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Overview
Has your peace been stolen? Dreams crushed? Hope lost? Life has a way of not turning out the way we want.
The disciple Peter knew what it was like to go through tough times. He endured threats, punishment, time in jail, beatings, and false words. He had seen enough to know how to stay strong in tough times. So he wrote a survival manual to show how we should act and respond when life isn’t fair. His words of wisdom are beacons of hope for making it through hard times. Peter’s counsel may surprise you. But it may be just what you need to sustain you when you find that you are between a rock and a hard place.
As you read, study, journal, and discuss the books of Peter, watch for these key themes that Max will unpack throughout the book:
- Our richest inheritance is not in this world—it waits in heaven.
- It is up to each Christian to remain pure.
- It is an honor to suffer for Christ.
- Satan fights against the growth and victory of believers.
The Life Lessons with Max Lucado series brings the Bible to life in twelve lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational stories, and poignant reflections to take you deeper into God's Word. Each lesson includes:
- An opening reflection on the Bible book you're studying.
- Background information to deepen your understanding of the cultural and historical setting.
- An excerpt of the text (from the NIV and the NKJV).
- Exploration questions with plenty of room to write your own thoughts and notes.
- Inspirational thoughts from Max as well as a closing takeaway for further reflection.
The Life Lessons series is ideal for use in both a small-group setting or for individual study.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780310086635 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | HarperChristian Resources |
| Publication date: | 11/27/2018 |
| Series: | Life Lessons |
| Sold by: | HarperCollins Publishing |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 144 |
| Sales rank: | 553,315 |
| File size: | 990 KB |
About the Author
Since entering the ministry in 1978, Max Lucado has served churches in Miami, Florida; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and San Antonio, Texas. He currently serves as the teaching minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. He is the recipient of the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry and society at large. He is America's bestselling inspirational author with more than 150 million products in print.
Visit his website at MaxLucado.com
Facebook.com/MaxLucado
Instagram.com/MaxLucado
Twitter.com/MaxLucado
Youtube.com/MaxLucadoOfficial
The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
A LIVING HOPE
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1 Peter 1:3 NKJV
REFLECTION
It may just be a coincidence that hope and cope rhyme, but it's a happy coincidence. If we can't see beyond our immediate circumstances in life, the outlook quickly turns to a shade of despair. Consider a time, recently or in the past, when you felt hopeless about a situation in your life. How did you cope? What would have helped you during that time?
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SITUATION
Whether Peter was fishing or, later, following Jesus as his disciple, he was always passionate. After being filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, he boldly preached in Jerusalem and became a founding apostle of the early church (see Acts 2:1–41). By the time Peter wrote this letter, the gospel had reached Rome and far beyond, and believers had been scattered due to opposition and violent persecution. In this first section of his letter, he acknowledges the trials his readers are facing but reminds them they have a precious salvation in Christ that gives them hope and joy. This is an inheritance from God witnessed by the Old Testament prophets that will never fade — and it is one even desired by the angels in heaven!
OBSERVATION
Read 1 Peter 1:1–12 from the New International Version or the New King James Version.
New International Version
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To God's elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
New King James Version
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls.
10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven — things which angels desire to look into.
EXPLORATION
1. How does Peter describe the recipients of this letter?
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2. What does it mean that God plans to make you holy? How does he accomplish this?
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3. What is the inheritance you have been given? How would you describe it?
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4. How does Peter describe a "pure" or "genuine" faith in this passage?
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5. How can your hope in Jesus help you to endure trials?
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6. In what ways have the trials in your life strengthened your faith?
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INSPIRATION
There is something about a living testimony that gives us courage. Once we see someone else emerging from life's dark tunnels, we realize that we, too, can overcome.
Could this be why Jesus is called our pioneer? Is this one of the reasons that he consented to enter the horrid chambers of death? It must be. His words, though persuasive, were not enough. His promises, though true, didn't quite allay the fear of the people. His actions, even the act of calling Lazarus from the tomb, didn't convince the crowds that death was nothing to fear.
No. In the eyes of humanity, death was still the black veil that separated them from joy. There was no victory over this hooded foe. Its putrid odor invaded the nostrils of every human, convincing them that life was only meant to end abruptly and senselessly.
