We were reminded during the weekend message that according to the Bible, there are only three things that will last forever: God, His word, and people's souls. It's true. This world is not our home. As a result, we are to live a life that is set apart from the rest of the world and live for the things that will truly matter. This was the message that Peter gave readers in the book of 1 Peter, which we are going to look at in our Bible study today.
Who is someone you know who genuinely lives out their faith?
1. Name a few ways you would expect a follower of Christ to live based on the belief that God, His word, and people’s souls will last forever.
2. Read 1 Peter 2:9-15. Compare and contrast the old way of living versus the new way of living for followers of Christ.
1 Peter 2:9-15
You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” 11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 13 For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. 15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.
3. How are Christ followers called to live, according to this passage of Scripture, and why?
4. Read 1 Peter 3:8-17. What is the impact of living the way Peter describes in this passage of Scripture?
1 Peter 3:8-17
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” 13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!
1. What does it look like today to live an honorable life, and what is the impact of living this way?
2. How did Jesus model for us how to treat people and love them during His life on earth?
3. What is one way you can model Christ’s love for the people around you?
Is there anything holding you back from living the honorable life that Peter describes in the verses in 1 Peter that we studied today? Take a few moments to think about your answer to this question. Then, share with your group anything keeping you from honoring God through your words and actions, along with one step you could take to let go of the thing that is holding you back. When everyone has shared, pray together. Ask God to help each one of you as you seek to let go of anything holding you back from honoring God with your life.
The way we live serves as an example to everyone around us. As followers of Christ, the way we live and the way we speak represents Him to a watching world. Peter said in 1 Peter 2:9 that God has “called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light." His light is exactly what our world needs. Let's take a look at what Scripture teaches about Christ's light, how we, too, are lights in this dark world, and how we are to live as lights in this dark world.
Jesus proclaimed to a listening crowd one day, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). It is true; He came into this world that was marred by sin and darkness and brought light and hope. Take a look at what Jesus Himself said about His life in the book of John.
1. Read John 8:12.
John 8:12
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
2. What does Jesus reveal about Himself in this passage of Scripture?
3. Where does His light lead?
4. What is the impact of following Him?
As Jesus taught one day, He said to His followers, "You are the light of the world." The only reason why we, His followers, are the light of the world is because His light shines through us. Because we follow Him and obey Him, we spread His light throughout this dark world.
1. Read Matthew 5:14
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
2. To what does Jesus compare followers of Christ in this passage of Scripture?
3. Why is light impossible to hide?
4. How has God used others in your life to be lights for Him?
In Matthew 5, Jesus explained that His followers are "the light of the world." Next, He taught them how to live and spread His light. After all, because our light is His light shining through us, we have a responsibility to go out into the darkness to spread His light to those around us!
1. Read Matthew 5:15-16.
Matthew 5:15-16
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
2. What instruction does Jesus give His followers in this passage of Scripture?
3. What is the result of obeying His command in this passage of Scripture?
4. Who is someone who has been a light for Him who pointed you toward Christ?
As Christ followers, we are called to be His lights in this very dark world. Take some time to think of one way you can grow when it comes to sharing your faith. Maybe you can start going places where you can build intentional relationships with nonbelievers, share your 2-minute story of the difference Christ has made in your life, or invite someone to church with you who needs His hope. Whatever you decide, share this with your group. Then, pray together. Ask God for boldness and courage as you seek to make Christ known to the dark world around you.
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