This week's Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 5:1-9
Discussion Questions:
Who has provided you a model of humility?
Why might it be difficult to express humility as a leader?
Food for Thought:
In just a few days, our country will elect local, state and national government officials. The campaigning will be over and the only thing left to discuss will be what went right or wrong with each campaign. In preparation for Election Day, some counties provide handouts that are compilations of questions asked to each local candidate. Some of the questions are predictable and have little to do with the actual qualifications (where did you attend high school, what is your favorite place to eat in our city).
One of the more interesting questions sometimes asks the candidates why they are running for that specific office. Love for a city or area, a desire to change something or keep it the same, and expressions of wanting to make a difference are among the more common responses. One has to wonder what would happen if one of the candidates stated he was running because the sought-after office would serve as a great steppingstone to a more significant office.
The apostle Peter reminded church leaders (and all leaders for that matter) that leadership is an act of humble service (see 1 Peter 5:1-5). As he wrote these words, certainly the words of Jesus had to be playing in Peter's mind. When James and John had asked for two places of influence, Jesus called the disciples together to explain that greatness comes through service. Jesus declared that He did not come to be served, but to serve (see Mark 10:35-45).
Peter knew that if anyone had the right to be served, it was Jesus. This same Jesus had washed Peter's feet and died on a cross as Peter denied knowing Him. Peter was serving because he had been served, both physically and through the redemptive sacrifice of Christ. How else could Peter respond but through humble service? How else can we respond to what Christ did and does for us?
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 entire Bible in eight years. The eight-year plan and more information can be found on the Internet at LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.
Copyright (c) 2012 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press www.BPNews.net
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