July 22, 2018

Clearwater Community Church - FL

July 22, 2018

1 Peter 2: 4-10

July 22, 2018 • Pastor Phil Burggraff

Passage: 1 Peter 2:4–10
Theme: God’s Building Project

1 Peter 2:4–10 describes two projects God is building:

1. God’s House (2:4–8)
a. Jesus represents the foundational Stone upon which the house is built.
i. Living
ii. Rejected by people
iii. Chosen and precious to God
b. Those who come to Jesus are the stones God uses to build his house
i. Purpose: to establish a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices to God.
ii. Status: Honor despite the shame of this world.
c. Those who reject Jesus stumble over the Living Stone.
i. Result: They fall to their own destruction
ii. Reason: They disobey the word; this is God’s will for those who reject Christ.
2. God’s People (2:9–10)
a. Identity: chosen race; royal priesthood; holy nation; people of his own
b. Purpose: God has chosen us to proclaim his actions towards us.
c. Basis: God extends mercy to us sinners who believe in Jesus, the Living Stone.

Application Questions:
• According to 2:4–8, what elements compose God’s House? Who is included and why? Who is excluded and why?
• How are those who come to Christ a priesthood? What does this priesthood mean. and what doesn’t it mean?
• How do we offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God (2:5)?
• Discuss the various elements that describe God’s people in v. 9. How are these encouraging to you?
• In what ways have you been a recipient of God’s mercy (v. 10)?

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?