of Acts records the transformation of Peter into a bold preacher and leader of the church. The gospels present Peter as an impulsive, fearful man who frequently said foolish things. The author of this letter identifies himself as Peter, and there is no reason to doubt that this was the apostle Peter, the fisherman from Galilee who became Jesus’ disciple and close friend.
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