Tag: Theology

1&2 Peter Bible Study

Living Stones: A Study of 1 & 2 Peter ~ Lesson 3

Michelle Lesley

Previous Lessons: 1, 2,

Read 1 Peter 2:1-12

Questions to Consider

1. What word does verse 1 start with? Review lesson 2 (link above) #7. What does the pivot word “so” mean in this verse? You may find it helpful to summarize chapters 1-2 in a “hinge sentence” (chapter 1 on the left, chapter 2:1-12 on the right, and the “So” in 2:1 as the hinge).

2. Peter uses several metaphors in this chapter. Can you identify each of them and explain the point he’s trying to make with each?

3. Read verses 1-3. One of the themes of the New Testament epistles is growing from spiritual immaturity as a new Christian to spiritual maturity in Christ. Consider verses 1-3 in light of these passages. What do verses 1-3 explain to us about growing toward maturity in Christ? What do these verses tell us to do? What does Peter mean by “if indeed you have tasted…” (3)? (hint)

4. Examine verses 4-8, focusing on what these verses say about Jesus. Who is “him” in verse 4a, and how is He described in 4b? If you haven’t already done so in #2, explain the stone/rock metaphor in 4-8. Why would God choose to represent Christ as a “living stone” (4), a “cornerstone” (6,7), and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense” (8)?

Now focus on what these verses say about Christians and our relationship to Christ. Why are we called living stones in v.4 as Jesus was in v.3? How does “being built up as a spiritual house” (5a) return to the theme of maturing in Christ? What is the purpose (“to be”) of this maturing? (5b)

Use your cross-references and think back to what you know about the Old Testament priesthood. Why does Peter say Believers are a “holy priesthood”? (5) What “spiritual sacrifices” do we offer, how do we offer them “through Jesus Christ,” and why are these sacrifices only acceptable to God when offered through Jesus Christ (e.g. Are things like prayer, praise, and worship acceptable to God if the person offering them isn’t a Believer? Why not?)? (5)

Explain the honor that comes with being a Believer. (7) Explain the unbeliever’s dishonor in rejecting, stumbling over, and taking offense at Christ. (7-8)

5. Study verses 9-10. Which characteristics, attitudes and actions of the Believer, and which attributes of God, would cause Peter to describe us as…

A chosen race-

A royal priesthood (And what’s the difference between a “royal” priesthood and a “holy” priesthood (5)?)-

A people for His own possession-

God’s people-

How do each of these descriptions indicate that Believers are consecrated (“set apart”)? What is the purpose (“that you may” – 9b) for which God sets us apart from the world?

6. Read verses 11-12. Why does Peter address his original audience as literal “sojourners and exiles”? In what way are all Christians spiritual sojourners and exiles?

In Scripture, the word “passion” does not always indicate sexual desire. It can simply mean strong feelings, emotions, or urges about anything, (the way someone today might say, “I am passionate about stamp collecting,” or “Hiking is my passion.”) as it does in verse 11. Bearing this in mind, how do passions of the flesh (about anything) wage war against our souls? How is abstaining from passions of the flesh a “spiritual sacrifice” (5), and why is it spiritually healthy to abstain from these passions? If we do not abstain from these passions of the flesh, but rather indulge them, what impact will that have on our ability to keep our conduct among the Gentiles (unbelievers) honorable? (12) What is the purpose (“so that” – 12) of holy living in an unbelieving world?

7. Explain how verse 1 and verse 12 are similar and serve as “bookends” for this passage (1-12).

8. Explain the connection God makes in this passage between holy living and evangelism.

Homework

Think about the various “spiritual sacrifices” you offer to God as a Christian. What is an additional sacrifice you could offer Him this week?

Suggested Memory Verse

(Every week of our study, you’ll see a suggested memory verse like the one above. You are welcome to grab the memory verse pic to use as your screensaver or wallpaper on your phone or computer, print it out and stick it somewhere you’ll see it frequently, or use it in any other way you wish to help you memorize the verse.)

1&2 Peter Bible Study

Living Stones: A Study of 1 & 2 Peter ~ Lesson 2

Michelle Lesley

Previous Lessons: 1

Read 1 Peter 1

Questions to Consider

1. Briefly review the housekeeping/helpful hints section and “Introduction to 1 Peter” section from lesson 1 (link above). Pull up the link to the maps for 1 Peter in that lesson, and locate the areas mentioned in verse 1. Who were “the elect exiles of the Dispersion” (1) and why were they dispersed?

