2013-1st Qt Growth in Grace and Knowledge - iph

SUNDAY MORNING (March 31st) • 2 Peter 3:1-18 I Jude 17-25The Day of the Lord is ComingIn what way are "sincere minds" stirred up "by way of reminder " through the reading of inspired New Testament letters (2 Pet 3:1)?Why is it absolutely vital for Christians to "remember the predictions of the holy prophets" (2 Pet 3:2-4) and "the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ" Jude 17)?In your own words, what is a "scoffer" (2 Pet 3:3;Jude 18)?Using 2 Peter 3:1-18 and Jude 17-25, how would you summarize what those who "scoff' at the second coming of Jesus "deliberately overlook"? Why do they do so?Why is 2 Peter 3:9 such profoundly good news?If you were going to explain 2 Peter 3:11-13 to someone else, how would you go about it?Is there anything we can learn from Peter's reference to the writings of Paul (2 Pet 3:15-16)?Practically speaking, what does it mean to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 3:18) and "build [ourselves] up in [our] most holy faith" Jude 20)?Why should we never overlook or forget the admonition contained in Jude 22-23?Jude describes God as "him who is able to keep you from stumbling" Jude 24). In everyday terms,how does he accomplish this?

SUNDAY MORNING (March 17th) • 2Peter1:16-21The Power of Scripture and the Glory of Christ Why would Peter feel the need to point out, "For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1:16)? What scenes from the Gospels to your mind as you read Peter's assertion: "we were eye witnesses of his majesty" (1:16b)? What sort of words, phrases , or ideas come to your mind when you read of God the Father described as "the Majestic Glory" (1:17)? What significance is attached to God the Father saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (1:17b)? What specific scene is Peter referencing in 1:16-18? "And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention" (1:19). In your own words, what point is Peter making? In what way is "the prophetic word" comparable "to a lamp shining in a dark place" (1:19b)? "Until the day dawns and the morning star rises n your hearts " (1:19c). What does this mean? How would you describe to someone else the profound point that the Spirit of God is making through Peter in 1:20-21?

SUNDAY MORNING (March 10th) • 2 Peter1:1-15 Making Our Calling and Election Sure What should we make of Peter's greeting: "To those who have obtained a faith of equal stand in with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ" (1:1)? "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord" (1:2). What does this mean? In what way has "divine power...granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness" (1:3)? Practically speaking, how do we "become partakers of the divine nature" through the "precious and very great promises" of God (1:4)? In your own words, how would you describe "the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire" (1:4b). In what way has the Christian "escape d' that corruption? Why is it vital for disciples of Christ to supplement their faith with (1:5-7): Virtue ->Knowledge -> Self-control -> Steadfastness -> Godliness -> Brotherly affection -> Love -> How would you summarize Peter's point in 1:8-9? In everyday terms, how do we go about making our "calling and election sure" (1:10)?

SUNDAY MORNING (March 3rd) • 1 Peter 5:5-14 Standing Firm in the True Grace of God"Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another" (S:Sb). Practically speaking,what does this mean and how do we go about doing it?Why d.J you think Peter includes, "for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble"'(5:5c) in his instructions about humility?In everyday terms, what does it mean to "humble" oneself (5:6a)? Why is it important for every disciple of Christ to answer this call?Why would the comman d to "humble [ourselves]" be attached to "under the mighty hand of God" (5:6)? "So that at the proper time he may exalt you" (5:6b). What does this mean? And what can ',,,..-e ea rn from 5:7?Why, in this context, would Peter sound the warning of 5:8-9?In your own words, how would you rephrase the glorious truths of 5:10-11?What should we take away from Peter 's assurance that "this is the true grace of God" (5:12a)?In practical terms, what does it mean to "stand firm in" the "true grace of God," and how do we go about fulfilling that commission?Is there anything we can learn from 5:13-14?

SUNDAY MORNING (February 24th) • 1Peter 5:1-5 The Shepherds and Sheep of the Chief Shepherd When a New Testament writer "exhorts" (5:1) someone, what is he doing?"So Iexhort the elders among you" (5:1a). Who were these elders and what can we know about them?What can we learn from the ways Peter describes himself in 5:1b:> A fellow elder -> A witness of the sufferings of Christ -> A partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed -When the Spirit of God encourages elders through Peter to "shepherd the flock of God that is among [them], exercising oversight" (5:2a), what is he communicating?The shepherding efforts of elders are elaborated upon in5:2b-3.The shepherding efforts of elders are elaborated upon in 5:2b-3. What do these mean?> Not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you -> Not for shameful gain, but eagerly -> Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples of the flock -"And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory" (5:4). What can we learn from this inspired statement?Why would Peter "likewise" encourage those "who are younger, be subject to the elders" (5:a)?

