1 John Worksheet - Chapter 5

1 JOHN 5     What must we believe in order to be a child of God? vs. 1 If we love the Father, who will we also love? vs. 1 How do we know that we truly love God's children? vs. 2 - Name 2 things How do we know that we love God? vs. 3 Have you ever thought of God's commandments as a burden? If so, why? Do you now? If so, why or why not? What is the victory that has overcome the world? vs. 4 Who is the person who overcomes the world? vs. 5 Note: Jesus came by water and by blood, meaning that He was born as any human in the water of the womb and with the blood of humanity in his veins. Looking at The Gospel of John when Jesus shared truth with Nicodemus about being born again, what was the first birth described as for every human; then what was the spiritual birth described as? Read and comment on - Gospel of John 3:3-8 - What is the Spirit of God and what does He testify to? vs. 6b What 3 testify to Jesus and are in agreement? vs. 7,8 - Name 3 Note: This is how I best understand because John says Jesus 'came' by water and blood which sounds to me when He 'came' to earth. Some commentaries show that the baptism in water when God says from heaven "This is My Son" is the water testimony, and the blood shed on Calvary is the blood testimony. I can see that as well. I am just coming at the angle that seems to make most sense to me. God's testimony is greater than men's.(vs.9,10) What does God testify concerning His Son, Jesus? vs.11 When we receive the Son of God, what do we have? vs.12 For those who have not received the Son of God, what do they not have? vs.12 John states his purpose for writing this letter in verse 13. For those of us who have believed in the name of the Son of God, what can we know for certain that we have? vs.13 What confidence do we have as believers in the Son of God in regard to prayer? vs.14,15 Note: After spending almost 2 hours in prayer and research regarding "the sin unto death" in a believer's life, as mentioned by John in verses 16 & 17, I feel that the best way to understand what he is speaking about is the fact that sometimes there is a brother who is not repentant of a certain sin in his life even after the chastening of God, and sometimes God may take that person on home to keep their testimony from making others stumble. I think it is saying, if it is not unto death, God will revive them and give them life (hope) again, but if it is leading to death due to their lack of repenting, your prayer may not be answered to give them life because God is ready to take them home. I wanted to share that with you all rather than ask the questions without explanation. If you want to research it and give your thoughts on it, please feel free to as well. One verse I would refer us to would be 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." ..... For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes....Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord....But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup......For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly......For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep......But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. .....But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world. The child of God does not sin habitually. We are kept by God and the evil one does not touch us. (vs.18 ) ...We are secure in God, but whose power does the whole world lie in? vs. 19 John ends this letter telling us who the true God is and what eternal life is. (vs.20) ...What does he say that it is? vs. 20 - Lastly, what are we to guard ourselves from? vs. 21 This has been a difficult lesson to write because of the witness of the 3 (water, blood, and Spirit) as well as the section on the "sin unto death". I hope we can realize that sometimes try as we may, we will not have complete understanding of some things until we see the Lord in heaven. However, the main point of John's first letter is to let us know that we can know that we have eternal life in Jesus, God's Son. Also, we can know that we belong to God because we have love for one another. Summarize this chapter and post a prayer if you would like. Also, look back through all 5 chapters and write out the verses that stood out to you and come up with the theme of the book and what you believe John wants us to remember from this letter he wrote. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

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1 John Worksheet - Chapter 4

1 JOHN 4     John has just told us in chapter 3:24 that we have the Holy Spirit within us as believers. What does he want us to realize concerning other spirits that may speak through people? vs.1 Why do we have to be careful about the spirit that may be speaking through a prophet or teacher? vs. 1 How do we know that a spirit is from God and not from the evil one? vs. 2 What does it mean that Jesus has come in the flesh? It would be good for you to review the Gospel of John again, John 1:1-4, and vs.14. This is what a person should believe about Jesus; that He was with God and He was God and then the Word became flesh, born of a virgin, born of the seed of God, without man. That is what it means. Who is behind the spirit that does not confess Jesus is from God? vs.3 Is the antichrist spirit among us today? Can you give examples of movie stars and others who are anti-Christ? What cults are there that promote God but do not claim Jesus is God? Being from God, we have already overcome the spirit of antichrist. Why is that? vs. 4 Those who are of the antichrist spirit are from the world. How do they speak and how does the world receive them? vs.5 John and the other apostles are from God. Who listens to them and the words they speak in the writings we study in the Bible? vs.6 How do we know the spirit of truth from the spirit of error? vs. 6 Where does love originate from? vs. 7 If we truly love one another, what 2 things does this prove about us? vs. 7 Can we know God and not love? Why not? vs. 8 How did the love of God "manifest" itself to us? vs.9 How do we describe what love is? vs.10 Because God loved us in this way, we ought to love one another. (vs.11) ...Although no one has seen God at any time, how do we know the love of God is perfected in us? vs. 12 How do we know that we abide in Him and He abides in us? vs. 13 The apostle John has "seen" the things he is telling us. He witnessed the death, burial, and resurrection, as well as the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. Being an eye witness, and an ear witness to all of His teachings, what does he testify to us? vs.14 What confession shows that God abides in us and we abide in God? vs.15 Do you believe this is simply a statement of belief or a lifestyle of belief? Read 1 John 1:6 again to help you with the answer. What did John know and believe? vs. 16 What is the distinguishing mark of the Believer in the Lord? vs.16 What will love that is perfected (complete, mature) give us on the day of judgment and why? vs.17 What does perfect love do and why? vs. 18 Why are we able to love? vs.19 If we do not love a person we can see with our eyes, can we love God whom we cannot see with our eyes? vs. 20 What is the commandment we have from God? vs. 21 With all the antichrist spirits in the world today, how are you going to know the "spirit of truth" and the "spirit of error"? What needs to be our distinguishing mark in the world? Summarize your thoughts and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