2. Is the end of verse 1 the end of Peter’s sentence? (Take note of where sentences begin and end in this book to make sure you’re understanding what Peter is saying in context. Have you noticed he sometimes uses very long sentences?). Read the remainder of the sentence in verse 2, and examine the phrases “according to,” “in,” and “for”. How is each member of the Trinity (2) connected back to “the elect exiles of the Dispersion” (1)? What do the words “foreknowledge,” “sanctification,” and “sprinkling” mean or signify?

3. A word to watch for: imperishable. Peter uses this word three times in this brief letter, two of which are in chapter 1. Identify the verses in chapter 1 containing the word “imperishable”. What is being described as imperishable, and why does Peter emphasize its imperishability? As we work through 1&2 Peter, be on the lookout for the theme of imperishability.

4. Read verses 3-9. Now let’s take a closer look at verses 3-5 (which is all one sentence). What does the phrase “born again” (3) mean, and how does the rest of 3-5 revolve around this phrase? Who has caused us to be born again? (3) How would you use this verse to explain to someone that salvation is all of God? That we do not “decide” to be saved nor play even the smallest part in saving ourselves? What are we born again “to” (3)? “Through” (3)? “To” (4)?

Now focus on 6-9. What does the word “this” in verse 6 refer back to? What does this passage teach us about trials and testing? (6-7) What is the purpose of trials/testing? (7a) What is the goal or anticipated result of trials/testing? (7b)

How do verses 3-9 encourage Christians to “keep our eyes on the prize,” and what is that “prize”? How does this passage explain that our eternity in Heaven is the culmination or “outcome” (9) of our faith, the fulfillment of our salvation (5,9). What circumstances in the life of his audience would cause Peter to keep directing their focus to eternity? How could focusing on your eternity with Christ help you to endure suffering or persecution?

5. Read verses 10-12, and compare the ideas in these verses to Hebrews 1:1-2 and 2 Timothy 3:16. Who are the prophets Peter refers to in verse 10? Explain in your own words the idea this passage conveys. What does “they were serving not themselves but you” (12) mean?

6. Read verses 13-25. In two words, what is the main idea of this passage? (15)

What does it mean to “prepare your mind for action” and “be sober-minded” (13) with regard to being holy and pursuing holiness?

How are we to “be holy”? Make a list of the ways these verses mention: 13-15, 17, 22

Why are we to “be holy”? List the reasons these verses describe: 16, 18-21, 23-25

7. Verse 13 starts with the pivot word “therefore,” which means, “Because of all that stuff I just told you, here’s what you need to do.” (“So,” or “So then” at the beginning of a passage mean basically the same thing. Always watch for transitional or pivot words at the beginning of a sentence to help you tie the first part of the passage to the subsequent part of the passage.) The old adage, “Whenever you see the word ‘therefore’ in Scripture, you need to find out what it’s ‘there for’,” is a great little hermeneutical rule of thumb.

Summarize chapter 1 in a “hinge sentence”:

Homework

Think about an area of your life in which you need to “be holy.” Spending more time in prayer? Cleaning up your language? Being patient with other drivers? Write out a plan for pursuing holiness in this area of your life this week (and beyond).

1. List 2-3 specific ways you can “prepare your mind for action” and “be sober-minded” (13) to lay a foundation for holy thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

2. How can you “be holy” in this area? Review verses 13-15, 17, 22, think about how they apply to your situation, and list 2-3 specific holy thoughts, attitudes or actions you can employ.

3. Why should you “be holy” in this area? Review verses 16, 18-21, 23-25, and explain why you should pursue holiness in this area of your life.

Suggested Memory Verse

(Every week of our study, you’ll see a suggested memory verse like the one above. You are welcome to grab the memory verse pic to use as your screensaver or wallpaper on your phone or computer, print it out and stick it somewhere you’ll see it frequently, or use it in any other way you wish to help you memorize the verse.)

1&2 Timothy Bible Study

1 & 2 Timothy: Lesson 13- Wrap Up

Michelle Lesley

Previous Lessons: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Read 1-2 Timothy

Questions to Consider

As we wrap up our study of 1-2 Timothy today, re-read these brief epistles and think about the things God has taught you through His Word.

