BRBC Bible Notes
Week by week, we post notes based on the theme of the Sunday service, so that people can follow them in their own personal devotions, in prayer triplets, or in the church life groups.
BRBC Bible Study Series - The Apostle Peter
Bible Study #1: Peter’s Call
Main Passages:
Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:14–20; Luke 5:1–11
Purpose of the Study
This study explores Peter’s call by Jesus, examining how God calls ordinary people into extraordinary service. We will consider Peter’s response, the cost of discipleship, and how Jesus still calls believers today.
Opening Prayer
“Lord Jesus, thank You for calling ordinary people to follow You. Open our hearts to hear Your voice clearly and give us courage to obey wherever You lead. Amen.”
1. Read the Passages
· Read Matthew 4:18–22, Mark 1:14–20, and Luke 5:1–11 together.
· Notice both the similarities and the unique details in each account.
Questions
· What stands out most about Jesus’ call to Peter?
· Why do you think Peter responded so quickly?
· What might Peter have been leaving behind?
2. Context and Summary
· Peter (Simon) was a fisherman from Galilee.
· Fishing was physically demanding, uncertain work.
· Jesus entered Peter’s ordinary working life and transformed it into a kingdom calling.
· Luke’s Gospel adds the miraculous catch of fish, revealing both Jesus’ authority and Peter’s unworthiness: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” (Luke 5:8)
· Yet Jesus responds with grace: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” (Luke 5:10)
OT Connections
· Jeremiah 16:16 - God sending “fishers.”
· Isaiah 6:1–8 - Isaiah overwhelmed by holiness yet commissioned by God.
· Exodus 3:1–12 - Moses called during ordinary work.
NT Connections
· Philippians 3:7–8 - Leaving all things for Christ.
· 1 Peter 2:9 - Called out of darkness into light.
· John 15:16 - “You did not choose me, but I chose you.”
Questions
· Why does God often call people during ordinary life?
· How does Peter’s awareness of sin prepare him for service?
· What does this teach us about grace and calling?
3. Key Themes and Reflections
· Jesus Calls Ordinary People Peter was not wealthy, educated, or influential. Jesus delights in using unlikely people.
· St. Augustine wrote: “God does not choose worthy men, but by choosing them makes them worthy.”
· Calling Requires Leaving Peter left nets, boats, and security behind. Following Jesus always involves surrender.
· Jesus Calls Us Into Mission “Fishers of men” means participating in God’s rescue mission for people.
· John Stott wrote: “The call to discipleship is a call to mission.”
Questions
· What “nets” can keep people from fully following Jesus today?
· How has Jesus interrupted your ordinary life?
· What fears or concerns might stop someone from responding to God’s call?
4. A Word to the Church
For BRBC
· Are we helping people discover God’s calling?
· Do we value ordinary people whom God may use powerfully?
· Are we willing to leave comfort behind for mission?
Challenge
· A church that follows Jesus must be willing to move when He calls.
Questions
· What might Jesus be asking BRBC to leave behind?
· Are we more committed to comfort or mission?
· How can we become better “fishers of people” in Horsham and beyond?
5. Practical Action
· Spend time this week asking God where He is calling you to serve.
· Share your testimony with one person.
· Pray for courage to obey Jesus promptly.
· Encourage someone else in their calling.
Areas for Prayer
· Personal obedience to Christ.
· New disciples and conversions in Horsham.
· Courage and clarity for BRBC leaders.
· Young people discovering God’s calling.
Closing Scripture Meditation
Luke 5:10 “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”
Final Prayer
“Lord Jesus, thank You for calling Peter and for still calling people today. Give us willing hearts, open hands, and obedient spirits. Make BRBC a church that gladly follows wherever You lead. Amen.”
For a printable version of this, and previous editions, please click here.
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