Another Black Friday shopping day has come and gone, and I wonder which one of you stood in line the longest. While I didn't brave the onslaught of tired, anxiety-ridden adults daring anyone to cut in line as they waited for a store to open, I know many of you might have done so. So I ask the question: was the anticipation and hype worth the wait? I surely hope so. This week's Explore the Bible study: With Anticipation from LifeWay focuses on one event that is highly anticipated and well worth the wait! It is the return of Christ.

As believers, our wait is not for a prize that will be forgotten, discarded, returned for a refund, or set aside for next year's prize. It is the prize of seeing Christ face-to-face; it is the prize of seeing our faith and hope become a reality; it is knowing that the time spent serving Him, enduring hardships, learning how to live our faith, was well worth the wait!

This week you have the opportunity to lead your group to remain confident in all situations, knowing that Jesus Christ will return! Here are some ideas that might help you lead a discussion of 1 Peter 3.

LOOK UP: Getting focused on the text.
Ask (Once most adults have arrived): 

• Did anyone do any Black Friday shopping this weekend? How long were the lines where you shopped?
• What is the longest you have waited in line for something?
• Why did you wait?
• How did you feel once the wait was over?

Introduce: Last week Peter gave us some descriptions of false teachers so that we could avoid being led astray by them. We also learned from Jude how we should respond to them and those whom they lead astray. It was the response of mercy mixed with additional actions based on whether someone had drifted in their faith, was lost, or was antagonistic toward the ways of God.

Transition: We conclude our study today with Peter encouraging the readers of his second letter not to  give up, get discouraged, or be led astray as they wait for the return of Christ. The nearness of Christ’s return gripped Peter's thoughts as he pushed his readers to look past the errors of the false teachers and to focus on the hope they have because of the promised return of Christ. This same hope should motivate us to continue to live godly lives and to share our faith with others.

LOOK IN: Unpacking the text.
Direct: As 2 Peter 3:1-7 is read, listen for ways Peter expressed passion for helping his readers. Then listen for how he describes the attitude of those who don’t believe Jesus will return.

2 Peter 3:1-7

Identify: How did Peter describe the attitudes of those who didn’t believe in Christ’s return? Based upon verses 3-4, do you think these scoffers had any desire to believe? What was the rationale they gave for not believing in Christ’s return? How do people today express their doubt about the second coming of Christ? How do these compare to Peter's description?

State: Peter reminded his readers of one past event and one future event that the scoffers ignore – The destruction of the earth and judgement of man, first by a flood and finally, destruction and judgement through fire. Verse 5 states that scoffers “willfully ignore” the flood therefore the coming destruction of the earth.

Discuss: How is the flood “willfully” ignored or explained away today? How does the denial of the flood affect people’s view of the return of Christ and God’s final judgement of this earth and man? How does the belief in the biblical story of the flood affect our view of Christ’s return? How does doubt regarding the flood cast doubt on everything God says about the end times?

Consider: What if scoffers caused you to doubt the validity of the flood? How would that affect your faith?

Video Option:

• State: Ken Ham from Answers in Genesis helps us understand how vital a belief in the flood is to our view of Christ’s return and the final judgement of this world.
• Play Video: https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/flood-legends/ 

Transition: Peter indicates in verse 7 that there is a delay in God’s judgement. He is holding back what is in store for this world and “ungodly men.” As 2 Peter 3:8-9 is read, listen for the reason for the delay.

2 Peter 3:8-9

Discuss: How would you describe the reasons for God’s delay? How would you describe God’s grace and mercy based upon this passage? How would you describe His view of time? How does this passage refute the argument that our God is a cruel God? Why is knowing this important to believers, especially when we hear people continually scoffing, not only the flood, but the return of Christ as well?

Transition: Peter wanted his readers to remember that God's timing is perfect. A perceived delay from our perspective is only God’s way of demonstrating His love for man. But, Peter doesn’t leave us wondering what to do. He gives us some instructions on how we should respond in the next verses.

2 Peter 3:10-13

Identify: How did Peter describe what would happen to the earth? What does saying it will come like a “thief in the night” indicate about when this will happen?

Someone Read: Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39; 1 Thessalonians 5:2.

Discuss: How would you summarize Peter’s instructions for believers while we wait for this to be fulfilled?

Consider: Does Peter’s description of what will take place cause you to fear, or does it give you hope? What does your response indicate about your faith or understanding of God?