1. Was there anything new God taught you that particularly impacted you? What was it, and why was it so significant?

2. In what ways is the church today similar to the way it was when Paul wrote these letters to Timothy? In what ways is it different?

3. In what ways do you see churches and pastors today obeying or deviating from the instructions in 1-2 Timothy? How has this affected the church itself and the church’s witness to the lost?

4. Drawing from your study of 1-2 Timothy, make a list of 10 adjectives that should describe the structure (how things operate, how the church is led, orderliness, etc.) of a biblical church.

5. Again, drawing from your study of 1-2 Timothy, make a list of 10 adjectives that should describe the spirit (how church members regard and care for one another, how a pastor is to care for his flock, etc.) of a biblical church.

6. What did you learn from the study that challenges you to be a better member of your church? What are some practical ways you can carry out what you’ve learned?

7. What did you learn about pastors and their responsibilities that can help you encourage, pray for, and help your pastor?

Homework

Spend some time in prayer this week asking God to show you how to put into practice one thing you learned from your study of 1-2 Timothy.

Recite all of your memory verses from 1-2 Timothy. Which one is most meaningful to you right now?

 

1&2 Timothy Bible Study

1 & 2 Timothy: Lesson 12

Michelle Lesley

Previous Lessons: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Read 2 Timothy 4

Questions to Consider

1. Recalling that 2 Timothy was written as a letter, no chapter and verse markings, notice how chapter three flows into chapter four. Read 3:15-4:2a. What is the focal point of these verses?

2. We’ve seen charges in previous chapters, and chapter 4 starts off with a charge. Break down the charge in verses 1-2,5 into three sections:

1. The seriousness and grave responsibility of the charge– Describe the gravity and weightiness of this charge to Timothy and all other pastors. How does this type of charge compare to others you’re familiar with, such as the swearing in of a witness in court or the President taking the oath of office?

2a. What are pastors being charged to do?– Think about some of the shenanigans you may have seen in the church- pastors preaching about movies, conducting interviews with Christian (or not) celebrities during the sermon time instead of preaching, pastors who preach “God told me” extra-biblical revelation, sermons that consist mainly of jokes and personal stories, etc. Considering the seriousness of the charge to “preach the Word” do pastors have the leeway – before God – to do such things?

2b,5. In what manner are pastors to carry out this charge?- What does it mean to “be ready in season and out of season”? What do the words reprove, rebuke, and exhort mean? What would that look like in your church, from your pastor? Why would a pastor need to exercise “complete patience”? If a pastor shies away from preaching about certain biblical issues, is he correctly carrying out the charge to give “complete teaching”? What do each of the points in verse 5 mean, and how should pastors carry them out as they preach the Word?

3. Keeping this serious charge to pastors in mind, examine 3-4 light of 1-2,5. Notice that verse 3 starts with a pivot point, “for,” which, in this context, means “because.” Why does the Holy Spirit, via Paul, hammer so hard on preaching the Word in 1-2? Because 3-4. Explain what verses 3-4 mean.

If “people will not endure sound teaching” (3) and will “turn away from listening to the truth” (4), what is the point of pastors preaching the Word (2)? If people are just going to turn away anyway, why bother? Think about this in light of these passages. Who is the church for? How does preaching the Word benefit the sheep (Believers) a) by nourishing them with Scripture and b) by drawing a line of distinction between true Believers and false converts who only want their itching ears scratched? How does this line of distinction help us with evangelism? How does it help the spiritual health of the church?

4. Examine verses 6-8. Notice that verse 6 starts with “for” (because). Why (6-8) is Paul passing down all these instructions in 1-2 Timothy to Timothy especially, and to all pastors?

5. Put yourself in Paul’s shoes as you read 6-22. Recall where Paul is as he’s writing this (go back to the introduction in lesson 8 {link above} if necessary), and what is transpiring (16). Notice the theme of being deserted by others. How many times does Paul mention others deserting him? Does he seem to want revenge for this? Who is Paul’s comfort when deserted by others? (17-18) Do you get the impression Paul feels sorry for himself? Does he focus on His circumstances or does he choose to focus on spiritual truths? Make a list of the spiritual truths he focuses on in these verses. How could you apply and focus on these comforting spiritual truths the next time you’re in a difficult or lonely situation?

Compare the “faithful to the finish” life of Paul to other Bible characters (Solomon, Uzziah, etc.) you’re familiar with who started the race well, but turned from God later in life. Ask God to help you run the race well and finish faithful.

