Unit one Study 9

april 28, 2019

Study text for this week's Lesson: 1 peter 1:13-23; 2:18-25;3:13-18; 4:1-16

Key Verse: 1 peter 4:10 as every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manfold grace of God (kjv).

Central Truth: god gives christians grace to live a godly life.

Our Focus: god is forming his people into the image of his son.

life in god's grace

Introducing the study

when you think of grace, what comes to mind? A prayer of blessing before a meal? Amazing mercy that "saved a wretch like me"? The ability to live the way God wants you to live? Some cheapen grace, treating it like a free pass from God to live ant way they want to live, all the while expecting to experience God's blessings. Peter instead points to God's grace as what enables followers of Christ to endure suffering, live godly lives, and faithfully serve God. By God's grace you can grow and be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ . At the end of this lesson you will be able to: 1. Teach others that living in God's grace enales Christians to live like Jesus, as exhibited in attitudes and actions. 2. Help others to accept that trials are part of the Christian life and serve an importanr purpose. 3. Exhort students to submit their lives to God's grace daily.

SUFFER ACCORDING TO CHRIST'S EXAMPLE (1 PETER 2:18-25; 3:13-18; 4:1-2)

A Christian's life is to reflect the truth this world is not their home, doing good and submitting to authority as a member of God's kingdom. But this can be difficult; Peter made it clear in conveying this principle to Christian slaves of his day. They were to submit and serve their earthly masters well. We likely cannot imagine what it would be like to be a slave. Yet we will suffer mistreatment in this sunful world. God commends believers who wronly suffer for doing what is good: following Jesus' example without retaliation and entrust yourselves to God's justice. Jesus suffered to provide salvation so those who believe in Him might live righteously. If you suffer for doing good, count yourself blessed. Believers will be persecuted, just as Jesus was persecuted. Sufferingis a part of life. Why you suffer and how you respond rests on yoor response to Jesus Christ. By His grace you can come through suffering closer and stronger in the faith.

[For Pesonal Reflection] Does the way you handle suffering reflect your hope in Christ's?

MOVE FROM DEATH IN LIFE (1 PETRE 1:13-23; 4:3-6)

Becoming a Christian changes a person's life. The believer begins to rely on God's grace when making choices. Instead of continuing to give in to the evil desires, he or she desires to live in obedience to God, for God is holy, and He commands His people to be set apart to serve Him (1 Peter 1:13-23). God is the impartial Judge who will punish the wicked and reward the righteous. As a result, Christians are to live as people who know this world is not their home. The love you show for others bears witness that God has changed your life. Some people confuse holiness with legalism, however, and run the risk of taking grace for granted by not following the command to be holy. Peter challenged all believers to live as those who have been changed by their faith in Christ. This new lifestyle can result in strained relationships with unbelievers in your life. The gospel presents a choice between life and death. If you believe the gospel, you become spiritually alive. If you reject the gospel, you may enjoy sin's pleasures in this lifetime, but then you will stand before God and be judged to eternal punishment. What will you choose?

[For Personal Reflection] What do you think it means to live a holy life?

LIVE THE LIFE OF GRACE ( 1 PETER 4:7-16)

God will soon bring an end to all things. So as a believer you need to live a life of grace (1 Peter 4:7-16). Prayer and spiritual alertness are keys to such a life, for through prayer you can see what is going on in this world in the light of God's sovereignty. Love for other believers is essential as well. Love identifies people as followers of Jesus, compelling them to work through differences and forgive others. Hospitality is a practical expression of such love. Another ingredient to the life of grace is spiritual gifts. Through the gifts He gives, you can minister His grace to others. Keep in mind that you are a steward--a manager of your gifts--not the owner. This will help you serve faithfully and humbly, and give the glory to God, not self. A life of grace is possible even when suffering for Christ. God's grace makes it possible to live as His child. He helps and empowers you to grow to be more Christlke in how you live. And if following Christ leads to suffering, His grace enables you to come through it with joy.

[For Personal Reflection] Why are praying, loving, and serving essential to living a life of grace?

CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

God gives Christians grace to live godly lives. Some people would like to think this means life should be trouble free and easy. Yet this is not what Christ promised. What He did promise was to be with His followers and give them the strength, peace, and joy to overcome. Peter wrote his letter to encourage believers who were suffering because of their faith in Christ. Rather than feeling ashamed or struggling to understand why you suffer, it is far better to look to the example of Christ. When He suffered, He put His trust in the Father. You may never have answers as to the "why" of suffering, but trusting God will result in receiving His grace so you can come throught it victoriously.

GOD'S GRACE IS AMAZING!

Monday Grace Demonstrated. Genesis 45:1-15

Tuesday Grace Chosen. 2 Kings 6:15-23

Wednesday Blessing of Forgiveness. Psalm 32:1-5

Thursday Jesus' Cry of Forgiveness. Luke 23:32-34

Friday Stephen Imitates Christ. Acts 7:54-60

Saturday Called To Live Like Christ. 1 Peter 2:18-25

See You In Sunday School Next Week!!!!

Copyright Reference: Radiant Life, Volume 100 Number 3 Mar. Apr. May. 2019 by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N. Boonville Ave, Springfield, Mo 65802.

Dr. June Normil