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1 John Worksheet - Chapter 3

1 JOHN 3     What has the Father's love bestowed upon those of us who believe in His Son? vs. 1 Because we are children of God, how does the world relate to us and why? vs. 1 Currently we are children of God. What will we be like when Jesus appears for us and why? vs. 2 When we set our hopes on the coming of the Lord, what does it do for us? vs. 3 Those who practice sin continually are lawless, not regarding the laws or commands of the Lord. (vs.4) What was the Lord's purpose in appearing on earth and dying on the cross? vs. 5 When we abide in the Lord (who has no sin), can we be creatures of sin or ones who have habitually sinful lives? vs.6 We know that in 1 John 1:10, we were told that if we say we do not have sin, we have been deceived, but if we confess our sin, we are forgiven. It does not mean that we cannot have occassional sin, it means that belonging to Him, we would not have a habitual sinful lifestyle. We have already seen the word 'practice' above; those who 'practice' sin do not belong to Him. John does not want us to be deceived. If someone practices righteousness (right things), they are righteous...but if they practice sin habitually, who do they belong to and how do we know? vs.7,8 Again, what was the purpose of God's Son appearing on earth and dying on the cross? vs. 8 If we are born of God, and have the seed of God within us that brought about our new birth, can we practice sin in our life? vs. 9 John tells us that the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious. Who is not of God? vs.10 - Name 2 things Compare and contrast Cain and Abel as found in vs.11-12. What do we learn from their example? What should not surprise us? vs. 13 How do we know that we have passed from death into life in Christ? What is the evidence that we are born again? vs. 14 What does hating another make us guilty of? vs. 15 What did Jesus tell us in Matthew 5:21-24? Back to 1 John 3 How did Jesus show us what love is? vs.16 What are some practicial ways we can show lay our lives down for our brethren? vs.17 If we close our hearts to those in need, what does that show about our lives? vs. 17 We should not only love others with our words, but how do we show that we love them? vs.18 When we are actually doing deeds of love, we know that we are of the truth, truly children of God, and this will 'assure' our hearts before Him, even when our own heart would 'try' to condemn us. Who is greater than our heart or personal feelings? vs. 19,20 Who knows all things and therefore knows our hearts better than we do? vs. 20 When we assure our own hearts before God, and don't allow our heart (or feelings) to condemn us, what does it give us? vs. 21 When we have confidence in our relationship to God by doing things that we know are pleasing to Him, how does this effect our prayer lives? vs. 21,22 What is are the commandments of God we are to obey? vs.23 - Name 2 things What did Jesus say in Gospel of John 6:29? What did Jesus say in Gospel of John 15:12? When we believe in Him and love others, we are abiding in Him and He is abiding in us. (vs.24a)... Who is abiding in us that causes us to know we abide in the Lord? vs. 24 What did Jesus say about the Spirit in John's recorded Gospel account? Write out things He told them from the verses that follow: John 14:17- John 14:26 - John 15:26 - John 16:13 - A couple of verses in Romans will be good for us to look at as well concerning being a child of God and knowing we are by the Spirit that abides in us. Look up these verses and write them out: Romans 8:14 - Romans 8:16 - Do you have the Spirit of God abiding in you? Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord? Examine yourself and see if you love others because of God's love that has been placed there by His Spirit. This is the distinguishing mark of the child of God. Summarize this chapter and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

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1 John Worksheet - Chapter 2

