NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.
Bible Passage: 2 Peter 1:12-21
Discussion Questions: Why is it important to always be reminded of the fundamentals or basics of a discipline? How important is being reminded of the basic doctrines of Christianity? What dangers might happen if we are not reminded of these foundational beliefs? How do the foundational beliefs impact all areas of our lives? Share an example to illustrate.
Food for thought:
Sports practices always include some time for practicing the fundamentals. No matter what level, the fundamentals are stressed because the finer points of the game are contingent upon those fundamentals. In basketball, executing the triangle offense, a pick and roll, and motion offense all require the ability to set a clean pick, make a proper pass, dribble with both hands, and properly shoot the basketball. Coaches emphasize the fundamentals because they know all else is dependent upon the basic skills.
Peter called on his readers to remember the basics of the Christian faith (2 Peter 1:12-15). In verse 13, he explained that he focused on the basics so he could “wake them up” (HCSB). Other translations read “to stir you up” (KJV, ESV), “refresh your memory” (NIV), and “to inspire you” (AMP). The Greek verb Peter used carries a sense of stimulating to action. Peter knew that the basics, the fundamentals, are the things we must hold dear. The fundamentals move us to live Christ-honoring lives, as our actions are an extension of our beliefs.
Peter knew the truth that was expressed by Robert Robinson: “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love.” We are all capable of wandering from the truth of the Gospel, forgetting the basic truths upon which we build our faith. The more distance there is between our salvation and our life now, the more we need to be reminded of God’s grace, our need for a Savior, and the truth of God’s Word.
Peter was committed to sharing the basic truths of Christianity until his last breath, so that those he encountered would never forget the fundamentals. Peter’s example challenges us today to remember the fundamentals and to continue to share them until our last breath.
Explore the Bible
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way. More information can be found at LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.
