This week, we began a brand-new sermon series on the book of First Peter. Peter wrote this book for Christians who were facing persecution. He wrote it to remind believers that we can find joy and hope even in the midst of persecution because of Christ and what He has done.
How do you find encouragement when you are going through difficult times?
1. What do you know about Peter, the author of 1 Peter?
2, Read 1 Peter 1:1-5. What is the inheritance that Christ followers have, according to this passage of Scripture?
1 Peter 1:1-5
I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace. 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.
3. Read 1 Peter 1:6-9. What do the trials that we face prove, according to this passage of Scripture?
1 Peter 1:6-9
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
4. Why can we remain joyful, even when we face trials, according to this passage of Scripture?
1. How has God used difficult times in the past to grow your faith?
2. How does the Scripture that we studied today give you perspective as you walk through difficulties in life?
3. Is there an area of your life where you need to trust God right now?
Even in the most challenging times, we can hold on to the hope of Christ, knowing that we will one day spend eternity with him. This hope is the best news, and it must be shared. Who has God placed in your life who needs His hope? Share that person with your group. After sharing, pray for each of these people by name. Pray that God would make Himself known to them and that He would give you opportunities to share His hope with them.
If we want to understand the book of 1 Peter on a deeper level, it will be helpful to understand more about its author, Peter. Peter was one of Jesus' disciples who walked with Him during His ministry on Earth. Let's take a look at what must have been some of the most pivotal moments of his life to understand more about the man who authored the book of 1 Peter.
Before Jesus got his attention, Peter was living a normal life and working a normal, albeit very humble, job. Everything changed when he met Jesus. Take a look at the passage of Scripture that records this life-altering moment.
1. Read Luke 5:1-11.
Luke 5:1-11
One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee,[a] great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon,[b] its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” 5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. 8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
2. How did Peter express faith in Jesus in this passage of Scripture?
3. What was Jesus’ new calling for Peter’s life after this encounter?
4. What stands out to you about Peter’s response to Jesus in this passage of Scripture?
After Jesus’ arrest, which led to His crucifixion, several people recognized Peter as one of Jesus’ followers. Each time they asked if he knew Jesus, Peter denied knowing Him. In total, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. Peter’s actions must have left him with shame and regret. Imagine how Peter felt when, after Jesus rose from the dead, He restored him and reminded him of his calling to keep following Jesus.
1. Read John 21:15-19. This passage of Scripture records an interaction that Peter had with Jesus after Jesus had risen from the dead.
John 21:15-19
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. 18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
2. How was this interaction with Peter an act of restoration?
3. What calling did Jesus give Peter in this passage of Scripture?
4.What does this passage of Scripture reveal about Jesus?
After Jesus left Earth and returned to Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to come and indwell believers to help them and live life alongside them. Peter was among the first believers when the Holy Spirit came. Take a few moments to read about the coming of the Holy Spirit and how Peter led the church and made Christ known to those around Him.
1. Read Acts 2:32-41. This passage of Scripture contains part of a sermon Peter preached just after the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:32-41
32 “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. 34 For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand35 until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.” 36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
3. Summarize Peter’s message from this passage of Scripture.
4. How do you see evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in this passage of Scripture?
5. What was the response of many who listened to Peter’s message?
Peter was fearless when it came to spreading the message of the hope of Christ. How is it going when it comes to sharing your faith with those around you? Share that with your group. Then, share one way you can grow when it comes to sharing your faith. Maybe you can invite someone to church with you this weekend, practice the Bridge Diagram, or share your 2-minute story with someone. Whatever you decide, share with your group how you can take a step toward growth as you seek to share your faith with those around you. When you finish, pray. Pray for boldness from the Holy Spirit as you all take steps to share your faith with those around you. `
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