1 JOHN 2     What is John's desire for our lives? vs.1a If we sin, who do we have for an Advocate with the Father? vs.1b What does "Advocate" mean? Look up in a dictionary and write out. Is John saying that it is possible for us to never sin? How do you know from verses you read in the first chapter? Write them out. John tells us that Jesus is the "propitiation" for our sins and for the whole world. (vs.2) ... Look up "propitiation" in a dictionary and explain what that means. How can we "know" that we "know" the Lord Jesus? vs. 3 Are we a Christian simply because we say we are a Christian? vs. 4 What characteristic marks the one who truly belongs to God? vs.5 How should we live if we "say" we belong to Him? vs. 6 In verse 5, we saw that the love of God is perfected (or brought to maturity) in the person who is truly His. John states that this is not a new commandment, but one they have had from the beginning. However, it is also a new commandment because the true Light is already shining. (vs. 7, .. Who is the true Light? ..... Look up Gospel of John 1:9 and write it out . ..... What was the new commandment He gave us? ..... Look up Gospel of John 13:34 and write it out ....... The Old commandment was to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and might. (Deut.6:5), but the New commandment was to love one another, even as the Lord Jesus loved us (John 13:34). Because the True Light has already come into the darkness, we are able to have the Love of God perfected in us because we have the Light of Life (Jesus) abiding within us. It will help you to look up these verses and think about them and summarize them to get the picture of what John is sharing with us. Try to reword all of this in your own words here: Back to 1 John How do we know if we are in the Light or still in darkness? vs. 9 What assures us that we will not stumble in our faith? vs. 10 If we hate another person, what can we know is still true about ourselves? vs.11 - Name 4 things John addresses us as family members in the body of Christ. All of us are little children in that the Greek word here means "born again ones". We have been forgiven of our sins for His Name's sake. (vs.12) ... Some of us are still children in that we are still under tutoring and teaching and not yet as strong as we will be ... Some are in the "young men" stage ... and Some are in the "father stage" of maturity. What does John say to the children? vs. 13c - List 1 thing ..... What does John say to the "young men"? vs. 13b, 14b - List 3 things..... What does John say to the "fathers"? vs.13a, 14a - List 1 thing Why do the young in the faith overcome the evil one and why are they strong? vs. 14 How does this coincide with Revelation 12:11? (write this out) John explains that we cannot have the love of the "world" and the love of the Father in us at the same time. (vs.15) . What are the 3 things that John says are not of the Father, but of the world? vs.16 - Name 3 things Take time to think about what these things mean in your own life. What is something your eyes lust for? What is something your flesh lusts for? What do you have boastful pride of life in? If these things of the world have slipped into your life, take time to confess those to the Father, and ask Him to fill you with His Spirit and help you overcome these lustful things. The world is passing away and also its lusts. Who is the one who will abide forever? vs.17 What hour were they living in and we are still living in today? vs.18 John says that antichrist is coming, but that many antichrists have already appeared and this is how we know the time we live in. What do you know about the antichrist who is coming? Research and give a summary if you know. How do we know if there are many with the antichrist spirit in the world today? (anti simply means "against) John said that some of these antichrists had actually been among the body of Christ, but they had gone away from them and that is how they could know they were never really part of them. When we have the true Spirit of Christ, we will not depart from the Christian family, but we will want to remain in fellowship. What does every child of God possess? vs. 20 John is not writing this to them because they "do not know the truth", but because they "do know the truth". He states that no lie is of the truth. (vs.21) ... Who does he say the liar and the antichrist is? vs. 22 Can a person believe in God without believing in Jesus and still have eternal life? Why or why not? vs. 23 How would they and how will we be sure that we have both the Father and the Son abiding in us? vs. 24 What have we heard from the beginning? Write out Gospel of John 1:1-4 again. What did Jesus say should abide in us? Gospel of John 15:7 Back to 1 John What is the promise that Jesus Himself made to us? vs. 25 Why has John felt a need to write these things to these believers? vs.26 What does John remind them that they have from Him who "abides" in them? vs. 27 Who is our resident teacher? vs. 27 How does this coincide with what Jesus taught in Gospel of John 14:16,17 and Gospel of John 14:26? Back to 1 John How can we have confidence and not be ashamed when our Lord comes again? vs.28,29 - Name 2 things This has been a long lesson with alot to say about knowing the mark of a true Christian to be "love"; not love as the world knows love, but love for the Father that transfers to the people He created. I pray that each one of us continue to grow in love for the Lord and for one another. What things have spoken to you today? Write a summary and a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

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1 John Worksheet - Chapter 1

