1 Peter 1:2-12 (verse-by-verse)

Pastor Ray Bollas

James • Sermon • Submitted 2 years ago

1 Peter 1:2–12

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Passage: 1:2-12

Title: Preserved – Proven – Predicted

Summary: Sixteen times in this short epistle Peter uses the word “suffer”, and it’s use reveals a theme of why this epistle was written. In out study today we will see God’s hand in hard times, and what the master goldsmith (Jesus) is doing in the midst of our trials, hardships, and sufferings.

1 Peter 1:1–12 (NKJV) 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

Peter’s Credentials / Still Feeding

Written by the Apostle Peter, whose credentials have been challenged because of his lack of education and training; but Peter walked with the Lord, the second Apostle called, and all could see that his power and boldness came because he had been with the Lord. For 3 years he walked with Jesus step-by-step, and now it is 30 years since the resurrection and Peter is still faithfully doing what the Lord commissioned him to do, “feeding His sheep”.

The Dispersed

He is writing to the Believers that have been spread out, dispersed form their homeland, thrown into foreign countries. Many of them are struggling and suffering; but their greatest struggle is yet to come, for in just several months Roman Empire Nero is going to launch and all-out attack and persecution against Christians, and over the next 2 centuries over 6 million Christians will die for their faith.

Why Peter Writes / Remember

Peter tells us in the Second Epistle why he writes to them (and us), to stir us up, to remind us, that we hang on to the things we have been taught in the Old Testament, the Epistles of the Apostles, and the teachings in the Gospels. He says remember these things, hold on to them, no matter how hard life may get.

(2 Peter 3:1 NKJV) Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder),

(2 Peter 3:2 NKJV) that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,

Doctrine – Duty – Declaration

Peter pretty much breaks this letter into 3 areas. Doctrine, Duty, and Declaration; this book takes on the frame work of Ephesians, except Peter adds on the Declaration – The Lord is Returning – Remember that! Doctrine, what we believe and why. Duty, doctrine in action, living it out. Declaration, soon and very soon we are going to see the King, Hold-fast until then.

Doctrine: Remember Our Great Salvation (1:2 - 2:10)

The Certainty of Our Salvation (1:1 - 1:12)

The Calling with Our Salvation (1:13 - 2:3)

The Chosen of Salvation (2:4 - 10)

Duty: Remember Our Example Before Men (2:11 - 4:6)

Honorable Living Before Unbelievers (2:11 - 3:7)

Submission to the Government (2:11-17)

Submission to Masters (2:18 - 25)

Submission in the Family (3:1- 7)

Honorable Living Before Believers (3:8 - 12)

Submission to One Another (3:8 - 12)

Honorable Living in the Midst of Suffering (3:13 - 4:6)

The Principle of Suffering for Righteousness (3:13 - 17)

The Perfection of Suffering for Righteousness (3:18- 22)

The Purpose of Suffering for Righteousness (4:1 - 6)

Declaration: Remember Our Lord Will Return (4:7 - 5:14)

The Responsibility of Christian Living (4:7 - 11)

The Rewards of Christian Suffering (4:12 - 19)

The Requirements for Christian Leadership (5:1 - 4)

The Realization of Christian Victory (5:5 - 14)

Theme

He tells us to remember because of the theme of this book. The theme of this book is given to us in chapter 5:

(1 Peter 5:10 NKJV) But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

The word suffering is used 16 times, glory 12, and grace 8. Peter unties these 3 words to write a letter of encouragement to those who are struggling and suffering, that their suffering will one day be transformed into glory.

Perfect / Establish / Strengthen / Settled

He writes to us so that we may be:

· Perfect- (mature) which means to mend (what has been broken or rent), to repair, to complete, to fit out, equip, put in order, arrange, adjust, to fit or frame for one’s self, prepare;

· Established– to set fast, confirm one’s mind;

· Strengthen – to make one strong;

· Settle – to lay a foundation.