Transition: Peter closes his letter with two “Therefores” that are very important for us to remember as we face the scoffers, doubters, and cynics of our world. They may try to cause us to be discouraged; they may tempt us to doubt; they may describe us as ignorant, stupid, or foolish; they may even publicly ridicule us. But we cannot and should not be discouraged.

LOOK OUT: Responding to the text.
Direct: Listen to Peter's final words of encouragement, and identify at least one action he gives that can help you remain strong, faithful, and hopeful as you live your Christian life!

2 Peter 3:14-18

Share: What action did you most identify with? Why?

Response: 

• Peter states in verse 15 that we should “regard the patience of our Lord as an opportunity for salvation.” Are you the person Peter is talking to in this passage? Are you at peace with God? Do you know Christ? If not, why not respond now? God has patiently and graciously delayed His judgment just for you.
• As believers, we need to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord by studying and learning God’s Word; we need to guard our faith; and we need to continually share with others about the long-suffering love of Jesus Christ.

Challenge: Despite the confusion that exists today, be assured that the Lord is still in control. He has promised in the past that he will return; he will keep that promise. So don't despair, and don't give up living lives that honor the Lord. Many people will continue to attempt to detour you from the path that you are on. Resist them, but never stop loving them and others. That will be the case as you continue to grow in your appreciation of the grace of your Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  – Holman New Testament Commentary – 1 & 2 Peter; 1, 2, 3 John and Jude.

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being most important, how important is it for you to measure all teaching by the Person of Jesus Christ and His Word? If you hesitated to place it at a 10 or if you chose a number less than 10, what does this reveal about how you might be swayed by false teaching? Does this matter to you? The Explore the Bible study: On Guard focuses on answering this question.

This week's study TARGET focuses on helping your group evaluate their view of false teaching and the importance of measuring the accuracy of theirs and other's beliefs against the standard of God's Word.

Consider using some of the following ideas to supplement your study:

LOOK UP: Getting focused on the text.

Option One:

• In Advance (Before the Session): Choose a heavy object and weigh it on a set of scales at home. Bring the object with you to the group session and display it as the group arrives.
• Ask (As the group arrives): Call attention to the heavy object. 
• Ask: How much do you think this object weighs?
• Discuss: What if I told it weighed a certain amount that seemed impossible to believe? How would you respond? Would anyone want some type of confirmation that what I was saying was accurate?

Option Two:

• In Advance: Bring some type of food item that contains a nutrition label.
• Guide: Whoever guesses the weight (or calories) wins the prize today. (Give the person who guesses the closest the food item)
• Discuss: Would you trust my accuracy on the weight if I did not have some way of confirming my conclusion? Why or why not?

Ask: Has anyone heard of the website Snopes.com? What is the purpose of this website? (It’s an internet reference site that helps verify facts, rumors, urban legends, and other information posted on the internet.)

Discuss: Do you think people are as concerned about getting their facts right today as they have been in the past? How does the massive amount of misinformation being given to people today affect their view of Scriptures? How does it affect their view of Christians who espouse biblical views?

Introduce: Our session today comes from two different books of the Bible, 2 Peter and Jude, but they contain similar content. Both Peter and Jude faced false teaching that was spreading in their day, and they wanted to help their readers, and us, understand how important it is to measure everything we hear and the people we follow against the truth of Scripture.

Transition: Let’s begin by listening for ways both Peter and Jude described the actions of false teachers.

LOOK IN: Unpacking the text.

2 Peter 2:1-3

• What were the actions and attitudes of false teachers Peter and Jude describe? (Capture on Markerboard)
• Why is it so important that we understand the actions and attitudes of these false teachers?
• Everyone read Jude 16-19 and identify words and phrases Jude used to describe false teachers and their teachings? (Continue to add to the list on the markerboard)
• Is it easier to spot false prophets by their actions or their words? Explain. (PSG, p. 126) 
• What reality did Jude give regarding false teachers? What does he say about their spiritual condition?
• Which of these should we use to measure the teachings of a church leader? - Their looks | Their age | Their degrees | Their charisma | Their leadership skills | Their temperament | Their biblical accuracy | Their ability to communicate | The pleasantness of what they teach | Their decisiveness.
• How easy is it for Christians today to sacrifice biblical accuracy if they are following a religious leader or even a denomination (or cult) that offers any of the other areas mentioned? Have you seen someone compromise their faith because they “liked” what someone was saying
• On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being most important, how important is it for you to measure all teaching by the Person of Jesus Christ and His Word? If you hesitated to place it at a 10 or if you chose a number less than 10, what does this reveal about how you might be swayed by false teaching? Does this matter to you?

