POWER IN THE WORD 3/4/2026

F.S.M. BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

◊ Character and Calling
● Background: Originally Simon, a fisherman, nicknamed
Peter (Cephas/Rock) by Jesus.
● Personality: Outspoken, passionate, often impulsive, and
the unofficial leader of the twelve.
● Key Moment: Confessed Jesus as the Messiah (Mat.
16:16).
● Faults: Rebuked Jesus, walked on water then sank due to
fear, and promised loyalty but denied Jesus three times.
(Mark 8:32-33)
● Life Lesson: Peter demonstrates that Jesus uses flawed,
impetuous people to build His church.

◊ Transformation and Leadership
● Restoration: Following his denial, Jesus asks Peter three
times if he loves Him, charging him to feed my sheep
● Pentecost: The transformed, Holy Spirit-filled Peter boldly
preaches, leading to 3,000 conversions.
● Ministry: Becomes a foundation pillar of the early church in
Jerusalem, Samaria, and the first to bring the gospel to
Gentiles.

◊ 1 ST Peter: Lessons in Suffering and Hope

● Three Themes
* A Living Hope: Encourages believers that trials
refine their faith and that they have a future
inheritance.
* Holy Living: Calls Christians to live as exiles or
strangers in a hostile culture, reflecting Christ's
love rather than conforming to the world.

*Submission: Advises believers to submit to
authorities and treat others with grace, even
under oppression.

◊ Key Takeaways:
● Failure is not final:
Peter’s restoration shows that GOD’S grace overcomes
our biggest mistakes.
● Servant Leadership:
Peter moved from being self-motivated to shepherding
the church with humility.
● Suffering with Purpose:
1 st Peter highlights that suffering is a way to bear
witness to Jesus.

◊ What lessons can we learn from Peter’s life?
1. Jesus overcomes fear (1 ST John 4:18)
2. Jesus forgives unfaithfulness (2 ND Timothy 2:13)
3. Jesus patiently teaches (Psalm 32:8)
4. Jesus sees us as He intends us to be (Philippians 1:6)
5. Jesus uses unlikely heroes (Acts 4:13)