Study Summary: Sixteen times in this short epistle Peter uses the word “suffer”, and it’s use reveals a theme of why this epistle was written. In out study today we will see God’s hand in hard times, and what the master goldsmith (Jesus) is doing in the midst of our trials, hardships, and sufferings.

Outline: The Certainty of Our Salvation (1:2 - 1:12)

Preserved by the Power of God (1:2 - 5) Proven by the Trials of Persecution (1:6 - 9) Predicted by the Prophets of God (1:10 -12)

Prayer

The Word of God is Living and Powerful, and is ready, and will do a mighty work in our lives.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

In Every Study

· Who Is God? (How Great is He?)

· What Does He Think of Me? (How Wonderful Are His Thoughts Towards Me?)

· What Does He Want Me to Do?

· What Can I Boldly Request of Him?

· What Do I Need to Be on Guard of When I Leave Here Today?

Boldly come to the throne of grace, ask God to reveal Himself in a mighty way to you, and to do I might work in you, and through you.

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need

Preserved by the Power of God (1:2 - 5)

(1 Peter 1:1 NKJV) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

(1 Peter 1:2 NKJV) elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

See last week’s study regarding – The Elect

Elected / Family Secret

Peter starts immediately by reminding these people and us that we are elected. Elect means “to pick out or select”. Election is a family secret. It is not something that can be explained to a non-family member, an unbeliever. The unbeliever needs to give their life to the Lord, and then they will understand that they were chosen by God from the foundations of the world:

(Ephesians 1:3 NKJV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

(Ephesians 1:4 NKJV) just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

(Ephesians 1:5 NKJV) having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

(Ephesians 1:6 NKJV) to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.

Wishing None Should Perish

Our salvation is a done deal from God's perspective. God can see the beginning from the end, He knows who will chose, and who will reject. But, He will never destined anyone to hell for hell is man choosing his own free-will not to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ:

(2 Peter 3:9 NKJV) Is for those who chose not to believe: The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

John 6:37 (NKJV) 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

Foreknowledge

By His Foreknowledge:

(Romans 8:28 NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

(Romans 8:29 NKJV) For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

(Romans 8:30 NKJV) Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

(Romans 8:31 NKJV) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Though God’s election is according to … foreknowledge, there is more to His foreknowledge than His prior knowledge of my response to Jesus. Election is not election at all if it is only a cause-and-effect arrangement basing God’s choice only on man’s. (Guzik)

God Stays Active

God stays active in the work of salvation in every person even though we were chosen before the foundations of the world. Notice the Trinity here in this verse:

Sanctification of the Spirit

In sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience: An essential result of election is sanctification and obedience. While some would like to think that election has only to do with going to heaven or hell, Peter reminds us that it also touches earth. A claim to be among the elect is doubtful if there is no evidence of sanctification and obedience.

Sprinkling of Blood

Since all the elect fall short of perfect sanctification and obedience, there is cleansing from sin provided for them through the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.

The result of the believers’ election should be “obedience” (hupakoēn, see verse 22) and “sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.” Rantismos also appears in Hebrews 12:24 in reference to the “blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” The “sprinkling” recalls an event recorded in Exodus 24:7, 8. On that occasion the people told Moses, “All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.” After they had made this declaration, Moses “took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people.” Their pledge of obedience preceded the sprinkling of the blood; similarly Peter’s mention of “obedience” comes before “sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ,” signifying that atonement through His blood is for the obedient. (Harris, R. W., ed. (1989). Hebrews–Jude (p. 257). World Library Press.)

There were three circumstances in the Old Testament where blood was sprinkled on people.

• At the establishment of Sinai or Old Covenant (Exodus 24:5–8).

• At the ordination of Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29:21).

• At the purification ceremony for a cleansed leper (Leviticus 14:6–7).

Exodus 24:5–8 (NKJV) 5 Then he sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the Lord. 6 And Moses took half the blood and put it in basins, and half the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.” 8 And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant which the Lordhas made with you according to all these words.”