Transition: Jude also provides suggestions regarding how we can combat false teaching. Listen and identify some of the preventative measures believers can take and how they should respond to those who are led away by false teachers.

Jude 20-23
Identify: What were the preventative measures? – Build yourselves up in your faith (keep growing) | Pray under the leadership of the Holy Spirit | Keep yourselves in the love of God | Hold on to your hope of eternal life.

Discuss: How can these help us become more discerning regarding false teachers? Which of these are most visible in your life? Which needs to become more visible or active.

Discuss: How did Jude say we are to respond to those who are being led astray by false teachers?

What is the best way to find your way through the darkest of nights? I have found that if I find that light that I can trust not to move, whether it be in a dark room or in the great outdoors, I can navigate pretty well. In this week's Explore the Bible study: With Trust, the Apostle Peter said we should treat the Word of God in the same way as we navigate this world we live in. You will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dismal place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. (1 Peter 1:19)

There are a couple of LOOK UP options you could use to introduce this study to your group.

Option One: 

• Display (In Advance): “The B-I-B-L-E”
• Video Option (Play once most have arrived): The B-I-B-L-E. https://youtu.be/l8w5AeZtOqs
• Discuss: How many of you are familiar with this children's song? What is the main theme of the song? (I can stand alone on the word of God.) Do most Christians believe they can "stand alone on the word of God"?

Would someone describe you as a useful or a useless Christian? This might sound harsh, but this is what the apostle Peter challenges us to consider in this week's Explore the Bible study: Being Useful. Our study this week takes us to 2 Peter 1:1-11 as Peter challenges his readers to grow in their faith.

I have incorporated two optional illustrations into the study that can be used during the LOOK UP, LOOK IN, and LOOK OUT portions. One illustration concerns the growth and nurture a child needs in order to grow into a healthy adult. The second illustration concerns the care needed in order to keep a potted plant alive and healthy.

I am also treating 2 Peter 1:1-2 as a part of the introductory materials as I establish the message and purpose of 2 Peter.


LOOK UP: Getting focused on the text
OPTION ONE: Child Growing

• Display (In advance): What does a child need in order to grow?
• Direct: Option 1 (Instruct as the group enters): List one thing on the markerboard that a child needs in order to grow. Option 2 (Once group arrives): Work in two’s or three’s and prepare a list of what a child needs in order to grow.

OPTION TWO: Potted Plant

• Display: Bring a potted plant to class, and display as the group gathers.
• Ask (Once most adults have arrived): How many of you are able to keep a potted plant alive?What is needed in order for a potted plant to live and grow? Isn’t it enough just to place a plant in a pot and let it grow on its own?

Explain: We know that, in order for anything that is alive to thrive and grow, it must be nourished and given the proper care and environment. This is equally true for those of us who have experienced new life in Christ. If we have been born again, we will –we must – grow in Christ. It is unnatural for us to not grow.

Transition: We begin a study today of 2 Peter. Peter is most likely near the end of his life as he writes believers, encouraging them to grow in their faithfulness to Christ. He also offers wisdom regarding how to deal with false teachers and reminds them to hold on to the promised hope of Christ’s return. He begins with a powerful opening that is full of truth regarding believers' relationship to Christ.

Read: 2 Peter 2:1-2
How would you describe Peter's tone with his audience? What is significant about Peter's description of himself as a slave and apostle?

• SLAVE: He belongs to Jesus by right of purchase – see 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Peter, as a slave, was under the authority of and submitted to the lordship of Christ. It was viewed as a position of honor. 
• APOSTLE: Peter has an authoritative commission and speaks God’s words. 
• SUMMARY: He wrote as a commissioned slave of Jesus Christ and his appointed apostle. He wrote authoritatively to a church threatened by false teachers.

Ask: 

• How did he describe their faith? Why was this important? (The ground at the cross is level ground. We all come to Christ through faith. We came to faith just like Peter did! We receive the same faith and grace Peter did!)
• How was Jesus described by Peter? (God – Jesus – Our Lord) What does this communicate about Jesus? (That He is God)
• What was his desire for them? (That grace and peace be multiplied)
• How can grace and peace be multiplied? (Through the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord)

Explain: Peter was espousing the fact that believers should be growing in the knowledge of the salvation they have already received through the free gift of salvation. Knowledge refers both to the knowledge of God they had at conversion and to its increase in their lives.

