April 28, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:8-9, John 15:1-11, 16:24, Romans 10:17 

How did Peter remind his audience about the source for their joy in 1 Peter 1:8? Be specific. 

In what way was he also highlighting what he had learned from Jesus in John 15:1-11? 

What is required in order for this to take place? How does this help you respond to life’s trials?

April 27, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:8-9, Psalm 16:11, Romans 14:17, 15:13, Galatians 5:22 

In what way is God’s definition of joy different than the world’s definition? (i.e. the source) 

How does this help explain how a Christian can experience joy in spite of a painful situation? 

What does this imply about lasting joy compared to circumstantial joy? How does this encourage you?

April 26, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:8-9, John 20:27-29 

How did Peter encourage the persecuted Christians in their faith? How was it different than his faith? 

In what way did Peter learn this perspective from Jesus? How does it also relate to being born again? 

How would this have helped them experience joy? How can this same truth apply to you? Be specific.

April 25, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:6-7, Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 12:1-9, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:5-11 

How can pain and struggle actually lead to spiritual maturity and growth? Give some examples. 

What is required in order for this take place? What will happen if this is misunderstood or avoided? 

How can this perspective help you with spiritual growth? Ask God for clarity in a trial you are facing.

April 24, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:6-7, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 

Given that Peter is addressing persecuted Christians, how does he help them view their struggles? 

In what way can a trial also be a spiritual testing period? How does the parable of the sower highlight this truth? 

How does this change your perspective on trials? What are some ways you feel your faith has been tested?

April 23, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:6, Matthew 5:11-12, John 16:32-33, 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 John 3:13 

How does scripture describe the Christian life? Be specific. What can be implied if this doesn’t happen? 

In what way have you seen the Christian life be redefined today? Give an example. 

Why is this important when it comes to experiencing joy? How does this play into managing expectations?

April 21, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:3, Luke 22:31-33, 54-63, John 21:1-19 

How did Peter feel after he had denied knowing Jesus? How did Jesus respond to him after the resurrection? 

In what way did Peter experience God’s mercy? How would this have impacted Peter’s spiritual hope? 

How can Christians today have a similar experience? How can you step into this truth?

April 20, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:4-5, Galatians 4:4-7, Ephesians 1:11, Colossians 1:11, 3:24, James 2:5 

What does it mean from an eternal perspective that believers are “adopted” and have an “inheritance”? 

What guarantee does God provide that this will never be lost? (i.e. what is the form of protection?) 

How would you respond to someone who thinks you can lose your salvation? Write out your answer.

April 19, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:3b-5, Luke 2:11, John 3:16-18, 14:1-7, Philippians 3:20, Luke 22:33-43 

Why did Jesus come to earth (born of a virgin), die on a cross, and rise again from the grave? 

In what way does this make the Gospel relevant in every life situation? (e.g. persecuted Christians) 

How have you seen this truth get lost today? In what way can this lead to missing the forest for the trees?

April 18, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:3a, John 16:7-10, Galatians 5:22-24, Ephesians 4:22-30 

List the primary ways the Spirit will confirm a work in the life of a believer. Be specific. 

Explain the difference between moralism and the fruit of the spirit. Give an example. 

Why will it be impossible for a Christian to live in sin without a heart struggle? What is God teaching you?

April 17, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:3a, Ephesians 1:13-14, Titus 3:5-6, Galatians 4:6 

How does God confirm when someone becomes a Christian? How can other perspectives lead to doubt?

What are the biblical options for someone who doesn’t know if they are saved? Be specific. 

Explain how God has guaranteed to you that you are saved. Give an example.

April 16, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:3a], John 3:3-8, 2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:17, 1 John 4:13 

In your own words, explain what it means to be born again. What causes this to happen? 

Why is this a critical indicator for becoming a Christian? How can this be easily overlooked? 

How would you respond to someone who claims to be a Christian by church attendance?

April 14, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:2b, 2 Peter 1:2, 1 Cor. 1:3, 2 Cor. 2:12, Philemon 3, 2 John 3, John 14:27 

In what way does grace relate to peace in the Christian life? How have you experienced this truth? 

