1 Peter 5:8-10
There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased with both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight. - CS LEWIS Why should we acknowledge the existence of Satan and the forces of darkness? How have you seen and unhealthy focus on Satan and demons in the church? Why do you think we ignore the reality of spiritual warfare [...]
1 Peter 5:5-8
Humility is an accurate assessment of yourself before God. How do we get an accurate assessment if ourselves before God? How does reading the Bible and prayer help us in such a pursuit of humility? What other spiritual disciplines cultivate humility (give us an accurate assessment of ourselves before God) in our life? How do you tend to inaccurately or falsely assess yourself? What areas of your life do you most see pride or a lack of humility? How can you seek to cultivate humility in these areas? Humility is cultivated in the context of intentional community? How [...]
1 Peter 4:12-19 Study Questions
Peter writes to Christians in a secular government who are enduring severe persecution for following Jesus. He tells them to be glad because such persecution proves they have the Spirit working in them. The persecution they endure is God proving the realness of His people who have aligned themselves with Jesus in the world. 1. Rarely are we as Christians in America directly persecuted in the same ways for following Jesus. Why do you think this is? Where have you seen persecution of Christians in our country and around the world? 2. What are the ways you see [...]
Why Your Marriage Needs a Small Group
“Are y’all in a BFG?” This has become one of the most important questions for diagnosing the severity of marital struggles in my pastoral counseling. I need to know if there’s anyone else in the trenches with us working to help this marriage. I also need to know how serious the couple is about making their marriage better. My experience over the last few years has shown me that the vast majority of people who come to me for help with their marriage, no matter how severe the problems may be, are there due to the encouragement of [...]