Exodus 29:21 (NKJV) 21 And you shall take some of the blood that is on the altar, and some of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and on his garments, on his sons and on the garments of his sons with him; and he and his garments shall be hallowed, and his sons and his sons’ garments with him.

Leviticus 14:6–7 (NKJV) 6 As for the living bird, he shall take it, the cedar wood and the scarlet and the hyssop, and dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water. 7 And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed from the leprosy, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose in the open field.

1 Peter 2:9–10 (NKJV) 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

The sprinkling of the blood of Jesus on us accomplishes the same things. First, a covenant is formed, then we are ordained as priests to Him, and finally we are cleansed from our corruption and sin. Each of these is ours through the work of Jesus on the cross. (Guzik, D. (2013). 1 Peter (1 Pe 1:2). David Guzik.)

Verse 2 - Grace to you and peace be multiplied. - God's grace and peace are living, because He is living. They are multiplied because they are new every day, He doesn't give us day old grace, mercy and peace, but fresh and new pouring of His love out unto us.

(Lamentations 3:22 NKJV) Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.

(Lamentations 3:23 NKJV) They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

(Lamentations 3:24 NKJV) "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!"

(1 Peter 1:3 NKJV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Small Town in Maine

A small town in Maine was proposed for the site of a great hydroelectric plant. A dam would be built across the river and as the waters backed-up, the town would be submerged. When the project was announced the towns people were given many months to arrange their affairs and relocate. During those months a curious thing happened. All home improvements ceased. No painting was done, no repairs were made to the buildings, roads, or sidewalks. Day by day the whole town got shabbier and shabbier. A long time before the waters came, the town looked uncared for and abandoned, even though the people had not yet moved away. One citizen explained: where there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present. The town was cursed with hopelessness because it had no future. Much the same for Christians, when they forget their future, lose sight of their future, they lose hope, and they can become like that small town in Maine. Peter writes to us today to remind us of our future, that is a blessed and guarantee. He starts with the Certainty of our Salvation:

Living Hope / Dreams Fade / Spiritual Life Grows / No Mid-Life Crisis / Just Pilgrims

Verse 3- begotten us again to a living hope: My hopes and dreams of life slowly start dying out. The dreams of playing Pro football, or a job that would allow me to retire at 40, they all slowly start to die out. I look in the mirror and see the lines in my face becoming more distinct, my hair thinning, my waist doesn’t even remember the days of the size 32’s. All these things are fading, but for my spiritual life, it is a living hope, a growing hope, all which is opposite of the world. They are living, and every day they get stronger and stronger, clearer and clearer the more I understand His Word, His grace, His love. Through these things more and more every day I rest in the finished work of the cross, and I start enjoying my relationship with the Lord and realizing this life is fading away, it isn't about this life, but my life with Him. Christians should never be a people that wrestle with a mid-life crisis, for we should be a people that realize we are just strangers, pilgrims, just passing through.

All because (verse 3), His abundant mercy.

(1 Peter 1:4 NKJV) to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

An Inheritance / Rub 2 Pennies – Still Wealthy

Verse 4 - to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you: God has an inheritance for us, which is incorruptible, undefiled, and does not fade away; it is reserved in heaven for us. If you do not have two pennies in your pocket to rub together, you are still wealthy, rich beyond any millionaire.

Tax Assessor

A tax assessor came one day to a rather poor man to determine the amount of taxes he would have to pay. "What do you possess?" he questioned. "Oh, I am very wealthy," replied the man. "List your possessions, please," the assessor instructed. The man of God replied,:

"First, I have everlasting life- (John 3:16). Second, I have a mansion in Heaven- (John 14:2). Thirdly, I have peace that passeth understanding- (Philippians 4:7). Fourth, I have joy unspeakable- (1 Peter 1:8). Fifth, I have divine love that never faileth- (1 Cor 13:8). Sixth, I have a faithful, pious wife- (Proverbs 31:10). Seventh, I have healthy, happy, obedient children- (Exodus 20:12). Eighth, I have true, loyal friends- (Proverbs 18:24). Ninth, I have songs in the night- (Psalm 42:8). Tenth, I have a crown of life awaiting- (James 1:12).