1 JOHN 1     These letters are written by the apostle John, whom often described himself as the "one that Jesus loved". There was reclining on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. (John 13:23) Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?" (John 21:20) He was so secure in the love of the Lord for himself and he wants us to be secure in that as well. When he begins the first of three letters we have on record from him in our Bible, he begins by telling us about the Word of Life which was in the beginning. Let's go back to His Gospel record and read what he says about this in John 1:1-4. Write it out below by filling in the blanks: Gospel of John 1:1-4 - "In the _______ was the _____, and the _____ was with God, and the _____was God. He was in the _________ with God. All things came into being through ___, and apart from Him, _______ came into being that has come into being. In Him was ____, and the _____ was the _____ of men." In this first letter written by John, what kind of a witness was he personally of the "Word of Life" (Jesus)? - vs.1 - Name 3 things As John had said in his Gospel record, the Word was 'with' God, and the Word 'was' God. He was in the beginning with God. What does John tell us in his gospel in John 1:14 about when the Word was manifested to mankind? Write out John 1:14 - Here in this first letter, John is saying that he personally can testify to seeing the "life of the Word of God" when He (Jesus) was manifested to men. What is John proclaiming to us in this letter concerning this? vs. 2 Being an eye and ear witness, John is inviting his readers to fellowship with him and his companions. Who do they fellowship with? vs.3 - Name 2 Persons What is John's purpose in writing this letter? vs. 4 What is the message that John heard from Jesus about God that he is now announcing to us? vs.5 What is the evidence that we truly have fellowship with God and with Jesus His Son? vs. 6 If we walk in His Light and have fellowship with one another, what is the result ? vs. 7 We are deceived if we think we can be without sin. (vs. 8 ) ... But if we confess our sins, what is He faithful and righteous to do for us? vs. 9 - Name 2 Things What is true of us if we claim to not have sin? vs.10 John the apostle is inviting us to fellowship with God the Father and Jesus the Son in this first section of the letter of 1 John. Are you already enjoying that fellowship? Are you walking in the light, confessing your sins, and enjoying the cleansing through fellowship with other believers? John will spend the rest of his letter helping us know beyond a shadow of doubt that we are the children of God because of this fellowship and the love that God has placed in our hearts in Christ Jesus. Summarize this chapter and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

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2 Peter Worksheet - Chapter 3

2 PETER 3     Why did Peter write these believers a "second" letter? vs.1 What is he reminding them about? What 2 things does he want them to remember about God's words? vs.2 He wants them to know first of all, that in the last days, mockers will come, following after their own lusts (vs.3)...What will they be asking (in a mocking way)? vs. 4 When they say these things, what are they not believing about creation and the first destruction of the world? vs.5,6 What is God's Word reserving the present heavens and earth for? vs. 7 Peter does not want us to let one fact escape our notice. What is equivalent to one day with the Lord? vs. 8 ... What is equivalent to 1000 years with the Lord? vs. 8 The Lord is not slow about bringing the promise of His return. Why is He being patient and what is He waiting for? vs. 9 When He does choose to come back, what will it be like "suddenly"? vs.10 Since all of these things are going to happen in this way, how does Peter say we should be like as believers? vs.11,12 - Name 3 things According to His promises, what are we looking for at that time? vs. 13 Since we are looking for these things, what should we be diligent to be like when He comes? vs. 14 - Name 3 things How should we regard the patient of the Lord in putting off His return a bit longer? vs.15 What does Peter say about our beloved brother Paul and how they have addressed the same things to this same audience? vs. 15,16 When things are a little hard to understand in the Scriptures, what do the untaught and unstable people do to them, and what is the result of doing that? vs. 16 Knowing this beforehand, we need to be on our guard not to be "carried away" by the "error" of unprincipled men and fall from our own steadfastness. (vs.17)...What are we to continue to GROW in? vs. 18 - Name 2 things To Him - be the glory - both now and to the day of eternity - Amen !! As we finish Peter's 2nd letter, and the last letter he ever wrote, what will remain with you from it? Look back over all 3 chapters and give the main theme of this letter throughout. How do you plan to GROW in grace and the knowledge of Jesus so that you will not be misled by false teaching? I hope it includes daily reading with RTB.  Summarize your thoughts and post a prayer if you like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

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2 Peter Worksheet - Chapter 2

 

