“New Hope Fellowship Rochelle Life of a Disciple”
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BIBLE STUDY GUIDE:
The Apostle Peter was the clear leader of the initial 12 disciples who Jesus called to follow Him. By nature Peter was brash, vacillating, and undependable. He tended to make great promises but could struggle to follow through. He was one of those people who appears to lunge wholeheartedly into something but then bails out before finishing. He was usually the first one in; and too often, he was the first one out. As we walked through Peter’s life as a disciple, we made some interesting observations:
- Peter wasn’t immune to doubts, but he was willing to act (Walking on Water – Matthew 14).
- It is better to be a follower who sometimes fails, than one who fails to follow (Revelation of Christ vs. being called Satan – Matthew 16).
- Being a disciple means we learn to fight God’s way (Put away your sword – Matthew 25).
Which of those lessons most resonates with you? Why?
Eventually Peter did become the ROCK of consistency that Christ always knew he could be. Instead of drawing a sword or resorting to some other worldly weapon, he learned to represent Christ everywhere He went. Read 1 Peter 2:13-25 together.
What does Peter call disciples to do in difficulty and opposition…What can you list from this passage?
Which of these instructions seem to be the hardest to live out right now?
What happens for you, when you try harder?
What’s wrong with us? What makes us so inconsistent?
How can we become more like Christ-like in these areas that are so difficult? What does that look like for you?
1 Peter 2:13-25 (NASB)
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. 21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,
22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN,NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;
23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.