June 30, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 2:13-14, Daniel 3:13-30, Acts 4:18-20, 5:27-29

What is the balancing principle to 1 Peter 2:13-14? How did Peter demonstrate this truth? (Acts 4:18-20)

How can Christians find themselves in similar situations today? Give an example.

What does this imply about keeping political and spiritual priorities in check? How does this apply to you?

June 29, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 2:13-17, Romans 13:1, Titus 3:1-2

How does God say Christians should respond to their political leaders? How is this challenging today?

Explain the distinction between respecting a leader versus the role of a leader. What dilemma does it solve?

How can your response to political leadership be a devotion to God? What steps will you take to change?

June 28, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 2:13-14, Romans 13:1-5, John 19:1-11

How did Peter highlight the spiritual side of political leadership? How did Jesus do the same to Pilate?

Why is this important when it comes to viewing today’s political leadership? How can this get missed?

In what ways have you overlooked this truth? Be specific. How does this adjust your perspective?

June 27, 2018

Read: 1 Peter 2:11-12, Matthew 5:13-15, Ephesians 6:10-20 

How did Peter connect a Christian’s personal behavior to presenting the Gospel? Why is this important? 

How can a Christian’s response in today’s politically hostile environment help or hinder the Gospel? 

In what way does this challenge your priorities? What is the solution? How will you change your approach?

June 26, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 2:11-12, Galatians 5:19-24 

How might Peter’s audience have been tempted to participate in the passions of the flesh? (c.f. Gal 5:19-20) 

In what way do you see these same behaviors taking place in today’s political environment? Be specific. 

How does redefining these behaviors as sin help with spiritual protection? How does this help you?

June 25, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 2:11-12, Romans 7:14-20, James 4:1 

What is implied by Peter’s encouragement to Christians living in a politically hostile situation? 

In what way could they have been struggling? How do you see the same thing happening today? 

How can this be a temptation for you? What is the answer? How does God want you to change?

June 23, 2018

Read:  Ephesians 6:1-3, Matthew 6:9-13, 26:36-42 

How does the Lord’s Prayer model how children should be relating to their dads? What is the result? 

How would you describe your relationship with your father? How has it had an impact on your life today? 

What steps does God want you to take to help improve your relationship with your dad in the future?

June 22, 2018

Read: Ephesians 6:1-3, James 1:26, Matthew 12:33-37, Proverbs 13:3 

Why are your words such an important issue to God (i.e. what do they reveal)? Give an example. 

How does your speech impact others around you and your walk with Jesus? Be specific. 

In what way can this relate to a parent child relationship? How can you apply this specifically to your dad?

June 21, 2018

Read: Ephesians 5:28-29, Genesis 3:17-19 

What does Gen. 3:17-19 say it takes for a dad to provide for a family? Why is this important to understand? 

What does your dad do for a living? What kinds of pressures does he face? How has he provided for you? 

In what way can you do a better job of acknowledging his hard work and provision for you? Be specific.

June 20, 2018

Read:  Ephesians 5:25-27, 6:4, 1 Timothy 3:1-5, Hebrews 13:17 

What is assumed to be taking place at home in order to qualify for being a pastor at a church? 

How does this describe the role of a dad at home? How does this define the role of the family towards dad? 

How can you be more intentional about honoring and supporting your dad/husband in his role?

June 19, 2018

Read:  Ephesians 5:24, 33b, 6:1-3, 1 Peter 3:1-6 

In what way is a wife called to acknowledge her husband’s authority in the home? Be specific. 

In what way are children called to acknowledge their father’s authority in the home? Be specific. 

How does this adjust your current approach? What steps will you take to honor your father this week?

June 18, 2018

Read:  Ephesians 5:25-27, 6:4 

Describe the ways God will hold a father responsible for his family. Be specific. 

What example is a father to follow? In what way is this a high calling and worthy of respect? 

How do you see culture redefining a father’s role? Be specific. How does this adjust you?

June 16, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 2:6-8, Psalm 118:22, Mat. 21:42-46, Acts 4:10-11, 1 Cor. 1:18-19, Rom. 9:30-33 

How does scripture present Jesus in terms of how people will respond? Why will this always be the case? 

In what way does this help provide a balanced view of evangelism? Why is this important to remember? 

How does this help adjust your expectations when it comes to sharing your faith? Be specific.

June 15, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10, Exodus 19:1-6, Leviticus 1:1-9, Romans 12:1 

Explain how Peter illustrates Christianity in terms of the Old Testament. Be specific. 