The tax collector closed his book and said, "Truly, you are a very rich man, but your property is not subject to taxation."

Peter Reminds You

Peter said I write to you so that you might remember these things!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(1 Peter 1:5 NKJV) who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Kept by God / kept in the Trials

Verse 5 - who are kept by the power of God: - We are kept by the power of God. The inheritance is waiting for us, we are being kept, by the power of God. It is not you holding on to Him, but Him holding on to you. Peter is telling these people, your salvation is certain, because of Him, He will keep you, so when the fires come upon you, remember you are kept. Your inheritance is kept in heaven, just who do you think is going to sneak in there and steal it. This word for kept means "to guard by military garrison", used in reference to guarding a city. Our inheritance, which is our place in heaven, is a certainty.

John 10:27–30 (NKJV) 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

Proven by the Trials of Persecution (1:6 - 9)

(1 Peter 1:6 NKJV) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

Rejoice In What

Verse 6 - In this you greatly rejoice: What are we to greatly rejoice in? Greatly rejoice because you are kept. Rejoice even though you are going though trials.

Rejoice, because you are good soil, that takes root and is still standing, still producing fruit, not the soil that when tribulations come, dry up and burn away.

Matthew 13:16–23 (NKJV) 16 But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; 17 for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it,and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. 18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower:

· 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

· 20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

· 22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

· 23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

Not here to Conqueror Rome

From the beginning Peter believed Jesus to be the Messiah, but his concept of what Messiah had come to do was transformed at Calvary’s cross. Yes, one day Messiah will reign in glory, but there’s a grieving that comes before the glory. The cross precedes the crown.

Grieved – Matt 26 / God Concerned In Your Trial

Verse 6 – you have been grieved by various trials- This word for grieved is the same word used in Matthew 26 when Jesus was in the garden sweating drops of blood. Peter isn't diminishing the reality of what they are going through, but he says it is only for a season, and you are going to heaven. What is your trial? Whatever it is, God doesn’t diminish it and He is greatly concerned and interested in anything and everything you are going through. Peter used the word “manifold,” which literally means “variegated, many-colored.” He used the same word to describe God’s grace in 1 Peter 4:10. No matter what “color” our day may be—a “blue” Monday or a “gray” Tuesday—God has grace sufficient to meet the need. We must not think that because we have overcome one kind of trial that we will automatically “win them all.” Trials are varied, and God matches the trial to our strengths and needs.

Matthew 26:36–38 (NKJV) 36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”

1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Don't think It Strange – Not Immune

In chapter 4, Peter said "Don't think trials and suffering as something strange", that Christians should be immune from them:

(1 Peter 4:12 NKJV) Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

(1 Peter 4:13 NKJV) but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Modern Gospel / Jesus Improve Your Flight

Here is the problem with the modern gospel, people say "give your life to Jesus Christ and you will be happy and have eternal life." Or as we say, Jesus will improve your flight.

The following is compliment of Ray Comfort (The Way of the Master)

1stPassenger / Improve Flt / Weight – Uncomfortable – Laughing / Disillusionment

Two men are seated on a plane, the first is given a parachute and told to put it on as it will improve his flight. He is skeptical at first because he can’t see how wearing a parachute on the plane can improve his flight. After a time he decides to experiment and see if the claim was true. As he puts it on he notices the weight upon his shoulder and finds he has difficulty seating upright. However he consoles himself with the fact that he was told that the parachute will improve his flight, so he decides to give the thing a little time. As he waits he notices some of the other passengers are laughing at him for wearing a parachute on the plane and he begins to feel somewhat humiliated. As they continue to point and laugh at him he can stand it no more and slinks in his seat, unstraps the parachute and throws it to the floor. Disillusionment and bitterness feels his heart because as far as he is concerned he was told an outright lie.

