NEW VISION CHURCH BIBLE STUDY

A I PETER Lesson 7: How To Act In Church, Part 1 I Peter 3: 8-12

If you have spent any time in a local assembly you have probably encountered grown men and women who act like children. This is not a new phenomenon. Peter, Paul, John and even Jesus dealt with adults who didn't know how to act. In our selected text Peter gives us some clear instructions as to how Christians should act toward one another. Peter begins with something that is vitally important to the success of any local church... Notice: INTRO

The Greek word here literally means to be “like-minded.” We are not all going to agree on everything all of the time. We have differing opinions, different likes and dislikes and that is perfectly fine. He is calling for unity, not uniformity. The only way for us to achieve "like-mindedness" is for us to all have the same focus... and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. (Phil. 3:5) We must have the same goal, purpose, focus. And when we do there is no limit what God can do in, with, and through us. THERE IS TO BE UNITY IN THE CHURCH v. 8

In order for us to reach a place of unity we must submit to the will of the Father. His will must be our goal and His word must be our guide. It is possible to disagree on personal preferences and still have unity in the church. But it is only possible when our primary focus in on the Lord Jesus Christ. There are many churches that are filled with conflict and discord. And the reason is that they have lost their focus. Somewhere along the way church became about them. If we focus on anything other than Jesus, TROUBLE IS COMING!!

This literally means that we are to sympathize with each other. The Greek word used here means to "suffer with someone". (Romans 12: 15) Do you care when a brother or sister is hurting? Do you want to make things better? Do you search for words that will provide comfort and encouragement? When we have sympathy toward others we are exhibiting one of the great traits of our Savior. (Matt. 9:36) THERE IS TO BE SYPMATHY IN THE CHURCH

The Greek word used here is (philadelphos - fil-ad'-el-fos) this speaks of love for the brethren. Charity is defined as love, benevolence, and good will. This type of love is essential in the lives of the children of God. Consider what the Bible says about Charity/Love in I Corinthians – 13 Do you have this type of charity or love for the brethren? If you are saved you should! THERE IS TO BE CHARITY IN THE CHURCH

It our Savior's will for us to love everyone. Jesus didn't say "love those who are easy to love". Conclusion Some of us may have had disagreements in the past. Some of us may have even have heated arguments with church members. If this is the case, you must find a way to forgive one another. For the bible says that we must love one another! Right here in our selected text Peter says to "Love each other as brothers and sisters" Someone once said, “we are going to live together in Heaven, so we might as well get along while we are here on earth.”