2 PETER 2     What do false prophets and false teachers introduce among God's people? vs. 1 How do they introduce these to the church? vs.1 When these teachings go forth, their lives deny the fact that Jesus is their Master. What does this bring upon them? vs.1 Why do many follow them? vs.2 What happens to the truth of the Gospel because of their teaching? vs.2 What does their greed cause them to do concerning the Christians? vs. 3 What will be their future destiny? vs. 3 What did God to angels when they sinned? vs. 4 What did God bring upon the ancient world to judge the ungodly? vs. 5 Who was preserved along with his family of 7? vs.5 What was he preaching at that time? vs. 5 What did God do to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of the ungodly lives there? vs.6 Read about the sin that was committed in Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis Chapter 19:1-26. What sin was prevelant when God destroyed these cities? What did the destruction of these cities become for all who live ungodly thereafter? vs.6 However, God rescued Lot. What did He say about him? vs. 7 What was Lot having to endure while living there? vs.7,8 What do we learn by Lot's example of living godly among the ungodly? vs.9 Will the unrighteous get away with their sin? ... What will God do to repay them? vs.9 Who does this especially apply to? vs.10,11 - Name 5 things (more will come...) Continue with the list of these men and their characteristics of ungodly living. vs.12-14 - Name 15 things What kind of souls are they able to entice? vs.14 When they forsake the right way; they go astray to follow the way of Balaam, the son of Beor. What kind of wages did he love? vs.15 How did God rebuke Balaam? vs.16 Note: You can read about this account in Numbers 22:21-41 We are given more characteristics of these ungodly men who introduce destructive heresies in our midst. Continue to list these from vs.17-19 - Name 8 things What kind of words do these ungodly men speak to those who barely escape in order to promise them freedom? vs.18 - Name 4 ways they speak. Although these men promise the people freedom, what are they themselves slaves of? vs. 19 What enslaves a man? vs. 19 How does this compare to what Jesus said in John 8:34? What would have been better for these ungodly men than for them to know the way of righteousness but to deny it's power and authority over them? vs. 20-22 What animals are these ungodly men compared to and why? vs. 22 - Name 2 What animal does God call His true believers? See John 10:26-30 Application: Thinking back on this chapter, we are shown what kind of character the false teachers will have. If they are greedy for money and they appeal to the senses of the people, and do not submit themselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we can know that they are preaching with wrong motives. We need to avoid these type. Have you encountered false teaching before? Did it take awhile to realize it since they "secretly" induce these heresies? Application: Noah was a preacher of righteousness and he was saved from the flood along with 7 others. Lot was righteous and his soul was tormented daily by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men. God rescued him from the destruction He brought on the cities. Is your soul tormented by the sin around you or have we become lethargic and accepting in some ways of our cultures? We need to be burdened by these sins and grieved in our hearts like these men that are mentioned. Summarize this chapter and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

2 Peter Worksheet - Chapter 1

2 PETER 1     In Peter's 2nd letter, he addresses the recipients as having a faith of the same kind as theirs. How does he describe it? vs. 1 What is not only added, but multiplied to us when we know God and Jesus our Lord? vs. 2 - Name 2 things What has the divine power of God granted to us? vs.3a How do we obtain this divine power? vs.3b What has God granted to us in order to become partakers of His divine nature and to escape the corruption in the world by lust? vs. 4 What qualities render you neither useless or unfruitful in the true knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ when you not only possess them, but they are increasing in your life? vs.5-8 - Name 8 qualities If you are lacking any of these qualities, what does that mean? vs. 9 - Name 2 reasons given Because of this, what are we to make certain about? vs. 10 - Name 2 things What can you be sure of if you are practicing these things? vs. 10b,11 Because these things are so important, what would Peter always be ready to do? vs. 12 Peter wanted to remind them of these things.(vs.13) What did Peter know about the circumstances of his own life at this time? vs. 14 - What did he want them to be able to do after his departure? vs.15 Peter said they did not follow cleverly devised tales when they made known to them about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. What was Peter an eyewitness of? vs. 16 Peter, James, and John were there at The Transfiguration on the holy mountain with Jesus. (Matthew 17:1-5) . What utterance did they hear from heaven regarding Jesus at that time? vs.17,18 Therefore, Peter and those who heard this had the prophetic word made even more sure. (vs.19) ...What does he compare the Scriptures to for all of his readers? vs.19 What are we to know first of all concerning all prophecies given in the Scriptures? vs.20 No prophecy of The Scriptures was ever made by an act of human will. Who was the One speaking when the men wrote down the words? vs.21 Looking back over this chapter and seeing the qualities that we should possess and have increase in as we grow in grace and peace in the Lord ... how are you doing? Have you become short sighted, having forgotten the purification of your former sins? In other words, are we lacking in gratitude for what Christ has done for us? If so, we can repent today and be determined to start again, with a desire to possess these qualities and to grow in them. Summarize this chapter and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

