August 31, 2018

Read:  Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Corinthians 12:12-20, Romans 12:15 

How does the Bible define a church? How does this adjust your current definition? Be specific. 

Why is this an important issue for your personal spiritual growth? Why will this be countercultural today? 

What is at risk for an isolated Christian who avoids others? How can a PCC Grow Group help protect?

August 30, 2018

Read: Hebrews 10:24-25, 3:13, Acts 2:41-47, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 

What is implied by Hebrews 10:25 and the need for Christians to meet together? Why is this important? 

How does this relate to spiritual growth versus being stagnant? How did the early church model this truth? 

What does this highlight about your current approach? How can a PCC Grow Group help you move forward?

August 29, 2018

Read:  Matthew 28:19-20, 13:1-9, 18-23 

How does the Parable of the Sower describe a true Christian? How can this relate to spiritual growth? 

In what way will spiritual growth also provide more confidence in your walk with Jesus? 

How confident are you today? What is the solution? How can a PCC Grow Group help?

August 28, 2018

Read:  Matthew 28:19-20, John 10:27, 15:1-11 

In what way is a Christian able to experience spiritual growth? Be specific. 

What does this imply about being spiritually stuck? How can a PCC Grow Group provide protection? 

How would you describe your current level of spiritual growth with Jesus? What is God teaching you?

August 27, 2018

Read:  Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2, Titus 2:1-10, 1 John 2:3, 3:23-24 

In what way did Jesus present a two-step process for spiritual growth in the Great Commission? 

How can this easily be overlooked in terms of learning and studying the Bible? Give an example. 

How can PCC’s Grow Groups prevent this from happening? What step is God prompting you to take?

August 25, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 4:3-6, Matthew 5:11, 10:22, John 15:18, James 4:4 

Often the Gospel is presented as good news and promise of heaven. What other promise is often left out? 

Why is this an important truth for every Christian to understand? What will it prevent from happening? 

How does spiritual rejection impact you? Why? How does 1 Peter 4:1-6 encourage you to change?

August 24, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 4:3-6, Romans 3:12-14, Revelation 2:14-16 

Why did Peter remind the Christians about their non-Christian lifestyle? How was he protecting them? 

How does Revelation 2:14-16 address the same issue? What is the solution? Be specific. 

When you compare your life as a baby Christian to now, what has changed? What is God teaching you?

August 23, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 4:3-6, Romans 6:1-4, 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, Galatians 5:19-24, 1 John 2:16-17 

How does scripture describe the distinction that should take place between a Christian & a non-Christian? 

How does this compare to your non-Christian days? (i.e., what changed for you?) Be specific. 

In what area have you noticed a slight drift back? What does this reveal about an attitude adjustment?

August 22, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 4:1-2, 2 Corinthians 10:4, Ephesians 6:11-18 

What specific attitude or way of thinking is being referenced in 1 Peter 4:1? What would be the opposite? 

Why will this always be a challenge in the Christian life? (c.f. Eph. 6:11) Why will this always be subtle? 

How have you seen this take place in your life? Give an example. How can you protect yourself?

August 21, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 4:1-2, Matthew 5:13-16, Romans 13:11-14, Ephesians 5:8 

How does today’s reading describe a Christian’s influence on the world? What is required? 

In what way will social or economic pressure test this influence? How does having a godly attitude relate? 

How are you tempted to spiritually compromise under pressure? What does this reveal about your attitude?

August 20, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 4:1-2, James 1:13-15, Galatians 5:16-18 

Describe the potential that all Christians have when it comes to their walk with Jesus. Why is this a battle? 

How does this explain why a trial/test can turn into a temptation? (i.e. sinful nature, easy way out, etc.) 

Who is responsible for this attitude change? How can you prevent this from happening to you?

August 18, 2018

Read: 1 Peter 3:21-22, Mark 16:19, Acts 2:29-36, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:15-20 

Why did Peter present an elevated view of Jesus to Christians who were struggling? (c.f. 1 Peter 3:22) 

What can happen if Jesus is simply viewed as a religious leader? How will this impact the Gospel? 

How does today’s reading elevate your perspective of Jesus? How can this help protect you?

August 17, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 3:20-21, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:37-38, Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12 

Explain why baptism is for believers. How is it an obedient act? What happens if this is misunderstood? 

In what way have you seen baptism either overemphasized or underemphasized? Give an example. 

How does this challenge your current perspective about baptism? How do you need to adjust?

August 16, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 3:19-20, Genesis 6:9-22, Matthew 24:37-44, Romans 10:9, Hebrews 9:27-28 

In what way does 1 Peter 3:19-20 relate the Gospel of Jesus to the days of Noah? Be specific. 

What does this highlight about God’s judgment, mercy, and accountability? How does this apply today? 

How does it make you feel knowing you will stand before God one day? What is the solution?

