Displaced—that's what it feels like to be a Christian in an increasingly post-Christian world. You speak the language and understand the culture, yet don't quite feel at home. How do you live as a Christian in a world that doesn't share your convictions? Can you still hold firmly to biblical truth even as you love others? Robert Thune unpacks how the apostle Peter spoke to these issues in the first of his letters to first-century Christians.
Thune's study examines living a gospel-shaped life in a contrary culture. You will be encouraged by the generous grace of God and how he has called Christians to a living hope and a deep joy that can be found even in the midst of trials and opposition.
This small group guide with leader's notes includes ten in-depth lessons that include discussion questions, a short article to read, and a practical application section that can be used for one-to-one discipleship, small group, or large group settings.
1 Peter: Life as an Outsider is part of The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible series published in partnership with Serge. Each book in the series examines how the gospel story is revealed throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
"Bob Thune is well-known for emphasizing gospel centeredness. Happily then, he offers us 1 Peter:Life as an Outsider. This study guide format is simple and clear, and its message highlights the challenge and consolation of this biblical book. As far as challenge goes, the penetrating questions about 'life as an exile' and the expos of wrongful speech are highly convicting. As for consolation, the diagrams about holy appetites and the road to glory through suffering are very comforting. A highly recommended gospel-centered resource!"
Gregg R. Allison, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; secretary, Evangelical Theological Society; author of Embodied: Living as Whole People in a Fractured World
"Clear and concise without being simplistic. Sound without being overly academic. And a format that is just what so many small groups have been looking for to be able to study the text, have a meaningful discussion, and apply the Bible to real life, with no homework required!"
Nancy Guthrie, Author; Bible teacher
"I can't imagine a more relevant book to study right now than 1 Peter. As pilgrims trying to make sense of a world filled with division and discouragement, we need the encouraging and hopeful words of this book. I give thanks that Bob Thune has provided such a timely study to help us not just survive but thrive as those who want to follow in the steps of our Savior, our living hope."
Julius J. Kim, President, The Gospel Coalition
"Times of chaos often produce anxiety, even despair. They tempt us to cast about for some technique to solve all our problems, help us to feel good again, or simply relieve us of our fear. Yet God's way of working to restore his people and his creation is through the ordinary means of Word and Sacrament. God's Word is what restores and heals. So in a time like ours, there is more reason than ever to attend carefully to God's Word. Bob Thune's study of 1 Peter will help you encounter the living God and to learn better what being a disciple of God will mean for your life. His study balances depth with accessibility and practicality in a way that will help both pastors and parishioners to better understand the message of this epistle written by a man who walked with our Lord and who has helped God's people to do the same for two thousand years. If our churches are to endure and not be swept away by fear and anxiety, then they will need to be rooted in God's Word. This study of 1 Peter is the sort of thing that will help your community develop those roots."
Jake Meador, Editor in chief, Mere Orthodoxy
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Good, easy read. Nice outline. New Growth Press has great customer service.
Our world is becoming more post-Christian. How are we to live in it? Peter's first letter was written to Christians living in a pagan world and there is much we can learn from it. Thune helps us understand our identity in Christ, that there will be trials and suffering. Life won't necessarily be easy. We are also reminded of the hope we have, the necessity of believer's community, the example of Jesus, and more. The lesson that impacted me the most was the sixth one. Thune identifies many examples of sinful speech, what in the heart fuels it, and how the gospel has already met that need. An example is criticism, feeling I need to be right. We are reminded we are right with God and that's what matters. The format of the study is for small group use as there is an emphasis on discussion. There is a specific outline used with articles to read and then questions to discuss. There is also an exercise with each chapter to help establish biblical truth. Instructions for the group meeting are specific so even a new Christian could participate in leading the study. Leader's Notes at the end of the book give additional study leading information. This is an encouraging study and good teaching for those who want to live gospel shaped lives in a contrary culture. Obedience to the way of the cross may bring suffering, Thune reminds us. This study will help you suffer well. And remember, after suffering is glory. I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
