Week 38: Exploring 1 Peter 5, 2 Peter 1-3, and Matthew 1
In week 38 of our 1-year New Testament reading adventure, we will explore themes of humility, growth, vigilance, and prophecy as we delve into 1 Peter 5, 2 Peter 1-3, and Matthew 1. Peter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth, watchfulness against deception, and the hope we have in Christ’s promised return. In Matthew, we see the lineage and miraculous birth of Jesus, establishing Him as the long-awaited Messiah and fulfillment of prophecy. This week invites us to consider the impact of Jesus’ life and teachings on our faith, encouraging us to grow in holiness, recognize God’s guidance, and anticipate His promises.
1 Peter 5
In 1 Peter 5, Peter addresses church leaders, encouraging them to lead with humility and care for others. He reminds believers to cast their anxieties on God, who supports them through trials. Finally, Peter warns against the dangers of the devil’s schemes and urges vigilance and steadfast faith in God.
2 Peter 1
2 Peter 1 emphasizes spiritual growth and urges believers to pursue virtues like goodness, self-control, and perseverance. Peter reminds them of the truth of Christ’s teachings, validated by eyewitness accounts and inspired prophecy. Through steady growth, believers are encouraged to affirm their calling and look forward to eternal life in Christ’s kingdom.
2 Peter 2
In 2 Peter 2, Peter warns of false teachers who distort the gospel for personal gain, describing their eventual judgment. He uses examples from history to show that God punishes the wicked but protects the righteous. This chapter emphasizes the need for discernment in following true teachings and avoiding deception.
2 Peter 3
In 2 Peter 3, Peter addresses the return of Christ, urging believers to remember God’s patience as He awaits repentance from humanity. He warns against scoffers who doubt Christ’s return, affirming that God’s timing differs from human expectations. Peter encourages believers to live holy lives in anticipation of the coming day of the Lord, when the heavens and earth will be transformed.
Matthew 1
Matthew 1 introduces the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage from Abraham through David, establishing Jesus’ rightful place in Jewish history as the Messiah. It also recounts the miraculous birth of Jesus, with an angel appearing to Joseph to reassure him about Mary’s pregnancy. The chapter underscores the fulfillment of prophecy, showing that Jesus’ birth was in line with God’s plan for salvation.
Week 38: New Testament Reading Assignment
Each week, we will read 5 chapters of the New Testament. Some people may prefer to read during the weekdays, while others might enjoy doing most of their reading on the weekends. Choose the method that works best for you!
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Week 38: Reflection Questions for 1 Peter 5, 2 Peter 1-3, and Matthew 1
Consider the following reflection questions:
1 Peter 5: Humility, Trust, and Vigilance
- What does Peter say about leadership within the church, and how might humility play a role in this?
- How does casting our anxieties on God strengthen our trust in Him, and what practices might help with this?
- Why does Peter emphasize vigilance against evil, and where can we be more vigilant in our faith?
- How can humility and faith serve as defenses against trials, and where might we apply these qualities?
2 Peter 1: Spiritual Growth and Calling
- How does Peter describe the importance of spiritual growth, and what practices help develop these virtues?
- What assurances does he give regarding the truth of Christ’s teachings, and how does this strengthen our faith?
- How does he encourage believers to affirm their calling, and what actions help us pursue this?
- Why is eternal life significant in Peter’s message, and how can we prepare ourselves for it?
2 Peter 2: Warning Against False Teachers
- How does Peter describe false teachers, and what signs can we watch for to guard our faith?
- What examples does he give to illustrate God’s judgment, and how does this shape our understanding of justice?
- How does he encourage the faithful amidst deception, and where can we find assurance?
- Why is discernment important, and what role does Scripture play in recognizing truth?
2 Peter 3: Anticipating Christ’s Return
- How does Peter explain the delay of Christ’s return, and how can we view God’s patience as an opportunity for growth?
- What does Peter warn about those who doubt Christ’s coming, and how might we strengthen our hope in His promises?
- How should anticipation of a new heaven and earth shape our daily actions, and where might we pursue greater holiness?
- How does the hope of Christ’s return encourage perseverance, and in what areas can we deepen our commitment to faith?
Matthew 1: The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus
- How does the genealogy in Matthew 1 connect Jesus to Jewish heritage, and what significance does this have?
- What does the prophecy about the virgin birth tell us about Jesus’ identity, and how can we see God’s promises fulfilled in our lives?
- How did Joseph respond to the angel’s message, and how can we respond in faith during challenging situations?
- What role does prophecy play in this chapter, and how does understanding prophecy impact our view of Jesus?
- How does the concept of “God with us” shape our relationship with Jesus, and how can we recognize His presence today?
Reflective Prayer
Choose a few verses or topics from these chapters and pray over them. Consider using the ACTS method — Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication:
- Adoration: Praise God. What specific characteristics of God do these readings bring to mind?
- Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. What specific sins do these readings bring to mind?
- Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. What in these readings inspires gratitude?
- Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. What in these readings inspires a prayer?
If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.
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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
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