August 15, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 3:18, Acts 2:32, Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 19, Galatians 1:1 

How does scripture say the resurrection of Jesus is accomplished? How does this relate to the Trinity? 

In what way did the ministry of Jesus often point to His resurrection? (c.f. John 11:17-44) 

What does this imply about the resurrection and the Gospel? How is this a challenge for you?

August 14, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 3:18, John 3:16-17, 14:6, Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:4-7 

In what way did Jesus come on a rescue mission? Why was it necessary? What was the alternative? 

Explain why earning God’s favor in order to be saved from hell won’t work? Be specific. 

How can you fall into this legalistic trap? How does God’s mercy and grace simplify the Gospel?

August 13, 2018

Read: 1 Peter 3:18, Lev. 16:3-34, Mark 15:37-38, 2 Cor. 5:21, Hebrews 9:28, 10:12-14 

How often were sacrifices made by the high priests in Leviticus 16? Why was this necessary to God? 

In what way did Jesus end the sacrificial system? What does this imply about getting right with God? 

Why does this distinguish Jesus from any other religious leader? How does this encourage you?

August 11, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 3:15b-17, Proverbs 15:1, Matthew 5:23-25, 43-47, 7:1-5, James 1:19-20

Based on today’s readings, what specific instruction is given when confronted by the following situations:
1.  An angry person is being very aggressive and verbally attacking toward you?
2.  A former friend has betrayed you and is now out to discredit your Christian reputation?
3.  You find out that a certain individual is holding a grudge against you and isn’t being honest?

In what way does this boost your confidence in God’s word?  How can you be more relationally biblical?

August 10, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 3:15b, Genesis 39:1-23, Numbers 12:1-9, Matthew 5:5, 26:57-68

What additional counsel does Peter provide when it comes to presenting a biblical truth?  Why?

In what way did Joseph, Moses, and Jesus model this truth?  How could they have responded differently?

How does this challenge you?  What is God teaching you about your current relational struggles?

August 9, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 3:15b, Ps. 119:105-106, Isaiah 5:20-21, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, Titus 1:15-16, Heb. 4:12

What should be every Christian’s source for truth?  How does this relate to challenging relationships?

Why is it important when feelings are running high?  In what way can this actually provide peace in chaos?

How do you need to be more intentional about God’s word?  What specific steps will you take this week?

August 8, 2018

Read: 1 Peter 3:13-15a, John 5:1-18, Acts 9:22-24

Why was Peter trying to encourage fearful Christians?  What was he trying to prevent from taking place?

In what way were both Jesus and Saul a living example of 1 Peter 3:13-15a?  Be specific.

How does this encourage you in a current relational struggle?  How can you trust God in a deeper way?

August 7, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 3:13-15a, Matthew 5:10, John 14:1, 27, Romans 12:18, Ephesians 6:10-18

Why will persecution or opposition always be an issue for Christians?  What is the promise to the faithful?

What does this imply about being a successful witness?  How does Romans 12:18 address this issue?

In what way does this help manage expectations in your challenging relationships?  Be specific.

August 6, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 3:13-15a, Isaiah 8:12-13, Psalm 118:6-9, Romans 8:31, Matthew 10:28 

Why does the Bible warn against fearing man?  What is at risk if this type of fear goes unchecked 

How can it impact the way you act or respond to a challenging relationship?  Give an example.  

How can this be your struggle?  What does this reveal about your approach to challenging relationships?

August 4, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 3:12, Acts 4:1-31, Ephesians 4:31 

Explain how 1 Peter 3:12 helps to prevent anger and bitterness in a challenging relationship.

In what way did Peter demonstrate the truth after being mistreated by the Pharisees? 

Who is currently challenging you? How are they a challenge to you? How will you apply the Peter model?

August 3, 2018

Read: 1 Peter 3:12, Psalm 34:15-19, Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27-28 

How does 1 Peter 3:12 help with the temptation to retaliate when being mistreated? What is required?

Why is this important when it comes to an effective prayer life? Be specific. 

In what way will this be challenging to do? Give an example. How will this ultimately provide protection?

August 2, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 3:9-10, Psalm 34:12-14, Proverbs 15:1-2, James 3:1-9 

What does 1 Peter 3:10 highlight about how we often like to respond after being hurt? Give an example. 

In what way does this relate to payback and retaliation? What warning does James 3 provide? 

How do you struggle with this issue and with whom? What is the solution? How will you step into change?

August 1, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 3:9, 2:21-23, Romans 12:14-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:15 

What is the root issue in 1 Peter 3:9 addressing when it comes to being mistreated by others? 

What is Peter trying to prevent? How can Christians fall into this trap in the name of “justice”? 

How do you feel when someone mistreats you? What is your natural response? How does 1 Pet. 3:9 help?