SUNDAY MORNING (February 17th) • 1 Peter 4:12-1 - Entrusting Our Souls to the Faithful CreatorWhat is being communicated by Peter's use of the term "Beloved" at the beginning of 4:12?Why would the Spirit of God encourage Christians not to be "surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon [them]" (4:12)?In what ways do such trials "test" disciples of Christ?How can real-life men and women possibly come to "rejoice" in the midst of trials (4:13)?"Rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed" (4:13). What does this mean?In your own words, how would you communicate what God is communicating in 4:14?Why include the prohibitive note of 4:15?Why is it important that Christians "not be ashamed" in the face of suffering "as" Christian (4:16)?Practically speaking, what does it mean to "glorify God" in the midst of suffering (4:16)?How would you encapsulate the points being revealed through Peter in 4:17-19? What does God want us to remember and keep in perspective? And why? What difference will these truths make in everyday life? Finally, what very real dangers are posed if we forget or neglect these truths?

SUNDAY MORNING (February 10th) • 1Peter4:1-11 -Serving as Stewards of God's Varied GraceWhat significance should be attached by Peter's transitional phrase at the beginning of 4:1"Since therefore"?In what practical ways does the fact that Christ "suffered in the flesh" help or motivate Christian to "arm [themselves] with the same way of thinking" (4:1)?"For whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God" (4:1-2). What does this mean?In your own words, how would you describe what the Spirit of God (through Peter) is describin and warning against in 4:3-6?"The end of all things is at hand" (4:7). In what way?Why is it important for disciples of Christ to "be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of [their] prayers" (4:7)?Why would the imperative to "keep loving one another earnestly" be qualified with a phrase like "above all" (4:8)?"Love covers a multitude of sins" (4:8). How, practically speakingHow would you summarize what God is prescribing for his children in 4:10-11. And why? Why would he encourage us to actively devote ourselves to such things? What difference will theymake in our lives and the lives of others

SUNDAY MORNING (February 3rd)• 1 Peter 3:8-22 - Honoring Christ the Lord in Our HeartsIs there any significance to the first word in 3:8-"Finally"?Why is it vital that disciples of Christ have (3:8):Unity of mind?Sympathy? Brotherly love? Tender hearts? Humility of mind?What difference does it make if I "repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling" (3:9)?Why, in contrast, is the choice to "bless" always the better choice?In 3:10-12, Peter cites Psalm 34:12-16. In your own words, what is being communicated in thoseancient poetic phrases?Why would the Holy Spirit find it important to encourage Christians not to be afraid in 3:13-14?In everyday terms, what practical impact does honoring "Christ the Lord as holy" have (3:15)?Why is it important for disciples of Christ to "always" be "prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks [us] for a reason for the hope that is in [us]" (3:15-17)?In your own words, how would you convey the truths revealed in 3:18-22?

Way of Cain, Balaam, and Korah - Introduction:A. The little Letter of Jude begins with a call to "contend for the faith that was once for all delivered" (3).B. That call is followed by a warning-God's people must be vigilant in their stand against apostasy (4).1. The "certain people " of 4 are described in vivid terms throughout the rest of the letter (10,16, 19).2. Such people need to be spotted for who they truly are so that the church is not deceived and ruined by false teaching and immoral behavior.C. One practical God-breathed strategy for the defense of the faith? Learn the lessons of history.I. "Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities ..." (Gen 19; 2 Pet 2:10; Jude 7).I what I when I it, and I'll do whatever I must to get it.II. "They walked in the way of Cain ..." (Gen 4:1-8; 1John3:12; Jude 11a).If I don't get what I want when I want it, I'll give full to my frustrated spirit.Ill. "...and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Salaam's error" (Num 22; 2 Pet 2:15-16; Jude 11b). I know what God , but...IV. "...and perished in Korah's rebellion" (Num 16; 11c).Why should I to or you?Conclusion:A. "There is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9; James 1:12-15).B. Jude assumes that Christians have learned the point of these stories (Rom 15:4; 1Cor10:11).C. Jude believes the lessons of the past can be an aid in the struggles of the present (12-13).D. Jude expects Christians to wisely avoid traveling the same foolish pathway (17-25; 1Cor10:6-(17-25; 1Cor10:6-14).

SUNDAY MORNING (January 20th) • 1Peter2:13-25Submission to AuthorityIn your own words, what does it mean to "be subject" to someone or something?Why would the Spirit of God instruct Christians to "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution" (2:13), especially when "the emperor" or the "governors" may stand in direct and active opposition to what our Lord taught, the reasons for which he died, and the groundbreaking nature of his resurrection from the dead?In what way is "the ignorance of foolish people" put "to silence" by disciples of Christ "doing good"2:15)? "Live as people who care free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God" (2:16). What does this mean? -How would you rephrase the following instructions in everyday terms:Honor everyone -Love the brotherhood - Fear God-Honor the emperor -Why would it be important for servants to "be subject" to their masters, "not only to the good and gentle but also to the just" (2:18), and in what way is this "a gracious thing" (2:19-20)?Why does Peter, in the context of 2:13-25, point us to the example of Jesus in 2:21-24?In your own words, how would you convey the truths revealed in 2:25?