Bible Study

Bible study is the 2nd and 3rd Sundays of each month instead of a regular service.

This is when we delve deeper in the scriptures, like the Bereans, to better understand what we are reading. Some people think we should not question God, but there are times when those hard questions nag at you like “why did God let the satan attack Job” or when a hard saying of Jesus like “if you call someone a fool you are liable to the fire of gehenna” just gets in the way of your faith. All over the Bible the Psalmists and prophets were constantly asking God some tough questions when they don’t understand what’s happening to them. And so, we, like them should not shy away from asking too. We might not get all the answers we are looking for, but we come away with a better understanding of the passages we are studying and knowing that our God is a big and does not feel threatened by our questioning.

Week 16 – God Resists the Proud

January 3, 2016

Study
Questions

Study

The First Letter of Peter: Holy Living in the Midst of Fiery Trials.

In these verses we are called to be humble and not prideful. This is addressed to the leaders/shepherds of God’s people and also to those who are under their care. Peter admonishes the leaders to shepherd, guide, guard, and teach the flock willingly and eagerly and not by compulsion or for dishonest gain; not acting as lords over them but setting good examples. The “flock” in return should submit to the elders/leaders and to one another with humility because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Questions

What attitudes should an elder have?
What attitudes should not be part of the elder’s leadership?
What does Peter tell the younger people?
How do we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God?
Why do we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God?

Answers

Be an overseer that is willing and eager to serve and setting a good example.
Serving out of compulsion; serving just for the money; acting as lords over flock.
To submit to the elders and to be submissive to one another.
By casting all our care upon Him.
That He may exalt us at the appointed time.

Selected Scripture Verses

I Peter 5: 1-7

(1)To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: (2)Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; (3) not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (4) And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

(5) In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
(6) Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (7) Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Bible Study

Open Hands Church