A. Last Supper Prep Luke 22:7-13 (Matthew 26:17-19; Mark
Jesus sent Peter and John to secure the place they would have the Passover meal and also make the preparations. Everything and everyone occurred as Jesus had told them. Even the man they talked with had the site ready for them, first the guy carrying the water jug and then the owner of the house. Peter saw how God sovereignly plans and has the future. God can be trusted in all the little details. Men did not normally go to the well and draw water to put in jugs.
1. What was unusual about the man carrying the jugs?
2. Do you think the man and the owner of the house knew Jesus (the Teacher)?
3. Who prepared the upper room? How did the owner know what to do?
4. If God is interested in the little details of life, how much can you trust Him to take care of you?
B. The Resurrection John 20:1-9 (Mark 16:1-8; Luke 14:9-12)
Several of the women saw Jesus when they went to the tomb. They were instructed by Jesus to go tell the apostles, even mentioning Peter’s name in Mark. When Peter heard the news, he took off, probably willing to do that totally on his own. He went into the tomb ahead of John to check out what was up. He was still smarting from what happened Thursday night and early Friday morning. It blew him out of the water spiritually and he was definitely reeling. “Was this all true, that He would rise from the dead? I want to believe.” That had to be a part of Peter’s thoughts.
1. Why do you think Peter and the other apostles went running to the tomb after Mary Magdalene told them?
2. Even though Peter had heard often about Jesus rising from the dead, what thoughts could have gone through his mind when he saw the empty tomb?
3. Why did Jesus specifically mention Peter’s name (Mark 16:7)?
4. Did Peter believe Jesus had risen from the dead?
5. With Jesus’ power over death, how will you live your life, knowing that truth?
C. Samaritan Venture Acts
The apostles heard God was moving in
(v. 15-17) The Holy Spirit had not come upon the Samaritan believers yet, so Peter and John laid hands on them to receive the Spirit.
(v. 18) Simon, the former sorcerer, saw this and wanted the ability to give the Holy Spirit to others by paying the apostles money.
(v. 20-24) Peter rebuked Simon for desiring and willing to pay to have the gift Peter and John had. Peter tore into Simon, probably challenged whether Simon was saved. Anyhow, Peter did not take this lightly, and got to the core of the problem – Simon’s heart. Once again, boldness from the relationship Peter had with Christ led the way. Repent and ask the Lord to forgive him of his attitude. Peter could see in Simon’s heart. He had an excellent handle on spiritual warfare and the understanding of sin. Simon had been heavily into Satanism. Again, the maturity and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading allowed Peter to understand where Simon was. All this broke Simon.
(v. 25) Peter and John proclaimed the gospel everywhere they went!
1. It is very possible Peter was with John when he suggested to Jesus that lightning be dropped down on the Samaritans for rejecting Jesus
(Luke 9:51-56). What could Peter have thought when they ended up going to
2. How easy is it to take matters into your own hands and not allow God to control of the situation? Might we destroy or damage something God is doing, if we do not let Him control us?
3. If Peter did not believe God was in control of the situation, how might Peter have dealt with Simon?
4. Who is control of your life, God or you?
D. Prison Break Acts 12:1-19
Peter was put in prison by Herod after James (Son of Thunder) was killed by Herod. While Peter was in prison, the church prayed earnestly for him. The night prior to his trial, Peter was released from prison by an angel. He thought he was having a vision, until he was outside and the angel left. God had rescued him from Herod and the Jews who wanted him dead. Peter went to John Mark’s mother’s home and Rhoda answered the door. She was so overwhelmed, Peter was left standing at the door. Finally he was let in and eventually left for another place. He gave the glory to God and knew God was totally controlling his life.
1. What was the situation for Peter?
2. What did the church do when Peter was in prison?
3. How do you earnestly pray? (Luke 11:1-13)
4. What is the connection between earnest prayer and the sovereignty of God?
5. What did Peter think was happening when he got out of prison?
6. If you pray and your prayer is not positively answered, as we want something to occur, does that mean we didn’t pray earnestly enough, or there is sin in our lives? You need to examine your life and be honest about sin, but, if we do not get a good answer to our prayer, that does not mean we have sin in our lives.
7. What might Peter have been realizing and thinking, once he understood God had delivered him from death?
E. Jesus’ Return
Matthew 24:36-44; Luke 12:35-48, 54-56; 2 Peter 2:1-3, 13-14; 3:8-14
Those who teach false doctrines and false teaching are in for grave consequences. God will deal with them harshly and has a proven track record over history on this. This is a warning to leaders that we shall lead no one astray or give false teachings. Know the correct interpretations of what you’re teaching. All leaders will give an account for what we did and taught here on earth. Heed the warning! Question is, were these leaders who lead people so grossly away from the truth, saved in the first place? Could those who are saved and terribly leading people in the wrong direction, have salvation but not enjoy all the blessings in heaven? I don’t know. This I know, make sure I know what I teach is right doctrine and properly teach it.
1. How are we to handle heresy?
2. Is what you teach biblically sound?
3. What does the 2 Peter 3:8-10 passage teach us about God’s sovereignty?
4. What influence did Jesus have on Peter’s writings?
5. Who does Peter clearly indicate is in control of the world?
6. If you truly believe God is in control of everything, how does that truth affect the way you live your life?
