April 7-11
Overview: A Promise Yet to Be Received (Hebrews 11:39-40)
Throughout Hebrews 11, the author provided examples of people in the Old Testament who exercised faith. However, although their faith was approved, they did not receive what God had promised. The purpose of this delay was to ensure that they would not be perfected apart from Jesus Christ. It’s ultimately through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection that we know for certain God is good and with us.
The hardships these Old Testament individuals faced teach us that devotion to Christ and His mission expresses itself in obedience, courage, and endurance. Also, being a partner in the gospel mission does not guarantee a carefree life. Enduring pain requires more faith than escaping pain. As believers, we often experience circumstances in which it’s hard to truly believe God’s goodness, but we can face these difficult situations with trust in God, who is good and is present to help us. We’re reminded that God often saves us through the fire, not from the fire (v. 34; Daniel 3). God doesn’t promise to take away our suffering and affliction; He promises to help us endure it and draw us closer to Him through the process.
As Christians, we are followers of Christ. Those who do not follow Christ can bring opposition to our spiritual walk. In the early days of following Christ, those in Rome experienced the persecutions of Nero and others which resulted in unspeakable tragedy. Prior to this, Peter had written the epistle, 1 Peter, to those who had been scattered throughout Asia Minor in five Roman provinces. His emphasis on suffering is that it brings perseverance. This helps to sanctify us to live holy lives. The focus is not on how everything turns out, but on our obedience that honors God. The final word for our lives is always God’s, and He can be believed to know what is most sanctifying for each of us, in light of His purpose and will. He is our Trustworthy Redeemer in every regard.
Day 1: Something Better for Us (Hebrews 11:39-40)
1. Does it surprise you to read that the men and women of faith mentioned earlier in this chapter didn’t receive God’s full reward for their devotion? Why or why not?
2. What is the good news for us in these verses? How does that truth impact your faith?
3. How can we become witnesses for future generations?
4. Briefly share about a personal experience you’ve had of persevering in faith through difficult circumstances. How was your relationship with God impacted through that experience? What did you learn about faith?
Day 2: Faith and Hope (1 Peter 1:2-3)
1. How do we know God has something better planned for all those who follow Him?
2. Read 1 Peter 1:1-16. What do we learn about “an inheritance”? What do we learn about suffering?
3. From those same verses, what do we learn about faith? What do we learn about holiness?
4. Read 1 Peter 1:17-2:3. How are we redeemed? How does this help us live?
5. In the above passage, what do we need to give up? What do we need to pursue?
Day 3: Faith and Suffering (1 Peter 2:4-25, 3:8-22)
1. Read 1 Peter 2:4-25. Describe those who are God’s people and those who are not. What makes the difference?
2. How do we try to counter persecution? How is Christ our example?
3. Read 1 Peter 3:8-22. How do we handle evil? What did Christ’s suffering give us?
Day 4: Faith and Growth (1 Peter 4)
1. In 1 Peter 4:1-11, what does suffering have to do with not sinning?
2. How has Christ changed you? What can you do for other Christians?
3. Read 1 Peter 4:12-19. In a time of trial or suffering, what can we know from this passage? How does this help us today?
4. To whom and to what do we commit our souls?
Day 5: Faith and Glory (Romans 8:18-25)
1. What is true about suffering?
2. What is true about glory?
3. When you think about what Christ and believers who followed Him before us endured, how does it shed new light on your own struggles in perseverance?