Scripture of Focus for April 5, 2022 – Builders Men’s Ministry
1 Peter 2:11-17 – 11. Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges [those dishonorable desires] that wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the [unsaved] Gentiles [conduct yourself honorably, with graciousness and integrity], so that [c]for whatever reason they may slander you as evildoers, yet by observing your good deeds they may [instead come to] glorify God [d]in the day of visitation [when He looks upon them with mercy].
Honor Authority
13 Submit yourselves to [the authority of] every human institution for the sake of the Lord [to honor His name], whether it is to a king as one in a position of power, 14 or to governors as sent by him to bring punishment to those who do wrong, and to praise and encourage those who do right. 15 For it is the will of God that by doing right you may silence (muzzle, gag) the [culpable] ignorance and irresponsible criticisms of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover or pretext for evil, but [use it and live] as bond-servants of God. 17 Show respect for all people [treat them honorably], love the brotherhood [of believers], fear God, honor the king.
Here are the questions we’ll be discussing at Builders Men’s Ministry Tuesday, April 5:
Lean In: Who are the most influential people you know? What makes them influential? If they are influential, then others must follow or look up to them or listen to them when they speak/offer opinions. What makes some of these people good influencers and others bad influencers? (Unless it is some historical figure please don’t mention the name of the person.)
Look Down: What bad influences does Peter tell us to block? What does he say we should do? Why does he tell us to stop certain things and start others to replace the bad with the good? How do the sins he warns us to stop doing “war against the soul”? What does submission have to do with Peter’s list of ways we can be a good influence on others? How does he sum up the passage in verse 17?
Look Out: In what ways do you see men being positive influencers? Would you name a few and describe how they are making a positive difference? What big name celebrities or sports figures are doing a good job of using their platform to impact the world in a good way? Do you know some men, who are not really famous but are good role models and examples for those around them?
Look In: Who influenced you most as a positive role model for you? Are there men who see you as a role model and have benefited from your relationship with them? What could you adjust in your life to intentionally become a better role model – things you could stop or things you could start?
Take It Outside: Our Builders Men’s Ministry exists to help men grow closer to God in a personal relationship, to get to know other men, and to get to know men in other generations. How are we doing? What can we do to help our men at MBC become even better influencers for Christ Jesus our Lord?
Thanks for answering these questions. See you Tuesday, April 5, at Mt Bethel Church, 7pm in the Chapel.
Scriptures of Focus from March 22 and 29: I Peter 2:1-10
1So put aside every trace of malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander and hateful speech; 2 like newborn babies [you should] long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment], 3 if in fact you have [already] tasted [a]the goodness and gracious kindness of the Lord.
As Living Stones
4 Come to Him [the risen Lord] as to a living Stone which men rejected and threw away, but which is choice and precious in the sight of God. 5 You [believers], like living stones, are [b]being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For this is contained in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a chosen stone, a precious (honored) Cornerstone, And he who believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] will never be disappointed [in his expectations].”
7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe [in Him as God’s only Son—the Source of salvation]; but for those who disbelieve, “The [very] stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief Cornerstone,”
8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they disobey the word [of God], and to this they [who reject Him as Savior] were also appointed.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.