The Evolution of Peter (Week 1)
In this three week series, we’ll look at the character of Peter, discovering that his life, ministry and discipleship are raw, relatable and convicting. We’ll focus on Peter’s life and and wonder where we might find ourselves in his story.
Read Matthew 4:18-20, trying to put yourself into Peter’s position.
1. From Peter’s perspective, how does it feel to be invited to follow Jesus…by Jesus himself? Do you hesitate in answering “yes”, or do you jump at the opportunity? What is your main motivation in saying “yes”?
2. Do you think Peter’s decision to follow Jesus was “convenient” or out of self-interest in any way? Discuss.
Read Matthew 14:22-30.
3. In the light of Pete’s proposal that a convenient faith is one that “needs to personally experience power in order to trust God” and “falters when it becomes disinterested in God’s power”, how do you look at this passage differently than you have in the past?
4. Using the criteria above and the example of Peter’s life, where in your faith journey could your faith be described as a “convenient faith”? (Please resist any urge to judge yourself harshly—we all have to begin somewhere.)
Read Matthew 16:13-23.
5. Discuss this drastic change of direction in the passage regarding Peter’s understanding of Jesus. What do you think Peter has failed to understand about Jesus? In what ways can you empathize with Peter?
In Matthew 16:24-26, read what Jesus told his disciples immediately following the exchange with Peter in verse 23 (above).
6. In his sermon, Pete said that in contrast to a convenient faith, an enduring faith is “in awe of God’s power without having to experience it firsthand” and “lays down the future at the foot of the cross.” Whom do you know who has this kind of faith?
7. Finally, what does an “enduring faith” look like in your life? Where do you need to lay down your expectations of the future at the foot of the cross?
