Theme: Having the Mindset of Christ
Passage: 1 Peter 4:1–6
Command: Arm yourselves with Christ’s attitude (1)
Reason: Jesus suffered unjustly for his beliefs and actions (1a).
Attitude: Whoever suffers in the body is done with sin (1b).
Outcome for the believer: They live for God rather than human desires that characterize life before conversion (2–3).
Response by the unbeliever: They are astonished by your refusal to enter into their way of life (4).
Motivation: All people, Christians and non-Christians, will stand in judgment before God (5–6).
Main Idea: We must arm ourselves with Christ’s mindset toward suffering in order to do the will of God, who will judge all according to his standards.
Application Questions:
• What does Peter mean when he says that “whoever suffers in the body is done with sin” (1)? Does this mean that a person who suffers, or even a Christian that suffers, no longer sins?
• In what areas do you struggle with living according to evil human desires? What does living for God’s will look like in your life? How does this counter your desire to live for self according to the flesh? (2–3)
• Have you ever experienced the astonishment of unbelievers at the choices you were making? Did it ever result in you suffering? (4)
• How does the reality of future judgment on both the unbeliever and believer motivate you to arm yourself with the mindset of Christ toward suffering? (5–6)
September 23, 2018
1 Peter 4: 1-6
September 23, 2018 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
October 28th, 2018
October 28, 2018 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
Theme: God’s Grace Passage: 1 Peter 5:1a0–14 In the midst of life’s difficulties and spiritual attacks: 1. Keep an eternal perspective (10–11). a. God is the God of all grace b. God enables us to share in Jesus Christ’s glory c. God fortifies us to endure suffering. d. God alone possesses eternal power. 2. Stand firm in the true grace of God (12–14). a. “True grace of God” b. Our responsibility: “Stand firm” i. Hold on to what you know ii. Commit yourself to loving your brothers and sisters. Main Idea: In the midst of life’s difficulties and spiritual attacks, we are in right relationship with the all-powerful God who gives us his grace in Jesus Christ. Application Questions: • When we speak of God’s grace, what does this mean? Try to define God’s grace from what Peter has said about God and his actions toward us throughout this letter. • How does God fortify us as the verbs suggest at the end of v. 10? • What does Peter’s choice to praise God for his power suggest (v. 11)? Why do you think he chose this attribute of God over others? • Sum up what Peter has exhorted and testified concerning the true grace of God. • How do you stand firm in this grace (v. 12)?
October 21, 2018
October 21, 2018 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
Passage: 1 Peter 5:6–9 Theme: Humility before God and Standing Firm against the Devil As we face difficulty, suffering, and frustration in life, we must 1. Accept them as part of God’s plan to mature us (6–7). • Purpose of acceptance: You will be exalted at Christ’s appearance • Manner of acceptance: You can presently cast your anxiety on a caring God. 2. Remain alert to the true reality of what is happening (8a). 3. Stand firm against the devil (8b–9). • Why? Your adversary wants to destroy you. • How? Hold fast to the faith. Remember and pray for those suffering similarly. Application Questions: • Why does it prove so difficult to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand? According this text, when will we see results? • How can we cast our anxieties upon God (Don’t stop after listing only prayer)? In what ways do you struggle believing that he actually cares for you? • How can we remain alert to the reality of what is happening to us as we go through times of suffering and doubt? • In what ways does Satan destroy us today? Discuss applications for the ways that we can stand firm against him.
October 14, 2018
October 14, 2018 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
Passage: 1 Peter 5:1–5- Theme: Caring for Christ’s Flock 1. Church leadership must care for Christ’s flock well (1–4). a. Leadership is part of Christ’s plan for his church (1). b. Leadership primarily involves member care (2a). c. Leadership that cares for church members must be characterized (2b–3) i. by a willingness to follow God’s design ii. by an awareness to serve rather than receive iii. by an example for others to follow d. Leadership serves Christ to bring him glory (4). 2. Church members must submit to this leadership (5a). 3. Church community must act in humility towards one another (5b). Main Idea: We must humbly submit to one another to glorify Christ as he shepherds his church according to his design. Application Questions: • How would you describe effective leadership in any aspect of life? How might that be similar to what we see here, and how might that differ? • According to vv. 2–4, list and describe the characteristics of effective church leadership. • How do we measure successful church leadership according to v.4? How might that differ from the way in which effective church leadership is measured according to typical church standards? • What should submission to church leadership look like in your life (5)? • How can we foster genuine humility at all levels within the church community?