October 31, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 3:1-22, 5:12 

Summarize two specific truths that have emerged from today’s reading. How were they reminders? 

In what way do they encourage or exhort you? Be specific. How will you apply or “stand” on them today? 

Write out a meditation verse that reflects one of these truths in order to remember it throughout the day.

October 30, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 2:1-25, 5:12 

Summarize two specific truths that have emerged from today’s reading. How were they reminders? 

In what way do they encourage or exhort you? Be specific. How will you apply or “stand” on them today? 

Write out a meditation verse that reflects one of these truths in order to remember it throughout the day

October 29, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:1-25, 5:12 

Summarize two specific truths that have emerged from today’s reading. How were they reminders? 

In what way do they encourage or exhort you? Be specific. How will you apply or “stand” on them today? 

Write out a meditation verse that reflects one of these truths in order to remember it throughout the day.

October 27, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:10-11, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 

What specifically did Paul pray for during this time of suffering? Why did he have a sense of urgency? 

How did his specific prayer go unanswered and his general prayer get answered? (i.e. 1 Peter 5:10) 

What does this teach about God during times of suffering? How does this adjust the way you pray?

October 26, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:10-11, Matthew 6:25-30, Philippians 4:6-7 

Based on today’s readings, what specific promises are presented? How do they relate to times of suffering? 

In what way do you need to experience these promises today? What steps does scripture tell you to take? 

What is the alternative? Be specific. How do you need to change your current approach this week?

October 25, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:10-11, 1:6-7, Isaiah 40:30-31, Romans 8:28-29 

 Describe the four things 1 Peter 5:10 promises to those who trust God during times of suffering. 

What does this imply about not trusting God? How does this explain why the Bible is filled with promises? 

How often do you focus on the promises of God? Why? In what way does 1 Peter 5:10 encourage you?

October 24, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:10, Galatians 5:22, Philippians 4:8-9, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Habakkuk 2:3 

Given that “patience” is the fruit of the Spirit, what does that say about impatience? 

Why is this important to understand? What is required in order to grow in patience? (i.e. thought life) 

Why will this be hard during challenging times? What specific thoughts do you need to start monitoring?

October 23, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:10, Hebrews 11:1, 8-12, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, James 5:8 

How does “faith” and “waiting” relate? Explain why one is dependent on the other. 

How easy is it for you to wait on the Lord? Why? What is God teaching you about your faith? 

Briefly describe a current struggle you’re dealing with. How can you be more established in your faith?

October 22, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 1:3-8, 5:10, 2 Peter 3:8-9 

Why does Peter address timing when it comes to issues of struggling or suffering? 

What does this imply about perspective? How do you see this being countercultural today? 

How do you typically respond to challenging times? In what way does 1 Peter 5:10 adjust you?

October 20, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:8-9, 1 Timothy 4:1-8 

Explain how Paul’s warning to Timothy is the same as Peter’s warning to persecuted Christians. 

Describe two ways you have seen the enemy camouflage his work both inside and outside the church? 

What message does this send to church leadership? How can you also help provide protection?

October 19, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:9, Romans 8:35-39, James 4:7, 1 John 5:18-21, Revelation 12:9-12 

How does it make you feel to know that in Christ you are secure and protected from Satan? 

How should this truth impact the way Christians approach spiritual warfare and battling the enemy? 

In what way can a misunderstanding of this truth also lead to a falling away from the Lord? Why?

October 18, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:9a, Matthew 4:4, 7, 11, 6:13, 26:36-46, Ephesians 6:13-18a 

How did Jesus demonstrate what it means to “resist” Satan? What weapons did Jesus use? 

How does Ephesians 6:13-18a also highlight this truth? What does this imply about the way to victory? 

What is God teaching you about the need for spiritual protection? What steps will you take this week?

October 17, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:12, Matthew 4:1-11 

Explain three ways Satan tried to tempt Jesus away from trusting God. What was Satan’s tactic? 

What does this teach you about your battle? Why is this important to recognize? 

In what ways are you vulnerable? Be specific. How will identifying these areas provide protection?

October 16, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:8, Matthew 16:13-17, 21-23, 26:31-35, 69-75, 1 Corinthians 10:12 

What important truth did Peter fail to understand when it came to his ability to follow the Lord? 

In what way did spiritual warfare relate to his struggle? How does this highlight the truth of 1 Peter 5:8? 

Describe a struggle you are currently facing and the way it may relate to spiritual warfare. Be specific.