2ndPassenger / Going to Jump / Doesn’t Notice Weight / Comforted

The second man is given a parachute and listen to what he is told: He is told to put it on because at any given moment he will be jumping 25,000 feet out of the plane. He gratefully puts the parachute on and doesn’t even notice the weight of it upon his shoulder nor that he can sit upright. His mind is consumed with the thought of what would happen to him if he jumped without the parachute.

Analyze Motive / 1st / Improve Flt – Resultant / Bitterness

Now let’s analyze the motive and results of each passenger’s experience. The first man’s motive for putting on the parachute was solely to improve his flight. The result of his experience was that it was humiliated by the passengers, he was disillusioned, and somewhat bitter against those who gave him the parachute, and as far as he is concerned it will be a long time before someone gets one of those things on his back again.

2nd / Deep Rooted Peace / Withstands Mockery / Grateful

The second man put the parachute on to escape the jump to come. Because of the knowledge of what would happen to him without it he has a deep-rooted joy and peace in his heart knowing that he is safe from sure death. This knowledge gives him the ability to withstand the mockery of the other passengers, and his attitude towards the one who gave him the parachute is of a heart felt gratitude.

Modern Gospel / Love – Joy – Peace / Temptation – Trib – Trials / Offended at Word / Bitter

Now listen to what the modern gospel says: “put on the Lord Jesus Christ and He will give you love, joy, peace, fulfillment and lasting happiness; in other words, Jesus will improve your flight.” So the sinner responds and in an experimental fashion puts on the Savior to see if the claims are true. What does he get? The promised temptation, tribulation, and persecution - the other passengers mock him. So what does he do, he takes off the Lord Jesus Christ, He is offended for the Word’s sake, he is disillusioned and somewhat bitter, and quite rightly so, he was promised peace, joy love, fulfillment and lasting happiness; and all he got was trials and humiliation. His bitterness is directed at the people who gave him the so-called Good News, and his situation is now worse than the first.

Not Improved / Have to Jump / Not Happiness – But Righteousness / Joy is Fruits / Backslidders

Instead of preaching Jesus will improve the flight, we must warn the passengers that they are going to have to jump out of the plane. When the sinner understands the consequences for breaking God’s law, then he will flee to the Savior to escape the wrath that is to come. The issue is not one of happiness, but one of righteousness. It doesn’t matter how happy sinners are, without the righteousness of Christ they perish in the day of wrath. Peace and joy are fruits of salvation, but they are not to be used as draw cards for salvation. If we continue to use them as draw cards, sinners will respond with an unpure motive, lacking repentance. We will be guilty of creating backsliders, or worse, false converts.

Delivered From Wrath to Come / Look Forward to Inheritance to Come / Have peace

The second passenger had joy and peace in his heart because he knew that parachute was going to save him from sure death. As a believer I have joy and peace in believing that the righteousness of Christ will deliver me from the wrath that is to come. In the trials and suffering of life, I can have peace and an expectant hope of my inheritance to come.

People, we are talking about a Holy and Awesome God. Grace is used in every chapter of this epistle; it is used 8 times in this short epistle. Grace (G-R-A-C-E) is God's Riches At Christ's Expense. Grace is to be celebrated, but it is not to be abused:

(Romans 6:14 NKJV) For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

(Romans 6:15 NKJV) What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!

(Romans 6:16 NKJV) Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

Peter / The Big Picture

Throughout this epistle Peter keeps bringing us back to the Big Picture, and he will say go for the glory. Peter wants to bring the people back, bring us back, that in the midst of a hard life, we are to remember this Great Salvation, and then everything is put into perspective.

(1 Peter 1:7 NKJV) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

(1 Peter 1:8 NKJV) whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

(1 Peter 1:9 NKJV) receiving the end of your faith; the salvation of your souls.

Different Phases

The NT speaks of salvation in different phases.

