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Bible Study: Oct. 30, 2016


NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.

This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.

Bible Passage: 1 Peter 5:1-10

Discussion Questions: Can a person possess both humility and pride simultaneously? Explain. Why do you think it is so important for believers to develop an attitude of humbleness? How does Satan use pride as a weapon to attack us? What makes it such an effective weapon?

Food for Thought:

Two foxes were fleeing from a pack of dogs. They came to a river, a sure dead end. Near the bank was a log, so they ventured out on the log to escape the dogs. The log drifted down the river as the dogs stood at the shore watching. The two foxes could now let their guard down and relax, letting the log transport them to their next adventure.

The people being addressed by Peter fled persecution and were now in places where they could at least feel safe. Peter reminded them that they needed to remain serious (“sober” in some translations) and alert (1 Peter 5:8). The first word used by Peter carries the idea of being self-controlled or balanced. He was not prohibiting humor or joy in life, but was rather reminding his readers of their need to stay focused. The second word means to be awake, watchful, attentive, or vigilant.

Both verbs are similar in that they require focus and discipline. These commands would be important to a group of believers who had fled to a place they believed to be safe. The truth was that the very moment they felt safe and could relax would be the very opportunity that Satan would use to tempt them in an effort to discredit their witness.

Remember our two foxes? They were at first proud of themselves for eluding the dogs. In their rush to get away from the dogs, they had failed to realize that what they were now riding was not a log, but an alligator. The gator was taking them out to the middle of the river where he could devour them. One of the foxes realized they were moving against the current and alerted the other fox. They jumped off the gator’s back and swam to the shore, eluding his jaws as they swam.

Our enemy, Satan, is waiting for us to let our guard down so that he can drift us into the middle of danger. We must continually be serious (focused) and alert.
Explore the Bible
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way. More information can be found at LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible.

Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.

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  • Staff/Lifeway Christian Resources