It was left to the Son of God to disclose the true nature of this force. It was on the cross that the showdown occurred. Christ called for Satan's cards. Weary of seeing humanity fooled by a coverup, he entered the tunnel of death to prove that there was indeed an exit. And, as the world darkened, creation held her breath.
Satan threw his best punch, but it wasn't enough. Even the darkness of hell's tunnel was no match for God's Son. Even the chambers of Hades couldn't stop this raider. Legions of screaming demons held nothing over the Lion of Judah.
Christ emerged from death's tunnel, lifted a triumphant fist toward the sky, and freed all from the fear of death. (From Shaped by God by Max Lucado.)
REACTION
7. What are some of the ways that Jesus offers you a living hope in your life?
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8. How would your life be different if you did not have this living hope?
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9. In what way does your hope for the future change the way you live each day?
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10. What does it mean to rejoice in your salvation?
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11. How do Peter's words in this passage affect your attitude toward the trials in your life?
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12. What do want to remember from this passage the next time you face trials?
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LIFE LESSONS
Peter not only describes a hopeful life in this passage but he also demonstrates one. He speaks to his readers as if they are already doing what they need to do in their circumstances — trusting fully in God in the midst of their trials and difficulties. His hope for them is unconditional. We will always face trouble, but we can face them assured the Lord is with us and that he will see to it his purposes are accomplished in us. That is hopeful living!
DEVOTION
Father, help us to see the joy that is before us. You have given us such a great treasure and inheritance — the promise of salvation. Forgive us for losing sight of our glorious future. Renew our vision and help us strain toward the goal of our faith — the salvation of our souls. And when we face trials, remind us that you have won the ultimate victory.
JOURNALING
What are the blessings in your life that God has given to you?
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FOR FURTHER READING
To complete the books of 1 and 2 Peter during this twelve-part study, read 1 Peter 1:1–12. For more Bible passages on hope, read Psalm 42:5; Proverbs 23:17–18; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:24–25; 1 Corinthians 15:19–32; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Titus 1:2; 2:11–13; and Hebrews 10:23.
CHAPTER 2NEW LIFE IN CHRIST
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
1 Peter 1:23
REFLECTION
Think of your lifestyle before you became a follower of Christ. Think about some of the issues you were facing that first drove you to seriously consider accepting Jesus as your Savior. How is your life different now? In what ways is it the same?
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SITUATION
Peter wrote his first letter to group of believers who were enduring great persecution and difficult times. He wanted to point them to the hope they had in Christ — a hope they could focus on in the midst of their trials. In this next section of his letter, he continues to show his readers how they are to set their minds on this greater hope and walk in this new life that they have been given. He encourages them to not cling to their former ways or to the material things of this world — which he knows are fleeting and soon pass away. Instead, they are to pursue a life of holiness, reverence toward God, and genuine love toward their fellow believers.
OBSERVATION
Read 1 Peter 1:13–25 from the New International Version or the New King James Version.
New International Version
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For,
"All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever."
And this is the word that was preached to you.
New King James Version
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because
"All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, 25 But the word of the Lord endures forever."
Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.
EXPLORATION
1. How does Peter say your life should change after you accept Jesus as your Savior?
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2. What does it mean to be holy? How would you define this word?
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(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Life Lessons from 1 & 2 Peter"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Max Lucado.
Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
How to Study the Bible, v,
Introduction to the Books of 1 and 2 Peter, ix,
Lesson 1 A Living Hope (1 Peter 1:1–12), 1,
Lesson 2 New Life in Christ (1 Peter 1:13–25), 11,
Lesson 3 The Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:1–10), 21,
Lesson 4 Following Jesus' Example (1 Peter 2:11–25), 31,
Lesson 5 Holy Living (1 Peter 3:1–7), 41,
Lesson 6 Loving People (1 Peter 3:8–22), 51,
Lesson 7 Joyful Service (1 Peter 4:1–11), 61,
Lesson 8 Trusting God Through Trials (1 Peter 4:12–19), 71,
Lesson 9 Grace to the Humble (1 Peter 5:1–14), 81,
Lesson 10 Self-Discipline (2 Peter 1:1–21), 91,
Lesson 11 False Teachers (2 Peter 2:1–22), 101,
Lesson 12 God Is in Control (2 Peter 3:1–18), 113,
Leader's Guide for Small Groups, 123,