Rock Solid Hope - A Study of 1 Peter Lesson 8 - Hope Shared in the Community of the Church
1 Peter 5:1-4 Therefore, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one who also shares in the glory that is about to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: 2 Shepherd God’s flock that is among you, serving as overseers, not grudgingly but willingly, as God desires, not because you are greedy for money but because you are eager to do it. 3 Do not lord it over those entrusted to your care, but be examples for the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive an unfading crown of glory. 1. "To the elders among you." How do you know if you are an "elder" or not? 2. How do each of the following affect the appeal that Peter makes: a. He's a fellow elder. b. He's a witness of Christ's sufferings. c. He's one who will share in the glory to be revealed. 3. Are you a shepherd or part of a flock? 4. What happens when leaders of a spiritual flock are driven by things like: a. Greed for money. b. Wanting to "lord over" others. c. Leading only out of a sense that they must, even though they don't really want to. 5. What happens when leaders of a spiritual flock are driven by things like: a. Eagerness to serve. b. Being a positive example to others. c. A willingness to do whatever God wants.
6. Why does a shepherd need to be shepherded? 1 Peter 5:5-6 Likewise, young men, be submissive to those who are older. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another. For “God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under God’s powerful hand so that he may lift you up at the appointed time. 7. How do you think our society is doing at younger people being submissive to those who are older? 8. How are we as a church doing at younger people being submissive to those who are older? 9. Why does God oppose the proud, but give grace to the humble? Is he playing favorites? 10. What are some examples of God lifting people up in due time? 1 Peter 4:7-11 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Have sound judgment. Be alert. Your adversary, the Devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him by being firm in the faith. You know that the same kinds of sufferings are being laid on your brotherhood all over the world. 10 After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who called you into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you. 11 To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 11. What causes you anxiety?
12. How, practically speaking, can you cast your anxiety on Jesus? 13. When do you experience the devil as a prowling lion looking to devour you? 14. How, practically speaking, can you resist him as you stand firm in your faith? 15. How, practically speaking, does God make people strong, firm, and steadfast? 1 Peter 5:12-14 I have written to you briefly (through Silas, whom I consider a faithful brother), to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is in Babylon, who was chosen along with you, greets you. So does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
16. Peter mentions the help of Silas and Mark, two men we know worked with Paul as well. What advantage is there is enlisting the help of others in your Christian walk? 17. In what way can we “greet one another with a holy kiss” in our day and age?