· When you embrace Christ as Lord you are saved from the penalty of sin –

· as you grow in Christ you’re saved from the power of sin - and one day, when you enter the glories of heaven you’ll be saved from this wicked world and the presence of sin.

But at every stage of salvation we’re saved by grace through faith! This is why it’s so essential to continue in your faith. Faith is not a one time possession. It’s a mindset we seek to cultivate, and grow, and develop.

Genuineness of faith / Artificial Layers Stripped Away / Trials Bring Glory – Which Bring Security

Verse 7 - that the genuineness of your faith: Genuineness of your faith, true faith is that which is still in place after the artificial layers have been stripped away by trials and testing. Trails bring out the glory of God in a believer and when you see the glory of God revealed in you, you will be secure in your salvation.

Trials Only a Season / Eye on Clock – Hand on Thermostat

Trials do not last forever; they are “for a season.” When God permits His children to go through the furnace, He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat. If we rebel, He may have to reset the clock; but if we submit, He will not permit us to suffer one minute too long. The important thing is that we learn the lesson He wants to teach us and that we bring glory to Him alone.

The Goldsmith / See Face

Peter illustrated this truth by referring to the goldsmith. No goldsmith would deliberately waste the precious ore. He would put it into the smelting furnace long enough to remove the cheap impurities; then he would pour it out and make from it a beautiful article of, value. It has been said that the Eastern goldsmith kept the metal in the furnace until he could see his face reflected in it. So our Lord keeps us in the furnace of suffering until we reflect the glory and beauty of Jesus Christ. Peter may have been referring back to what Job had said about his trial:

(Job 23:10 NKJV) But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

Gold Refined

Likewise, Jesus knows that we’ve been adequately refined when a Christ-likeness surfaces in our lives...

“He sat by a furnace of sevenfold heat, as He watched by the precious ore; and closer He bent, with a searching gaze, as He heated it more and more.

He knew He had ore that could stand the test; and He wanted the finest of gold - to mold as a crown for the King to wear; set with gems of a price untold.

So He laid out gold in the burning fire, though we wanted His hand to stay; and He watched the dross that we had not seen, as it melted and passed away.

And the gold grew brighter, and yet more bright; but our eyes were so dim with tears, we saw the fire - not the Master’s hand - and questioned with anxious fears.

Yet our gold shone out with a richer glow, as it mirrored a form above - that bend over the fire - though unseen by us - with looks of ineffable love.

Can we think it pleases His loving heart to cause us a moment of pain? Ah! No, but we saw through the present loss the bliss of eternal gain.

So He waited there with a watchful eye, with a love that is so strong and sure; and His gold did not suffer a bit more heat, than was needed to make it pure.” I’m most moved by the final line, “His gold did not suffer a bit more heat, than was needed to make it pure.”

Rom 8:28 / Know – Not See

Christians the Bible doesn't say that we see all things work together for good, but we know all things work together for good:

(Romans 8:28 NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

2 things of Trails

Notice two things that trials (struggles and sufferings) do:

Strengthen our Faith in the Lord (verse 7 - the genuineness of your faith) Deepens our Love for the Lord ((verse 8 - having not seen you love)

1.) Strengthen our Faith in the Lord (verse 7 - the genuineness of your faith)

Lord Knows Our Craving / Brittle Metals / Bridge – Skyscraper / Disaster All who Dwell

Verse 7 – Your Faith Tested by Fire: The Lord knows what we are craving, and that is that we will become more like Him. Metals with impurities are brittle and weak. They cannot be used in any major structural job. You cannot build upon steel that has impurities. Imagine a bridge built with steel that is brittle and weak, that resultant would be disastrous; imagine a skyscraper built with metal that is brittle and weak, who would want to dwell in that place.