In what way are Christians similar to the Jews? (i.e. priests, sacrifices, etc.) How does this play out? 

How should this impact a love for other believers? How does this make you more accountable?

June 14, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 2:4-5, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Romans 12:5 

In what way does Peter relate the church to the Temple? What is the same and different? (Hint: living) 

What does this imply about how church is defined today? How have you seen this misunderstood? 

Why is this important for loving other Christians? How does this impact your commitment to PCC?

June 13, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 2:2-3, 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, Hebrews 5:11-14, 2 Timothy 3:17 

Explain how the metaphor of spiritual milk relates to spiritual growth. What is implied by “pure”? 

What specifically was Peter encouraging his audience to do? How does this relate to loving one another? 

In what way does this challenge your approach to loving others? How can you grow in this area?

June 12, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 2:1, Ephesians 4:3, Matthew 5:21-24, Luke 9:46-48, John 17:1, 18-23 

What is common among the sins listed in 1 Peter 2:1? How did Jesus anticipate these sins? 

In what way have you seen sins being overlooked in today’s churches? What has been the result? 

How can you struggle with these sins? Be specific. What steps of prevention will you take immediately?

June 11, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 2:1, Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:9-10, Romans 13:10-12, Matthew 5:29-30 

What is implied by the “taking off” and “putting on” metaphor presented in today’s readings? 

How does this relate to a zero tolerance? Why is this important when dealing with personal sin? 

In what way can you compromise this truth? Be specific. How is God prompting you to change?

June 9, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:23-25, Isaiah 40:7, Psalm 103:15-18, Matthew 6:26-30 

How does Peter illustrate the fragility of life? In what way was this a priority check for his readers? 

How can viewing everyday life through an eternal perspective help with life’s struggles? Give an example. 

What specifically in your life do you need to put through this perspective? How can you keep it there?

June 8, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:22, John 13:34-35, 1 John 3:23, Matthew 22:37-39, Galatians 5:22 

Given Peter commands Christians to “earnestly” love, what does this imply about “feeling” it? 

Why is this important during difficult times? (i.e. self-absorption) How can loving others help? 

What are some ways this challenges your response to pain? What specific steps will you take today?

June 7, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:22, 1 John 3:24, 4:7-21 

Why does Peter describe the ultimate goal for obedient Christian living during hard times? 

What does this imply about misdirected goals during hard times? How does this challenge your goals? 

In what way are Christians able to excel in love? Be specific. How do you need to make a change?

June 6, 2018

Read:  1 Pet. 1:18-21, Ex. 12:1-14, Mark 10:45, John 1:29, Rom. 3:23-25, 1 Cor. 6:20, Rev. 5:9 

How does Peter describe the Gospel to his readers? What is implied about reverence and accountability? 

Why is the love of God the basis for a healthy fear of God? How can pride prevent this from happening? 

How can this especially take place during difficult times? What is God showing you about your pride?

June 5, 2018

Read: 1 Peter 1:17, Romans 2:11, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Matthew 25:31-46 

Explain how both Christians and non-Christians will be judged. (i.e. salvation vs rewards) 

Why does Peter present this truth within the context of Christian persecution? What does it prevent? 

How often do you think about the judgment of God? Why? How does your perspective need to change?

June 4, 2018

Read: 1 Peter 1:17, Proverbs 1:7, 14:27, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Galatians 4:6-7, Philippians 2:12 

Why does Peter remind his readers about who they’re praying to? What does God being a Father imply? 

In what way would this have been an adjustment? How would this help bring balance in their struggle? 

How do you typically respond to God when life hurts? How does this help adjust you and bring stability?

June 2, 2018

Read:  Psalm 51, 100, Matthew 6:19-20, 1 Timothy 6:6-10 

What are some encouraging, or challenging, thoughts and observations from the Psalms passages? 

According to the Matthew & 1 Timothy verses (and our culture), how can this area be a challenge to gratitude? 

How has your study this week on gratitude impacted your attitude, thinking, and actions towards God & others?

June 1, 2018

Read:  Psalm 103:19-22, 19:1-6, 34:1-11, Luke 19:36-40, John 15:13, Galatians 2:20 

How do all of the Psalms passages relate to Point #3? What are some common elements David uses in each? 

How do the Luke, John & Galatians passages speak to the way our relationship with Jesus can praise God? 

What are some practical things you can do to step into Point #3? Make a plan, pray, and do it!