Passages: 1 Peter
Big Idea: Because of Jesus, we are called to be different. Being different shows Jesus to our world.
Ages: 8-11
Eight lessons exploring 1 Peter.
1 Peter is a letter written by the apostle Peter to Christians scattered across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), many of whom were suffering for following Jesus. Peter writes to encourage believers to stand firm in their faith, reminding them how to live for God even in the midst of trials.
Peter begins by declaring that believers are God’s chosen people, saved by grace and born into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3). Though they may face rejection or suffering, their true home is in heaven, and their identity is secure in Christ.
Because of this hope, Peter calls Christians to live holy lives - to love one another deeply (1 Peter 1:22), to submit to authority even when it’s hard (1 Peter 2:18), and to keep trusting God in suffering. He reminds them that Jesus suffered - and that suffering for doing good is part of following Him.
Peter encourages believers to stand firm in grace (1 Peter 5:12), to trust God's care, and to boldly share their hope in Jesus with gentleness and respect - even when it's hard (1 Peter 3:15). He reminds us that while we may suffer now, we will one day share in Jesus’ glory.
Throughout the letter, Peter keeps pointing back to the gospel: we are cleansed by Jesus’ blood (1 Peter 1:2), brought from darkness into light (1 Peter 2:9), and declared not guilty because of Jesus’ death for our sins (1 Peter 3:18). Christ is the cornerstone - the foundation of our lives together as his people (1 Peter 2:4).
1 Peter gives children a firm foundation in the gospel and teaches them how to live as Jesus' people, with hope, courage, and love - even in difficult times.
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