Keep Your Lamps Burning; Share and Defend the Hope Within You
Bible Passage - 1 Peter 1: 1 - 2; 3: 13 - 17
Introduction
For the past several weeks, we have been reflecting on the theme of spiritual readiness. The recently concluded Bible study has been a deeply enriching time of fellowship with the that the insights we gained will continue to illuminate our daily walk with the Lord to share our faith with others. Hear again, we shall be drawing inspiration from Peter’s admonition on the spiritual journey of Christians facing persecution throughout Asia Minor in 1 Peter 3: 13 – 17. Peter’s message to the brethren is a lesson of spiritual readiness for our study irrespective of our settings.
As we study 1 Peter 3: 13 - 17, we want to examine Peter’s statements to determine how they relate to broader contexts. We would analyzed Peter’s remarks, evaluate and explore their correlation to the Book of Acts. In other words, we would be looking at what Peter said to see how it connects to Paul’s defense and everything else because the apostles were certain the risen Jesus had called, commissioned and empowered them (See - Acts 4: 20).
Jesus’ ascension was not the end, but a mark of a new beginning and the launch of a new phase where He empowers His followers through the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus ministered through the early disciples, He continues His redemptive work in the world today through the church – His body of believers as stated in Hebrews 7: 23 - 25. So, our lives are meant to be living reflection of Jesus to everyone we meet.
The call to share the Christian faith openly is heavily rooted in the New Testament. we found the apostles publicly stand and declare their beliefs boldly in public and in everyday conversations and interactions. They have nothing about themselves or the gospel to hide. We can gather and talk about the Christian faith, share knowledge and experiences amongst themselves, but the gospel was intended to go out in the open for all to hear and believe.
Questions
1. The Apostle Peter was separated, dedicated and ready - he knew how important it was to give a defense to everyone who asks them regarding their faith and actions. Read Acts 2: 14 - 39; Acts 3: 11 - 26; Acts 4: 8 - 12; Acts 5: 29 – 32 and describe how Peter had done this showing what he had relied on in his defense.
A. Peter says Christians are commanded to suffer for what is good and respond to evil with good because God prove wrong and make ashamed those who question our godly lives. With 1 Pet. 3: 13 -17, how do you understand the suffering of those in Asisa Minor from Matt. 28: 18 – 20. What two best ways should we respond to evil.
B. What’s the believers bottom line statement about Christian suffering according to Acts 5: 33 – 42. When and how does the Bible admonished believers in the face of challenges, trials and suffering in 1 Pet. 3: 13 - 15
2. Peter’s admonition connects to Paul when Apostle Paul seized the opportunity to share the gospel when taken to Caesarea to face Trial and make his decision (Acts 23: 23 - 35).
A. Paul had to defend himself against the Jews who accused him of creating problems for Jews throughout the Roman empire and for trying to desecrate the temple. Using Acts 24: 1 - 9, clarify why this is a gospel opportunity.
B. In Acts 24: 10 – 21, Paul challenged the charges, calling on the Jewish leaders to produce hard evidence, but no evidence could be produced. Describe and discuss two things Paul had affirmed in his defense. How has that helped you to be effective witness for Christ.
C. Paul concluded that he was tried because of one singular reason. How has the events in Acts 24: 10 – 21 helped you to be effective in witnessing for Christ
3. Reading from Acts 24: 22-27, when Paul reasoned during his defense, Felix was intriguing hearing Paul. Discuss the core theological principles of what Paul emphasized that made Felix nervous.
A. State the two reasons why Paul had to be in prison for two years and the implication on Felix eventually.
B. Examine Luke’s full writing in Acts 25: 1- 12 related to Paul’s defense of the gospel, highlight some major reasons and explain why the admonition of the Bible passage in Hebrews 13: 3 apply to us.
4. Clarify from Acts 25: 13 - 22, When Agrippa and his wife arrived Caesarea to visit Festus, mention what Festus admitted and its implication today when describing Paul’s case to Agrippa.
A. Explore the broader contexts of Acts 25: 9 – 11 into the historical custom of the trials of Jesus looking at more interactions between Jesus, Pilate and the Jews in Mk. 15: 15-16; Lk.23: 13-25; John 18: 39-40. In each case what do you think is being stimulated.
B. Paul had series of defense in Acts 26. Identify how each of these steps/stages can help prepare you share the gospel better.
I. Words of praise for the king – verse 1- 3
II. Jewish upbringing, training and persecution of Christians – verse 4 -11
III. His Damascus experience – verse 12 – 23
IV. Paul gave Agrippa opportunity to make a decision for Christ – verse 24 – 32