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1 Peter Answers - Chapter 1

1 PETER 1     Where did the recepients of Peter's first letter live? vs.1 List 5 locations. Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. What did Peter call those he was writing this letter to? vs.1 - Name 2 things. To those who reside as aliens,  who are chosen. To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion [ESV] To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout [TNIV] How does Peter describe their relationship with God? vs.1,2 - fill in the blanks - "according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood." God the Father has his eye on each of you, and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus. [MSG] What does Peter desire be theirs in fullest measure? vs. 2 - Name 2 Things Grace and Peace. Who has caused us to be born again? vs. 3 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. What has been given to us through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead? vs. 3 A living hope. An inheritance has been promised to us through our new birth in Christ. (vs.3,4)...What are we told about this inheritance? vs. 4 - Name 4 things imperishable undefiled will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you How are we protected by the power of God? vs. 5 Through faith. When will our salvation be revealed to us? vs. 5 In the last time. These promises of our eternal inheritance in Christ gives us reason to rejoice, even though we have been distressed for a little while, if necessary, by various trials. (vs.6) ... What is the purpose of the trials that we go through? vs. 7 To proove our faith [NASB] To test the genuineness of our faith [ESV] When we see Jesus, what will the result of going through the fires of testing bring to us? vs. 7 - Name 3 things praise glory honor As born again believers, how do we feel about Jesus, even though we cannot see Him now? vs.8 - We love Him and believe in Him. Because we believe in Him even though we cannot see Him, we greatly rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and full of glory (vs. 8 ). ... What will be the outcome of our faith in Him? vs. 9 The salvation of our souls. When the prophets of old prophesied of the salvation to come, they knew by the Spirit of Christ that He would suffer and be glorified. They still searched to find out 2 things. What were they? vs.10-11 - Name 2 things Seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. When the prophets searched to find out these things, they realized they were not serving themselves, but those who believe in Christ in these days. How do we find out about these things today? vs. 12 These things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Other than the prophets of old, who else longs to look into these glorious things that belong to us? vs. 12 The angels long to look. Because we possess by the Holy Spirit things that the prophets and the angels longed to participate in, what admonition does Peter give to the believers to keep them strong through the trials of our faith? vs.13 - Name 3 things prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, what are we not to be conformed to? vs. 14 Do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance. Who are we to strive to be like in our behavior? vs.15,16 Like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” What kind of judge is our Father and what is His judgment based on? vs.17 One who impartially judges according to each one’s work. Therefore, how are we to conduct ourselves during our stay on earth? vs.17 Conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; What are we to know that did not bring us redemption? vs. 18 .... You were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers. How have we been redeemed? vs. 19 With precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. Christ, as the Lamb of God, that would redeem us by His precious blood, was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in the last times for our sakes. (vs.20). ... What do we believe God did that brings us faith and hope? vs. 21 - Name 2 things Our obedience to the truth that is in Jesus has purified our souls for a sincere love of the brethren. (vs.22) ... Therefore, what does Peter exhort us to do? vs. 22 What kind of "seed" has caused us to be "born again"? vs. 23 What is the "seed" that is imperishable and has brought this life to us? vs. 23 What makes all flesh be like grass? vs. 24 What does not fade, but will endure forever? vs.25 This chapter has been full of promises that have been made to us that have been born again by the seed of God's Word and faith in Christ Jesus. We have an inheritance reserved in heaven for us; it is undefiled and will not fade away. Jesus told His disciples that He would go away to prepare a place for them and He would return to take them there. Because of these great promises, we are exhorted by Peter to live a life full of hope and obedience, even if we are distressed by trials. How has this chapter encouraged your faith today? Write a summary and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

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1 Peter Worksheet - Chapter 5

1 PETER 5     Peter was writing this to exhort the elders among those scattered abroad (1 Peter 1:1) ... from the standpoint of being a "fellow elder" of the Lord's church. What else did he say about himself? vs.1 - Name 2 things When was Peter a partaker of the glory that is to be revealed? Read Matthew 17:1-9. Explain. Peter is exhorting the elders to shepherd the flock of God among them. Fill in the blanks of how they are to watch over the members of their church bodies. Vs. 2,3 - "excercising oversight not under ______, but ______, according to the will of God; and not for sordid _____, but with _______; nor yet as _______ it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be ______to the flock." If they will lead their fellowships in this way, what will the Chief Shepherd (Jesus) give them when He appears? vs. 4 What was Peter's exhortation to the younger men? vs.5 What was Peter's exhortation to all of the people? vs.5 Because God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (vs.5) ... what did Peter say God would do for them at the proper time if they humbled themselves before Him? vs. 6 Why should we cast all of our anxiety on the Lord? vs. 7 Why are we to be of sober spirit and alert? vs.8 Who is the devil and what is he seeking to do to us? vs.8 What do we need to remember to help us be able to stand firm and resist the devil when he is trying to destroy our faith? vs. 9 What will the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory in Christ, do for us, after we have suffered for a little while? vs.10 - Name 4 things Peter breaks out in praise "To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen!" (vs.11) ... He has written this brief letter through his faithful brother in the Lord, Silvanus. What does he state his purpose to be and what is his exhortation to us? vs.12 Peter sends greetings from the church in Babylon, and from Mark. (vs.13) ... He wants all of them to greet one another with a kiss of love. What is his final word to them? vs. 14 The first book (letter) from Peter is letting us know that we will suffer for the cause of Christ, but that our inheritance is reserved in heaven and we will be rewarded for living a life of humility and faithfulness. We are told that the unbelievers will persecute us and falsely malign us, but Christ is our example of looking to our Heavenly Father for strength and grace to make it. In this last chapter, we have been told that the devil is prowling about seeking to devour our faith. Let us remember that God has not forsaken us and that He will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. To God be the Glory. Amen. Summarize this chapter and post a prayer if you would like. Also, it would be a good excercise to go back through the 5 chapters and highlight the verses that have stood out to you. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

