TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCHCOLUMBUS, OH

BIBLE STUDY SERIES

COURAGEOUS CHRISTIANITY

A STUDY OF I PETER

Dr. Victor M. Davis, Pastor

Focus Scripture

Deuteronomy 31:6Be strong and COURAGEOUS. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

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Introduction

Author Simon Peter, An Apostle of Jesus Christ

From Bethsaida in Galilee

Family Man-Married

Business Man-Fisherman

Name Change: From Simon (he has heard) to Cephas (Aramaic for “stone”), name given by Jesus, translation “Peter “the Rock”

Inner Circle of Jesus’ Disciples

Pillar of the Church along with James and John. Contemporary of Paul.

Martyr-Killed by Nero, crucified upside down.

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Peter In the Bible

Peter walked on water (Matthew 14) Peter declares Jesus to be the Messiah (Matthew 16) Peter disowns Jesus (Luke 22) Jesus reinstates Peter (John 21) Peter preaches at Pentecost (Act 2) Peter’s vision of the sheet with animals: the Gospel Message to the

Gentiles (Acts 10) Peter miraculously escape for prison (Acts 12) Peter struggles with cultural prejudices and favoritism of his Jewish

believer (Galatians 2)

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Peter’s First Letter Addressed to Christians living in Asia Minor…under Nero’s Rule

I Peter 5:12“With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, ENCOURAGING you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.”

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Context of Suffering

Suffering was state-wide or empire sanctioned persecution

Suffering represents social oppression, marginalization and abuse.

To be a Christian was peculiar in a pluralistic, decadent and hostile, pagan society. Christians are called to be COURAGOUS in the mist of suffering. To be a Courageous Christian is to follow the life when you rather not.

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Attributes of the Courageous Christian

Feeling Fear Yet Choosing to Act

Following Your Heart

Persevering in the Face of Adversity

Standing Up For What is Right

Expanding Your Possibilities; Letting Go of the Familiar

Facing Suffering with Faith and Dignity

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Life Lessons God will use us after our failures

Corrects

Convicts

Changes

God desires spiritual maturity Christians are expected to show growth in the walk of faith.

Christians will suffer: Get into Good Trouble Christians will suffer for doing right and seeking right on behalf of others.

Christians are live holy and godly lives

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