October 15, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:8, John 8:42-44, 2 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 6:12 

What does today’s reading teach about the Christian life? What is implied by a “roaring lion”? 

How does that relate to being on “guard”? How often do you think about spiritual warfare? 

How have you underestimated this issue in your life? Are you at risk? How do you need to adjust?

October 13, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 37:5, Psalm 55:22, Matthew 6:25-33, Philippians 4:6-7

What does “casting all your anxiety on him” mean to a persecuted church? Be specific.

How can anxiety or panic also cause division within the church? How can this be avoided?

Describe how you typically respond to anxiety. In what way has today’s reading encouraged you?

October 12, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:6, 1 Samuel 2:7-8, Matthew 23:12, Luke 1:52, 18:9-14

What does God promise to all those who embrace a lifestyle of humility? Be specific.

Why is this ultimately calling for steps of faith in today’s culture? How will this impact the church?

In what way does this truth encourage you? What specific steps of faith is God calling you to take?

October 11, 2018

Read: 1 Peter 5:5b, John 13:3-17, Matthew 26:30-35

How did Jesus give a real life illustration of humility to His disciples? What was their response

How is this a message to every Christian church today? What does a church split imply?

In what way can this be a struggle for you? How does God want you to apply this truth at PCC?

October 10, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:5b, John 13:31-35, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Galatians 5:22-23

In what way is showing humility toward others essentially loving others? Be specific.

Why will this be a powerful message in today’s world? How did Jesus highlight this truth in John 13:34-35?

How have you seen the church fall short in this area? What does it ultimately do to the witness of the Gospel?

October 9, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:5b, Proverbs 3:34, Philippians 2:1-11, Ephesians 4:1-3, 5:21, Col. 3:12-15

What does “clothe yourself” mean? Why is humility so critical in the life of a church?

What are some examples of what this will look like? Why will this always be a challenge? Be specific.

How does this adjust you? What types of “clothes” do you need to start putting on at PCC?

October 8, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:5a, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Timothy 5:17, Hebrews 13:17

Explain how the church laity is called to relate to church leadership. Why is this an important truth?

In what way does this ultimately relate to accountability to God? Be specific.

How will this challenge today’s cultural perspective regarding authority? How does this challenge you?

October 6, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:4, 2 Timothy 4:8, James 1:12, Revelation 2:10 

How does 1 Peter 5:4 address the motive for getting into Christian ministry? Why is this a crucial issue? 

What can happen if this isn’t properly understood? Give an example. 

How has this week’s study changed or adjusted your view regarding church leadership? Be specific.

October 5, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:4, John 10:11, James 3:1, 1 Timothy 5:19-20 

In what way are Elders responsible to God for their leadership within the church? Be specific. 

How does this highlight both a blessing and a risk? How does James 3:1 highlight this same truth? 

What does this imply about your responsibility at PCC? How can you better support PCC leadership?

October 4, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:2-3, 1 Tim. 3:2-3, Titus 1:7-9, Philippians 4:8-9, 1 Tim. 4:12, Hebrews 13:7 

In what way did Peter highlight church leaders are to lead by example? Be specific. 

How did Paul support this view? (c.f. Phil. 4:9) Why is this a critical issue in today’s churches? 

What happens when this is compromised or accountability isn’t in place? Give an example.

October 3, 2018

Read:  1 Peter 5:2-3, Psalm 78:52-55, Jeremiah 31:10, John 21:15-17, Acts 20:28-32 

Explain the distinction between Elder, Shepherd, and Overseer. How does this include role and individual? 

What does the lack of details provided in God’s model for church leadership imply? Give an example. 

Describe PCC’s leadership model and how it aligns with God’s word. How has PCC exercised freedom?

October 2, 2018

Read: 1 Peter 5:1-2, Acts 20:17-18, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9

Who is Peter addressing in 1 Peter 5:1? What does this indicate about plurality of church leadership?

How does Acts 20:17 support this view? List the qualifications for Elders in today’s reading.

What does this also teach about gender? How does this expand or challenge your church leadership views?

October 1, 2018

Read: 1 Peter 5:1-2, Exodus 3:14-16, Lev. 4:13-16, Matthew 15:1-3, Acts 11:29-30, 14:21-23 

As you compare and contrast an Old and New Testament model for church leadership, what is similar? 

What does this imply about today’s Christian leadership model? How is this happening today in churches? 

How does this expand your perspective regarding church leadership? Be specific.