Peter's teachings on inter-personal relationship among Christians

PETER'S TEACHINGS ON INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP AMONG BELIEVERS
Peter was addressing the elders of the church as an elder himself and a partaker in the future glory that is to come.

In this address, Peter asked the elders to take care of their church members. He said they should not do it as if someone is forcing them but rather they must do it willingly.

He also said the elders should not do the work of care-giving merely for the profit that comes with the office but rather do it eagerly.

In addition, Peter taught that the elders should not lord themselves over the followers but that they should be an example to them. In other words, they should serve as role models to the flock.

Now Peter turned to the younger members of the group. He told them to subject themselves to the elders. Apart from that, they should humble themselves to one another because God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.

In fact, Peter advised all Christians to humble themselves before God so that at the right time, He (God) would exalt them. They should put all their problems on God's shoulders because He cares about everything concerning them.

Peter told the Christians to be sober and watchful because the devil is roaming around, seeking whom he may devour.

According to Peter, they should resist the devil, firmly, in their faith because every Christian throughout the world faces the same problem.

He promised them that in the end, God himself will give restoration, establishment, and strength. 

CAUSES OF CONFLICT AMONG CHRISTIANS.

1. Bribery and corruption in the church.

2. Fornication among the young and between the young and the old.

3. Adultery among the married in the church and between the married and the non-married.

4. Envy and/or jealousy.

5. Ostentatious lifestyle of some church leaders and their followers.

6. Jostling for power and position in the church.

7. Differences in doctrines.

8. Determining who is using the real spirit of God and who is not.

PROBLEMS THAT CONFRONT CHRISTIAN LEADERS TODAY

1. Disregard for authority.

2. Rivalry between the youth and the elders.

3. External opposition from Government.

4. The finance of the church.

5. The status of women, gay marriage, etc.

6. Doctrinal differences among various denominations.

FACTORS WHICH MAY CAUSE CONFLICT IN THE CHURCH

1. Negligence of one’s duties and obligations.

2. Unwillingness to partake in the building of society.

3. Lack of respect for a properly constitutes authority.

4. Failure to forgive one another.

5. Greed.

6. Jealousy and envy.

DUTIES OF A GOOD CHURCH LEADER

1. Ensure the spiritual and physical development of his followers.

2. Serve as a shining example to the church members.

3. Lead evangelism.

4. Give spiritual counsel and moral courage.

5. Pray for the members and intercede on their behalf.

6. Live a modest lifestyle.

SITUATIONS WHICH CALL FOR HUMILITY AMONG CHRISTIAN

1. Opposition from members of other faith.

2. Opposition from the unfaithful.

3. Opposing examination malpractices.

4. In the performance of civic responsibilities like payment of taxes.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. a. Highlight Peter’s admonition on inter-personal relationship among believers.

    b. Mention three major causes of conflict among Christians today?

2. a. With reference to first Peter, how should Christian leaders relate to their followers?

    b. State any three problems which confront Christian leaders today.  

3. a. What did Peter teach on inter-personal relationship among Christians?

    b. State three factors which may cause conflict in the church.

4. a. Explain Peter’s advice to the elders and members of the church in their personal relationship.

    b. State three duties of a good leader.

5. a. Give an account of Peter’s teaching on humility in relation to Christian living.

    b. Mention three situations in life today that calls for the manifestations of true humility among Christians.

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