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1 Peter Worksheet - Chapter 4

1 PETER 4     What purpose does Peter say we should "arm" ourselves for and why? vs. 1 How are we to live the rest of the time we have on earth? vs. 2 What have we already had sufficient time being a part of? vs. 3 - Name 6 things When we turn from these worldly pleasures, the old friends are surprised that we won't run the course with them still. What do they do to the repentant person? vs. 4 Who will those who malign you now face one day? vs. 5 Where has the Gospel been preached and why? vs.6 ... The end of all things is near. What reason do we have to be of sound judgment and sober in spirit? vs.7 Why should we keep fervent in our love for one another above all other things? vs.8 When we are hospitable to one another, what should we be careful not to do? vs. 9 Each person has received one or more spiritual gifts from the Lord. What are we commanded to do with our gift(s)? vs.10 What are we to be good stewards of? vs.10 If we employ a speaking gift, Who are we speaking for? vs.11a If we are gifted in serving and employ our gift, Who gives us the strength to serve? vs. 11a Whatever we do, in speech or action, what is the goal of our service? vs.11b As the beloved of God, what are we not to be surprised about as though something strange were happening to us? vs.12 What does the degree of sufferings for Christ have to do with our rejoicing when He comes again? vs.13 How are you blessed if you are reviled for the name of Christ? vs.14 What are we to make sure we do not suffer because of? vs.15 - Name 4 things If we suffer as a Christian, however, we are not to be ashamed. How should we respond? vs.16 What time is it for the household of God? vs. 17 Peter asks....If judgment begins with us, what will it be like for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (vs.17) ... If the saved have such difficulties ... what will become of the godless and the sinners? (vs.18 ) ... When we suffer according to the will of God, Who should we entrust our souls to and why can He be trusted? vs. 19 Jesus said that in this world, we would have tribulation, but to rejoice because He has overcome the world. One day, it will be worth it when we see Him. During our stay on earth, we have been given one or more spiritual gifts. Have you discovered your gift(s)? How have you put it to work to serve the body of Christ until He comes? Summarize this chapter and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

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1 Peter Worksheet - Chapter 3

1 PETER 3     Note: In 1 Peter, chapter 2, Peter had just spoken about the sufferings of Christ and how He did not utter any threats, but continued to entrust Himself to the Father when He was unjustly put on the cross by ungodly men. He knew the higher purpose that it served. Now, Peter pivots over to the wives to tell them that following the example of Christ, they are to be submissive to their own husbands in order to win them over to Christ not by words, but through their behavior. How does Peter say the wives should behave? vs. 2 Rather than put all the emphasis on the outward appearance, what does Peter say is the most important quality of a godly woman? vs. 3,4 Peter said that in the former times, the holy women adorned themselves with this strength of dignity and character as well. He points to Sarah as an example in how she obeyed Abraham. What makes us be identified with her today? vs. 6 Proverbs 31 speaks of a godly woman. Read Proverbs 31:21-25. How does this reinforce what this verse would be referring to? Peter then speaks to the husbands. How are they to live with their wives and why? vs.7 What does the husband need to do for the wife in order for his prayers not to be hindered? vs. 7 Peter then sums up a message that applies to all believers. What does he say we all need to be toward one another? vs.8-9 - Name 8 things. When we are insulted, we are to return a blessing to that person. What is the very purpose in our calling? vs. 9 Peter quotes from the Old Testament from Psalm 34:12-16. What does the one who desires life, wants to love, and see good days need to do concerning his speech? vs. 10 What must he turn away from and what should he do? vs. 11 Where are the eyes of the Lord toward? vs. 12 Who does the Lord hear? vs. 12 Who is the Lord's face against? vs. 12 Peter asks "Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?" (vs.13) ...This is from Proverbs 16:7 ... Then he says, "Even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed." (vs.14) ... What does Peter say we should not fear concerning those who would cause us harm if we are doing good? vs. 14 Peter encourages us to sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts. What are we always to be ready to do? vs. 15 What attitude are we to have when we give defense of what we believe in? vs.15 If we keep a clear conscience, what will happen to those who slander our good behavior in Christ? vs. 16 It is better, if God should will it so, that we suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. (vs.17) Why did Jesus, the "Just", die for us, the "unjust" ones? vs. 18 When Jesus died, but was made alive in the Spirit, where did he go and who did he preach to at that time? vs. 19-20 When we become a baptized believer, it is not the removal of dirt from our flesh on the outside, but it is an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (vs.21). ... Where is Jesus at right now? vs.22 What has been subjected to Jesus after His resurreciton and ascension into heaven? vs. 22 - Name 3 things This chapter has dealt with how the wife and the husband are to treat one another as well as how all believers should be with others. It is about not returning evil or insult when people slander us and lie about us and things that happen to us from the outside world. We must remember that the Lord is opposed to those who oppose us, but His eyes are toward us and His ears are open to our prayers. Look to the Lord when we are suffering; glory and honor are coming when He comes back for us. Summarize your thoughts for this chapter and post a prayer if you like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

