1 Peter

Sermon Series + Bible Study

7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

John 15:7–8 

A Sermon Series + Bible Study 

This Fall's sermon series takes us through 1 Peter. Pastor Brooks has put together a companion study guide for individuals and groups to use in parallel with the series. What is unique about this study guide is that you'll study the word first, discuss it in group together, then hear a sermon on the same passage of scripture. In short, we'll study the word, discuss it together, then hear it preached.

Our prayer is that this series and study help you abide in Christ as his disciple by building an understanding of, and devotion to, the Word of God. God certainly uses preaching, but there is simply no substitute for a daily interaction with God through his inspired word (2 Timothy 3:16).

Not in a group?
Join the 1 Peter discussion group meeting on Sunday mornings.

What You Will Need

To complete this study you will need:  A hard copy or digital PDF (above) of the study guide, a notebook, access to a bible, and something to write with. Optionally, you may also want to access Grace’s YouTube channel to view the 1 Peter sermons after completing your study and discussion.

 

How To Use This Study

This study is formatted to guide you week by week through subsequent passages from 1 Peter–we will cover the entire book in this study, nothing will be skipped. The weekly studies are broken out into three sections called Observe, Understand, and Apply. Each week you’ll complete a study individually, followed by group discussion the next week (if you’re studying 1 Peter with a group).  When working individually on the study, you may complete each section (Observe, Understand, Apply) on consecutive days or spread them out throughout the week. In addition to this printed study guide we highly recommend you get a notebook

 

The purpose of each section…

Below are notes and suggestions to help you get the most out of your time using this study and God’s word. We encourage you to set aside adequate time to do the study each week, so as not to rush through any section.

Begin with Prayer
The first thing to always do first, before anything else, is begin with prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to use his word to grow you up in Christ. 

Observe
Start by seeking to know what the text actually says. This consists of three activities:

    1. Write out the passage in a notebook. The practice of writing out a short passage of scripture engages your mind in a way reading alone does not.
    2. Read the passage slowly and deliberately.
    3. Write out a summary of the passage in your own words. Note any observations you have about the text, or questions that come up as you read through it..

Understand
After familiarizing yourself with the text, the study will move toward understanding the meaning of what is written. These questions are designed to help you understand the historical context of the passage, the author’s intent, and its connection to the rest of Scripture.  

Apply
God calls us to be doers of the word and not hearers only, so it’s not enough to just understand what the text means—it must change us. Using the understanding you’ve gained about the meaning of the text, answer these questions designed to help you prayerfully consider how to effectively apply the passage. The questions will ask you to examine things we ought to believe, behaviors we ought to stop doing, or behaviors we ought to begin doing. As you answer, consider how God desires you to walk out your faith.

Group Discussion
Discipleship is meant to be done together, in community. When Jesus saves each of us, he saves us and places us into a community with a purpose. This is why we are commanded to meet together and encourage one another in our faith (Hebrews 10:23-25). So it’s not surprising that you will get the most out of this study if you are meeting regularly with other believers who know you and care for you. These group discussion questions are designed to help your group learn and apply the Bible together.  

“Going Deeper”
As you work through the weekly studies, you’ll come across sections called ‘Going Deeper.’ These sections will include things like Each week there will be additional passages for your suggested reading, additional questions or prompts, and other notes to deepen your understanding and application of God’s Word. We encourage you to dig into these areas as you have time and are led. that will give context to the passage you are studying each week.