Life Lessons

1 Peter 1:1-25

Observation: God promises us an inheritance that will never pass away.

Application: How many times during the last week have you praised God because
of the inheritance he has promised you?

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Exploration: Security – Psalm 9:10; Zephaniah 2:3-7; Romans 6:6-11; 2 Corinthians

4:14; 1 John 5:13

1 Peter 2:1-25

Observation: Christians can encourage others who are suffering by showing

mercy, humility, and kindness to them.

Application: Find a story of a Christian who showed grace under pressure. Read it.
Pray that you, too, will endure when and if the heat in your life is turned up.

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Exploration: Suffering – Matthew 24:9-13; Mark 8:31-33; Romans 8:17; Philippians

1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Peter 4:12-16

1 Peter 3:1-22

Observation: Submission does not indicate weakness or inferiority. Rather, one

married partner demonstrates love for the other by yielding to the other.

Application: Today, do something new to show your spouse how much you care,
how happy you are together, how much God encourages you through your
marriage. Do the dishes, give a flower, take a walk, or write a note. If you are
unmarried, develop your character to match the one discussed by Peter. Put more
attention on the beauty that comes from within than on physical appearance.

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Exploration: Submission – Luke 14:27; John 14:23; 1 Corinthians 11:3, 9-12;

Ephesians 5:21-24

1 Peter 4:1-19

Observation: Peter said that each believer has been given at least one gift to use
to serve others. We are told to be good servants of those gifts.

Application: You have been given spiritual gifts. Have you identified them? If not,
consider taking a spiritual inventory test (your local church can help you). Or ask
friends and family to help you discover and use your gifts. Then pray about ways
you can use your gifts to build up the body of believers and share the good news of
salvation.

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Exploration: Spiritual Gifts – Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Ephesians

4:11-16

1 Peter 5:1-14

Observation: Elders and leaders play a vital role in leading and protecting young
Christians. Because elders face temptations, too, God will hold them accountable for
their actions.

Applications: Christians who are younger in their faith need close fellowship with
those further along in their Christian life. Do you have someone who helps refine,
confront, disciple, and encourage you? Do you serve in that role for someone else?
Pray that God would rise up someone to help you, as you help someone else.

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Exploration: Church Leaders – 1 Timothy 3:8-13; Titus 1:5-9; Revelation 4:4

Study Guide 3 – Adopted (Read p.90 – Max Lucado Devotional Bible)

Read Romans 8:12-17

How does salvation compare with adoption?

List some advantages of being God’s child rather than just His creation.

How has God been like a good father to you?

How would your life be different if you didn’t belong to God?

In what ways have you tried to work for your “sonship” rather than just

accepting your adoption into God’s family?

Why do people expect punishment rather than grace when they think about

returning to God?

What is our inheritance as God’s children?

In what ways do we share our inheritance with Jesus Christ?

As children of God, how do we share in Christ’s sufferings?

Prayer Requests:
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Thoughts for Today:

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Study Guide 4 – Family (Read p.476 – Max Lucado Devotional Bible)

Read Mark 3:20-35

What circumstances or situations make family gatherings successful?

List several reasons why family relationships can be so challenging.

How can jealously divide and destroy families?

How can having different convictions than members of your family cause

strife and tension?

List several things you can expect to receive from your family.

In what ways have Christian friends become like family members to you?

How are your expectations different with friends than with family members?

Describe what you believe is your responsibility to your family.

How can you look to God to fulfill the needs that your family has not met in

your life?

Prayer Requests:
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Thoughts for Today:

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