may and i just started leading a small group along with another couple and we're going through 1&2 peter. basically, peter is writing to a group of christians (mostly gentiles) who are scattered about the northern regions of asia minor. the bigger theme of 1 peter is an encouragement for them to stand firm in their faith since they were being persecuted at that time. this was due to the fact that emperor nero blamed the christians for burning down rome (when in fact it was nero himself who did it).
anyway, the first two lessons we went through were about how we are aliens/strangers/pilgrims/sojourners in the world we're living in. not only that, but we have an inheritance that is in Christ and something great to look forward to. because of that, we should be able to face persecution/hardship with more confidence and hope. for most of us in our small group, this wasn't something we really faced in our lives today, but it was a good reminder of what we are living for every day. our lives are only temporary, so we should focus on what is important.
yesterday, we talked about submission to authority and that we had good conversations about that. how we are ultimately to submit to God, but God has also called us to submit to government and bosses and other people who are in "high positions" than us. the idea of submission though, is one of living a life that is different and representing Christ to those who don't know God, so that they may one day enter into a relationship with Him and give Him glory. it focuses on our character and attitude and being like Christ.
we've only met for 3 weeks now, but it's been a good study and a good small group. we're hoping more and more people will be able to join us and we'll continue to grow deeper in our faith and in our relationships with one another.