Homework

Do you think the “time has come” (3)? What is one way you have personally seen verses 3-4 fleshed out in the church today? How would this situation have been helped or changed if the pastor had taken seriously his charge in verses 1-2? Take some time to pray for those involved in that situation.

Have you ever seen a “verse 3-4 situation” in which the pastor did take seriously his charge to preach the Word, reprove, rebuke, etc., and the story had a happy ending with repentance and restoration to the truth of the gospel? Consider dropping a note to the pastor thanking him for obeying God in that situation.

Suggested Memory Verse

1&2 Timothy Bible Study

1 & 2 Timothy: Lesson 11

Michelle Lesley

Previous Lessons: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Read 2 Timothy 3

Questions to Consider

1. Recalling that 2 Timothy was written as a letter, no chapter and verse markings, read how chapter two flows into chapter three (start around 2:22). What has Paul been discussing in chapter two and how does he transition into a new, yet related, line of thought in chapter three? Notice how 3:1 functions as a pivot point between the two trains of thought.

2. When are the “last days“? (1) What word does Paul use to describe the last days? (1)

3. Study 1-9, taking care to read 2-5 as one (long) complete sentence. Notice the set and subset of people Paul describes in this passage. What is the set described in 2-5 (notice the first two words of 2)? Are these verses generally speaking of Christians or non-Christians? Which words and phrases in these verses lead you to this conclusion? What is the subset (“For among them…”) of people described in 6-9? If Paul speaks of false teachers as being a subset of non-Christians, what does this imply about the spiritual condition of most false teachers?

4. How does verse 5(b) tell us to deal with the types of people described in 2-5? Does this include false teachers? Which words and phrases in verses 4b-6a lead us to this conclusion?

5. What do the phrases “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” and “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power” mean? Are these phrases describing lost people in general, or false teachers, or both?

6. Carefully examine verses 6-7. Why do you think the Holy Spirit intentionally specifies women in verse 6? Think about the women you know who have been “captured” by false teachers and how verses 6-7 describe them.

7. Look closely at 6-9. Who were Jannes and Jambres? (8- use your cross references, click here for more help). Who do the words “these men” (8) and “they” (9) refer back to (6)? Why do you think the Holy Spirit brought Jannes and Jambres to Paul’s mind when he was writing about false teachers? What are the similarities between these two men and the false teachers Paul is describing?

8. Keeping in mind that this is a letter written to a pastor, and to pastors today, why is it important for pastors to be aware of these things, and what sorts of practical actions should they take in response to these instructions and warnings?

9. Notice how verse 10 serves as another pivot point to a new line of thought. Describe the compare and contrast element Paul uses here between 1-9 and 10-17. Who/what is being compared?

10. Imagine you’re Timothy reading this letter. Make a list of the things in 10-17 that you would find encouraging as a pastor.

11. What can we learn about persecution from verses 11-13? Does God always “rescue” Christians from persecution?

12. Read verse 15 in light of 1:5, and explain the impact godly mothers and grandmothers can have on their children and grandchildren when they train them in the Scriptures.

13. Study verses 16-17. How do these verses refute the unbiblical idea that the words Jesus spoke during His earthly ministry (“red letters”) somehow carry more weight than the rest of Scripture? (Ex: “Jesus never mentioned homosexuality, so it must have been OK with Him.”) How do these verses refute the unbiblical argument people sometimes make about 1 Timothy 2:12 that, “That’s not God giving that command, that’s just Paul’s personal, human opinion.”?

14. Peek ahead to the first few verses of chapter 4, and notice how chapter 3, especially verses 16-17, feed into the the thoughts in chapter 4.

Homework

Review verses 4b-9, and consider a) how the Holy Spirit describes false teachers and the spiritual damage they do to the church, and b) how the Holy Spirit instructs us to “avoid such people”. Think about how this applies to individual Believers and the church today – the music we use in worship service or listen to on Christian radio, the materials we use in Bible study and Sunday School classes and for our own personal Bible study time, the evangelical celebrities we follow and share on social media and the ones quoted by our pastors and shared by our church’s social media pages, the conferences we attend or that our church hosts, etc.

Make a list of practical ways you and/or your church can obey verse 5’s instruction to “avoid such people” and pray for God to give you and/or your church leaders wisdom in this area.

Suggested Memory Verse