You made it! Congratulations on working through a complete reading of 1 Peter. I just made a little video with some background info, and after 3 tries, I cannot get it to upload. I'm not sure what the problem is, but if I figure it out, I'll add it later. Bummer! GOT IT!
I promise that day 1 is the longest, most grueling day. That was a LOT of information to absorb at one time! At least, for me it seemed overwhelming. Now, comes the fun part. Now is the time when we get to dig deeper into the treasures of the Word.
Here's our assignment for Day 2:
1. Pray - Invite God into your time of Bible study. Ask Him to clear your mind, so that you can focus only on Him and His Word, and not on the million and one things that you have to do today. Ask Him to reveal His truths to you, so that you might apply them to your life, beginning TODAY!
2. Read 1 Peter 1 - Personally, I like to read aloud, if it's possible. It helps me get into the text.
3. Go back and read 1 Peter 1:1-2 - I chose this little chunk of text because this is where the natural break in sections occurs. There was no great science or insight to it. It's just that we want to look at things section-by-section. Obviously, the author broke the chapter into sections for a reason.
4. APPLY - I see some themes in this section, don't you? Strangers, chosen, obedience, grace, peace. Choose one of the following to reflect on (journal about, think about, ponder):
- Think about a time when you felt like a stranger? How do you think the Christians were feeling at this time of great persecution? Can you relate? Are there outcasts around you who likely feel like strangers? How can you reach out to them?
- These people were chosen by God, and you know what? So are you. What do you feel the Lord has chosen you to do?
- Is the Lord calling you to obey Him in a certain area of your life? Are you doing that?
- Do you feel the grace and peace of God? If not, why do you think you're lacking it? How can you show grace and peace to others?
5. Comment - If you feel comfortable, share your insights with us. How are you going to apply this text? Did the Lord teach you anything new through His word today?
Please accept my apologies because I had anonymous comments inadvertently blocked until this evening. Now, everyone should be able to leave a comment.
Have I mentioned that I love each and every one of you? Let's soak in His peace together today. Isn't this fun?
1. I LOVE that you are doing this. It's hard to join in on a Bible study that meets regularly with a little one on your hip.
ReplyDelete2. 1 Peter is one of my favorite books because it does seem so practical in nature.
3. "God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy." This little chunk of verse two is something that I often have to remind myself of. Sometimes I get caught up in what I can do to make me holy and this verse pops in to my head as a simple reminder that it is his Spirit that makes me holy.
I love that you broke it down in such a small serving for us today. Sometimes it's easy to skip over the first few verses of a New Testament letter thinking that it is just greetings, yada, yada. But today, as I read and re-read verses one and two, a particular phrase jumped out at me: "May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure." I know that grace and peace are available to me but do I seek it in "fullest measure"? Do I settle for less figuring that I should just be grateful for a little bit? I want the abundant, overflowing measure of grace and peace!
ReplyDeleteI know one thing that has been on my heart lately is really seeking peace. I want peace on the inside and out, but so often I don't have it because of me. I let worry, frustration, anxiety, busy-ness, etc. get in the way of peace. I choose a harsh word rather than a gentle answer, and as a result I lose peace. Not to mention that I cause those around me to lose peace. I'm learning, but I have to admit that sometimes it takes me a while to catch on.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t have a chance to study today’s lesson until Thursday night, but better late than never…..Thank you, Lindsey, for pointing us to 1 Peter and encouraging us to ask God to show us what He has to share. Here is what I gleaned from my study of verses 1 and 2:
ReplyDeleteIn a social area where Roman rule was the popular way of life, these new followers of Christ found themselves as misfits, outcasts, not the norm. Peter assured them that being a stranger, someone who believed in something different and a way of life that no longer fit the norm, was not only possible, but fruitful and beneficial because of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. They (and we) are set apart and hand chosen by the Spirit. What, exactly, does that mean? The NT tells us in many places throughout scripture that the Holy Spirit produces boldness, indwells in us, speaks, teaches, comforts, helps our weakness, renews, convict, anoints, empowers, guides, sanctifies, helps, bears witness, gives discernment, bears fruit, gives, gifts, illuminates the mind, and reveals things of God. Sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ is an offering for our sin, regeneration, & purification of ourselves and a promise of all the aforementioned things. What more could we possibly as for? If a stranger, through God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit has access to all of this, who would desire to be anything or anyone else!?! Isn’t it amazing to learn that all of this is hidden in 2 short verses in 1 Peter 1-2? That’s the beauty of having God at our fingertips. There is much to learn and there are many treasures to unearth in His Word. Every word is worthy of thought and camping out on it for a few minutes in the presence of an exciting, revealing, wisdom-giving God!
Thank you, Lindsey, for doing this Bible study. I tried to imagine how the original audience of this text might have felt. They were separated from one another because of persecution and had to rely solely on God for their safety, security, hope and assurance. Peter quickly quiets them in his simple sentence of "Grace and peace be yours in abundance." How often I rely on others to give me what only God can! I look to certain people in my life to fill voids and give me assurances that God longs to give. Because of that so often I am not obedient to His Word and therefore, lack the peace He so wants me to have in abundance. I also realize that I cannot achieve this obedience on my own or the sanctifying work of the Spirit would not have been necessary. So why do I struggle to do/be "good" on my own? Realizing afresh my total need for Him and how undeserving I am of His grace and peace!
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful for this study and more so for these comments! Not only am I learning from the Word of God but I am learning so much from each of you! Thank you for being bold with your thoughts!!!
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