Bible Studies

Changing Things For Real

2 Peter 1: 3 - 11

Aim: to examine the qualities we should be striving to develop to glorify God, and to live out all that Jesus came for.

Intro: Get talking!
What indications do you see around you every day that people care about justice? - Think about TV detective shows, movies, charitable organisations, etc

What examples in recent history can you think of where people have striven to get justice? - Think of recent court cases - the Guildford Four, the Birmingham Six, cases where bodies have been exhumed many years later for DNA testing, James Mawdsley who campaigned and was imprisoned in Burma, etc.

Where does our heart for justice come from? - Think about being made in God's image - remember, it's not just Christians who are made in God's image!! All people are. The degree to which they acknowledge Jesus Christ determines their Christianity, but not their humanity.

What do we know about how God felt about social justice? - Justice is a constant theme through the Bible - God describes himself as the 'judge of the living and the dead' - it's right up there on his list of priorities.

Read the passage 2 Peter 1: 3 - 11

Discuss: Verses 5 - 7 illustrate a progression of character traits a Christian should be working to develop.

• How do you react personally to the list?
• Does it intimidate or inspire you?
• Do you know any Christians like this?
• How would you view someone with these qualities?
• What sort of witness would they make to the world?
• If you were all just like this passage, what effect would that have on your campus?
• What does verse 8 tell us will happen to us if we possess these attributes?
• Contrast this with verse 9.
• How can we get these qualities in our own lives?
• Think of the role of prayer and Bible study, and also of pushing the knowledge into the physical realm and taking action!
• Is global justice a possibility?
• Do you really have the power to change the world?
• Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, once said 'Think globally, act locally' - how could your local actions change someone's world from a global perspective?
• Game of 2 Halves provides you with one way to change life situations for young people in the Third World.
• What will your group do, and how will you use your activity to illustrate Jesus' attitude to social justice and activism?

   

Pray for the qualities from this Bible study to grow in each of you.