Summary: In Guide 4 we look at how Peter’s confession models our moment of salvation. Then, when we come to faith in Christ, He gives us a new identity, and the rest of our life is a process of conforming to that identity. In short, we look at the difference between salvation and sanctification. This study picks up where Guide 1 leaves off in the process of salvation.
Break the Ice
How was your name or your kid’s name picked?
Bring the Word
Read Matthew 16:13-20
- What was the significance of someone’s name in the time and culture of Jesus?
- Why would it be Significant that Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter?
- Does a change in name represent a change in identity? If so, how?
- Can you think of other people in the Bible who God changed their name?
- What did Peter do to receive this new identity?
- What do we do to receive salvation?
- Is that considered a work?
- What is our new identity after salvation?
- What is the meaning of the name Peter?
- Describe the new identity of Peter.
Read Matthew 16:21-23
- Do Peter’s actions reflect the new identity given to him? Why or why not?
- DId Christ change Simon Peter’s name to who he was currently or who he would become?
- Do we immediately live according to our new Identity after salvation?
- How do we come to resemble our new identity in Christ?
Bring it Home
Read Ephesians 2:8-10
- Do we do any works for salvation?
- Where does salvation come from?
- Why do we do good works?
Read Ephesians 4:20-24
- Is this verse talking about something we do in a moment or a process?
- What do we call this process?
- How does sanctification differ from salvation?
- When complete what should our new self look like?
- How does that relate to the way God originally made man before sin entered the garden?
- How can we pray for you?
Begin a Discipline
Journaling: Try taking what you are reading and just writing a paragraph or 2 about what you are reading and how it relates to your life, the world, your family, etc.
Prayer: This week pray for the Church and its leadership!
Reading and reflection: Have you missed a few days or a few weeks? Don’t get discouraged, it happens! Just get back in God’s Word! It’s not a check on a checklist–its a privilege in your relationship with God!