Lessons We Can Learn From Peter’s Two Letters Flashcards
Shortly before the apostle Peter’s death, what was he inspired to do?
The apostle Peter was inspired to write two letters shortly before his death. He hoped that these letters would help Christians after his death.
Why were the letters Peter wrote so timely?
Peter wrote his letters at a time when Christians were facing various trials, such as false teachings, unclean conduct, and the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish systems of things. His letters helped Christians to endure and prepare for these trials.
Why should we examine Peter’s inspired letters?
Peter’s letters are part of God’s Word and can benefit us today. We also face trials that challenge our faith and our love. We can learn from Peter’s reminders to keep in expectation of Jehovah’s day, overcome fear of man, and cultivate intense love for one another
As indicated at 2 Peter 3:3, 4, what could shake our faith?
People who have no faith in Bible prophecy and who mock us for expecting the end could shake our faith.
What will help us to keep the right perspective regarding the end of this system? (2 Peter 3:8, 9)
By remembering that Jehovah’s view of time is different from ours and that he is patient, not wanting any to be destroyed.
How do we “keep close in mind” Jehovah’s day? (2 Peter 3:11, 12)
By meditating on the blessings of the new world.
How could fear of man affect us?
By making us hesitate to speak up about our faith or to identify ourselves as Christians.
Peter denied knowing Jesus out of fear of man.
What can help us to overcome fear of man? (1 Peter 3:15)
To overcome fear of man, we can sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts. This means meditating on his position and power and trusting that he will help us to witness courageously.
On one occasion, how did Peter fail to show love? (See also picture.)
Peter failed to show love when he gave in to pressure and refused to eat with his Gentile brothers and sisters. This was a pretense, or an act of hypocrisy, that Paul corrected.
“Unhypocritical brotherly affection” is the result of what? Explain. (1 Peter 1:22)
Unhypocritical brotherly affection is the result of obedience to the truth, such as “God is not partial.” This means that we do not show favoritism or discrimination, but we treat all our fellow believers as members of our spiritual family.
What is involved in loving others “intensely from the heart”?
Loving others intensely from the heart involves stretching the limits of our natural inclination to love. For example, it means being kind and considerate even to those who may have hurt us, and forgiving them without limit.
What else will intense love motivate us to do?
We should be willing to forgive our brothers and sisters who may have hurt us, even if they have done so repeatedly. Intense love covers a multitude of sins.
What can make it challenging for elders to shepherd their brothers and sisters?
Elders have to care for their own families physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They also take the lead in the preaching work and in preparing and presenting parts at meetings, assemblies, and conventions. Some also have responsibilities as members of Hospital Liaison Committees or accept assignments with the Local Design/ Construction Department.
What can motivate elders to shepherd the flock? (1 Peter 5:1-4)
Pour out your concerns to Jehovah. Peter wrote: “If anyone ministers, let him do so as depending on the strength that God supplies.” (1 Pet. 4:11) Remember that “the chief shepherd,” Jesus Christ, can help them beyond what you can do. He can do so both today and in the new world. God asks elders simply to love their brothers, to shepherd their brothers, and to become “examples to the flock.
How does one elder shepherd the flock? (See also picture.)
One elder, named William, shepherds the flock by contacting each individual in his assigned group every week, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He listens carefully to their needs and concerns and finds specific resources, often videos from the website, to help them. He puts forth great effort to shepherd the flock, helping Jehovah’s sheep remain in the truth.
In what ways might we apply lessons we have learned from Peter’s letters?
We might apply lessons we have learned from Peter’s letters by meditating more often on the blessings to come in the new world, by witnessing at work, at school, or in some other informal setting, by showing intense love for our brothers and sisters more fully, and by allowing ourselves to be trained by Jehovah.
If we persevere and allow ourselves to be trained by Jehovah, what will be the result?
We will attain the goal of our faith, our salvation.
