From Folly to Faith
The Apostle Peter
SABBATH AFTERNOON Read for This Week's Study:
Acts 2:14-40; 3; 5:1-11; 1 Peter; 2 Peter.
Memory Text:
"Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life' " (John 6:68, NIV). Key Thought: The apostle Peter was one of the central pillars of the early church. Jesus changed Peter from an unreliable but passionate disciple into a rocklike tower of strength in sharing the gospel. Peter's impulsive, emotional character has made him an interesting study. He was a disciple whose heart was in the right place but who made many mistakes. Peter's story especially helps us understand the role of emotions in the Christian life. When you are lost in a forest, your senses can take you only so far. You can see, hear, and smell-and still be lost. You need a compass and a map, something more than what you have naturally. So it is in our spiritual lives. What we feel is not the final test of what is truth. We need something more—something outside of us. We need a spiritual compass and map. Emotions are a vital part of the Christian life, but not the most important part. Without appropriate care, they even can be dangerous. Peter was someone whose emotions got him into trouble more often than not. However, once placed under submission to Jesus, his emotions and zeal became powerful tools for the Lord's work. *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 23. |
No comments:
Post a Comment