Explain how God’s peace and grace is the basis for the Gospel. How can it also be a part of spiritual growth? 

How will a deeper devotion to Jesus help you experience this truth? Take some time to pray right now.

April 13, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:2, Exodus 24:1-8, Matthew 26:27-28, Hebrews 9:11-22 

What would a Jewish audience have pictured with Peter’s comment “sprinkling with his blood”? 

In what way did this point them to Christ? What does it imply about a more complete covenant? 

How would this have encouraged Christians who were being persecuted? How does it encourage you?

April 12, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:2, John 6:44, Eph. 1:13-14, Acts 2:37-38, Romans 10:8-9, 2 Thess. 2:13 

Explain the 3-step process that takes place for someone to become a Christian. Be specific. 

In what way does this highlight the interaction between election and choice? Why is this important? 

How would you respond to someone who rejects one doctrine over another? (i.e. election vs. free will)

April 11, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:1, Acts 2:1-14, 37-41, 8:1, Ephesians 2:17-20, 6:12, Phil. 3:20, Heb. 11:13 

What two ways could Peter’s audience have become spiritual “exiles”? Be specific.

What does this imply about their spiritual challenges? Why is every Christian a spiritual “exile”? 

Why is this important for Christians to remember? What does this reveal about comfortable Christianity?

April 10, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:1, Deuteronomy 7:6, Acts 2:22-24, Romans 2:28-30, Ephesians 1:3-14 

Define the doctrine of election. Why might election be easier for a Jew to embrace than a Gentile? 

In what way can election be both troubling and encouraging? Be specific. 

How would Christian persecution relate? Give an example. How does this make you feel?

April 9, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:1, John 1:35-42, Matthew 14:22-32, 16:13-19, John 18:1-11, 25-27, Acts 2:14-21 

How would you describe a person like Peter? What surprises you about his interactions with Jesus? 

In what way do you relate to Peter? How does he encourage your walk with Jesus? Give an example. 

Knowing that Peter was martyred for his faith, what does this imply about the truths found in 1 Peter?

April 7, 2018

Read:  Matthew 27:62-28:20, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 

Describe the two responses to Jesus’ resurrection in today’s reading. How does this take place today? 

Why is the Easter message critical to following Jesus? How easy is it for you to believe in Easter? 

What is often overlooked when it comes to Easter (i.e. eye witnesses)? How can this help with doubt?

April 6, 2018

Read:  John 20:29, Mark 10:13-16, Hebrews 11:1-6 

How does scripture describe biblical faith? How is it a combination between evidence and trust? 

In what way did Jesus use children to define this type of faith? What does this prevent from happening? 

List two ways that you can easily doubt God. How can you combine evidence and faith to move forward?

April 5, 2018

Read:  John 20:29, 10:22-42, Luke 13:10-17, 10:13-14 

What was Jesus essentially saying to Thomas about future generations? Why is this important? 

In what way can people today try to demand “evidence” as a way to avoid faith? Why won’t this work? 

How can personal agendas actually blind people to the evidence? How can you avoid this trap?

April 4, 2018

Read:  John 20:26-28, Matthew 12:36-37, Romans 14:12, 1 Corinthians 5:5, Hebrews 6:4-8 

How did Jesus respond to Thomas’ doubts? In what way did Jesus hold Thomas accountable? 

What does this imply about questioning God and personal accountability? Be specific. 

How can questioning God be used to perpetually avoid accountability? How does this adjust you?

April 3, 2018

Read:  John 20:19-25, 14:1-5, Deuteronomy 4:29, Jeremiah 29:13, Luke 11:9 

How did Thomas respond to reports of Jesus’ resurrection? How was this typical Thomas? 

Given that Thomas was a disciple of Jesus for 3 years, what does this highlight about Jesus and Thomas? 

What does this imply about questioning God? How does this encourage you? Be specific.

April 2, 2018

Read:  John 20:10-18, 11:25, 1 Corinthians 15:12-22 

Why is Easter the centerpiece of Christianity? What would happen if the resurrection wasn’t true? 

How often do you think about Easter and your faith in Christ? In what way have you underestimated it? 

Why do you think this is a challenge in today’s culture? How does it ultimately impact celebrating Easter?