Transition: Peter's introduction is important because it sets the tone of everything he will be sharing regarding Christian growth. Peter then begins to explain how we have been given everything we need in order to grow in Christ.

LOOK IN: Unpacking the text

2 Peter 1:3-4

• What do these verses communicate regarding how we obtain all we need? Is it something we find within ourselves? (No, it is given to us – His divine power has given us everything (v3); He called us by His own glory and goodness (v.3); He has given us (v4).
• What were the promises Christ gives? (I.e: Conquer sin; provide salvation; provide eternal life; return again)
• Instead of being corrupted by the influence of an ungodly environment and evil desires, you are given God’s power to share in His divine nature. Christ has come to dwell with you (John 14:23) which gives you everything you need in order to grow in His virtues. Peter called this a great and precious promise.
• How would you use this truth to encourage a fellow believer who is struggling with old desires? How does it apply to your faith journey at this time?
• Do you believe everything you need to overcome temptation, frustration, discouragement, or doubts is available to you through your relationship with Christ?

Transition
OPTION ONE: Child growing

• We began our discussion by talking about what a child needs in order to grow. 
• How many of you would encourage children to take some type of multi-vitamin? Why would you do this?
• Just as we know the importance of supplementing a child’s growth with some type of vitamins, Peter emphasizes how important it is that we supplement our faith with vital nutrients that will help us grow in and live out our faith in Christ.

OPTION TWO: Potted Plant

• We began our discussion by talking about what was needed to keep a potted plant alive.
• Have you ever seen or used potted plant fertilizer spikes? (Note: Consider showing a potted plant fertilizer spike).  What is the purpose of the spike? 
• These spikes are important because they supplement the nutrients a plant receives from the soil and water. They cause a plant to remain strong and enhance the beauty of the plant. Peter knew that believers must supplement their faith as well so that they could remain strong and live a life that reflected the faith they claimed to have.

2 Peter 1:5-7

• Is Peter only offering advice, or is he giving a strong command to these believers? (He is strongly commanding . . . make every effort to supplement your faith)
• Peter begins with the foundation of faith based on the work of Jesus Christ that secures a believer’s eternal redemption. On that foundation, Peter strongly commands believers to build intentionally and methodically by practicing the virtues of goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.
• Review the eight virtues in verses 5-7. Circle the virtue in which you have experienced good growth during the past year. Underline the virtue for which you need to experience the most growth during the year ahead. What steps will you take to “make every effort” to grow in this area of your life? 

Transition: Write the word “Useless” on the markerboard.

2 Peter 1:8-11

• Imagine coming to the end of your life, and your faith in Christ is examined. Upon examination it is labeled as “useless” or “unfruitful”.
• How would you respond to knowing that your faith was described in this way by someone else? 
• How should this statement from Peter change the way you view how you live your faith from day-to-day?
• What does Peter say is wrong with the person who doesn’t grow in their faith? (blind and shortsighted)
• Can you give examples of how people claim to believe but seem to be blind to the ways of God?
• Can you give examples of how people claim to believe but act in ways that are shortsighted?
• Do verses 10-11 indicate that someone could lose their salvation, or do they indicate that someone who refuses to develop their faith might not truly know Christ?

Emphasize: Though Christians fail and sometimes give in to temptation, the sum of our lives should reveal spiritual progress. Peter urged his readers to examine themselves for signs that they are in a relationship with Christ or to “confirm their calling and election.” Spiritual growth happens over time and is an outward sign of an inward change.

LOOK OUT: Responding to the text.

OPTION ONE: Child growing

• We began our study today talking about the importance of helping a child grow up to be a healthy adult.
• What evidence points to your spiritual growth since placing your faith in Christ? Which virtues are you making an effort to put into practice? Are you truly growing into a healthy, mature Christian?

OPTION TWO: Potted Plant

• We began our study today talking about how we help a potted plant remain healthy and growing.
• What evidence points to your spiritual growth since placing your faith in Christ? Which virtues are you making an effort to put into practice? Are you truly growing into a healthy, mature Christian? Is this how people would describe you?

Challenge: Don’t let the words "useless" or "unfruitful" be how your faith in Christ is described by others. If you need to talk with someone about your relationship with Christ, let me know. If you are struggling as a believer to add to your faith those virtues Peter listed, then talk with someone who might become your encourager and prayer partner.