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1 Peter Worksheet - Chapter 2

 

1 PETER 2     Note ..... In 1 Peter chapter 1, we looked at the fact that we have been born again of the imperishable seed of the Word of God. Now, Peter wants his readers to begin to be nourished on the pure milk of the Word of God like a newborn baby in order to begin to grow in our faith. (vs.2). What does Peter want us to put aside in order to begin to grow? vs.1 - Name 5 things What are we to long for and why? vs. 2,3 How do we come to Him? vs. 4 Jesus has been a rejected stone by men, but what is He in the sight of God? vs. 4 - Name 2 things We are also called living stones. What are we being built up together as? vs. 5 - Name 2 things What is our purpose as a spiritual house and holy priesthood made up of living stones? vs. 5 Peter quotes an Old Testament Scripture to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies from Isaiah 28:16. What was the promise to all who believed in Him? vs. 6 This precious value, then, is for the believers, but the unbelievers are the ones who rejected the cornerstone. What did He become to the Jews that did not believe? vs. 7,8 - Name 2 things Peter turns back to those he is writing to say that, "We are a chosen race." What else does he say about the believers? vs. 9 - Name 3 things What has God called us out of darkness to proclaim? vs. 9 Although they were not always a people and had not always known His mercy, now they were His people and they had received His mercy unto salvation. As aliens and strangers in the earth, what did Peter urge them to do? vs.11 Although they were being persecuted and slandered as evildoers (although they were not) ... how did he want them to continue to behave and why? vs.12 What would the unbelievers do on the day of visitation because of their behavior in Christ? vs. 12 These Christians who were "aliens" and "strangers" needed to "submit" themselves to those in authority over them. Whose sake was this for? vs.13 What purpose should governing authorities have over the evildoers? ... over those who do right? vs. 14 What is the will of God concerning how we act even with those who act foolishly among us? vs. 15 Christians are free in Christ, but we have responsiblity with our freedom. Rather than use our freedom as a covering for evil things, what are we to do with our freedom? vs.16 Who are we to honor? ... Who are we to love? .. Who are we to fear? ... and who else are we to honor? vs. 17 Who are the servants to be submissive to with all respect? vs.18 What finds favor with God? vs. 19 If we have sinned and we are treated harshly, it is what we deserve for wrong doing. But when we do the right thing and we suffer for it, how is God honored through it? vs.20 What is the purpose in our calling? vs. 21 If we are to follow the example of Christ when He suffered unjustly under ungodly men, what are the attitudes that He displayed that we can learn from? vs. 22,23 - Name 5 things Where did Jesus bear our sins? vs. 24a What was His purpose in doing this? vs.24b .. "that we may ____ to sin and _____to righteousness" How have we been healed by His death? vs.24c What kind of healing was accomplished through His suffering? vs. 25 What is Jesus called in this last verse? vs.25 - Name 2 things Even though we end this chapter on a note that we are called for the purpose of suffering to identify with our Lord Jesus Christ, what are the promises and encouragements you found in this chapter that belong only to those who believe? There is a "purpose" to suffering and that is what gets us through. When we go through difficult times and we keep our behavior excellent, others see that and want to know more about the God that is strong within us. Jesus set an example for us and He is there to help us. ..... Do you have a time of suffering to share with us when God gave you strength to behave in a godly way to be a witness to those in darkness? Think on these things and offer up a prayer of praise to God. Summarize the chapter and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...