Is life just about working hard and getting ahead? Is our true goal personal happiness? Am I free to do anything I want? We live lives shaped by the stories we tell ourselves. Culture presents us with many competing, false stories. In this study, we’ll examine a false story each week, and then we’ll discuss how scripture presents an alternative – the true story. We’ll see how the world of the Bible shared many struggles with us. Ultimately, we’ll shape our worldview and actions to be more in line with Jesus.

The first verse names Peter as the author, and at the letter’s closing, he names his location as “Babylon” (5:13), likely a coded reference to Rome. As the Jews were in exile in Babylon in the 6th century BC, so the early Christians are in exile in the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD.  As social pressures and persecutions against Christians in the Roman Empire begin to increase, Peter writes to strengthen the scattered believers to live in such a way as to invite respect, not criticism, and to hold on to hope in the midst of suffering.

Though Israel will face the consequences of their rebellion, Isaiah’s prophetic words are full of hope for the day when God would restore his people to himself. This hope would be embodied through God's servant, “Immanuel," who will one day establish a new Israel and God's Kingdom on Earth. Isaiah’s prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

This quarter each class session will be a topic chosen by class members for further discussion and study.