Finally get This / Stop Complaining – Rejoice / Reflection of His Face

Christian when you finally get this, when you finally understand why you go through these struggles, you will learn to rejoice in them, rather than rebelling in them, complaining about them. I'm not saying you will be skipping and jumping, but you will rejoice - thank you Lord for what you are doing in my life, as you conform me into your imagine, as you bring forth your glory in me as you bring it to the surface. That the Lord will see His reflection in us.

Romans 5:1-5 tells us that our hope is that God is at work, therefore I can wait it out, trust Him through it, knowing that he is working in them. Hope will let me endure:

(Romans 5:1 NKJV) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

(Romans 5:2 NKJV) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

(Romans 5:3 NKJV) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

(Romans 5:4 NKJV) and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

(Romans 5:5 NKJV) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Sadly, so many believer’s faith is stifled and stunted, because they hump out of the fire before God wills the to; they say this is too hard for me, too much for me, I can’t take the heat, and they bail (quench) the fire by backsliding or back-biting, jumping ship or catching a flight out to the island, rather than staying and saying Lord this is hard, but I know You are doing a work in me, and thus give me the strength to stay in the fire while you purify me.

2.) Deepens our Love for the Lord ((verse 8 - having not seen you love)

Never Seen Still Love / Something Wonderful in the Trials

Verse 8 - whom having not seen you love: They had never seen the Lord, yet they still love Him. Peter is saying I saw Him, you haven't, yet you love Him just the same as I do. You see gang God does something wonderful in the trials, for through them He draws us closer to Himself, which draws us deeper in love with Him. Which in turn shows us the certainty of our salvation, as we see that He loves us and never will forsake us.

Hellen Keller

Helen Keller once said, “The best and most beautiful things in life cannot be seen or even touched... they must be felt with the heart.” This is true spiritually.

Dan 3 / Never Seen – Until the Trial / new Understanding – Certainty of Salvation

You know the story, but let me add a little more on to it (Daniel 3). Meshach, Shadrach, Abednego, they are going through the fiery trial. Nebuchadnezzar says turn the heat up 7 times hotter. But as they wait and watch for the incineration, instead they see the appearance of the fourth, one like the Son of Man. The Lord appeared to the three, and the world watching. They were in the trial because they followed the Lord, even though they had never seen Him; and it is in the trial that they finally saw Him. I have found it is the same for us; it is in the trials that I see the Lord in a way that I had never saw Him before. I have a new revelation of the Lord, a new understanding of His character and attributes. They show me the certainty of my salvation.

I’d Rather Be In Fire /

I would rather be in the fire and have the revelation and commune with the Lord, then out of the fire where it is cool and comfy, nice and easy, but not having that closeness with Him, not seeing Him, not sensing Him. Out of the fire I so often see that I am pursuing this or involved in that, and I am drawn away.

Christian, don’t bail! Don’t short yourself from all the glory and wonder that God does in the trials.

Predicted by the Prophets of God (1:10 -12)

(1 Peter 1:10 NKJV) Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,

(1 Peter 1:11 NKJV) searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

(1 Peter 1:12 NKJV) To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven; things which angels desire to look into.

No Contradiction

In other words, what the Hebrew prophets said about the Messiah, is exactly what the ministers of the Gospel have preach about Jesus. There was no contradiction in their message. The Gospel of

Jesus was not a man-made invention - it was Spirit-sent!

Prophets Searched – We Understand / 2 Messiahs / 1st Coming – 2ndComing

The prophets searched out the things we understand. For them they saw two Messiahs and it confused them. They didn't understand, but we do. They would have given anything to know what we do. We have seen the Messiah from the other side of the cross. Look what we get; we can put the Scriptures together and understand the suffering Messiah and Victorious Messiah. We can understand His first coming and His Second.

Prophecy Unfolds / Israel – Roman – The Mark / Confirmation – I am Kept

That should be enough, but we even get to watch prophecy unfold before our very eyes. I watch the events of the world, and it just makes me more and more sure of my salvation. The prophecy of the rebirth of Israel, the re-emergence of Roman Empire, the Mark of the Beast, all these things are just more and more confirmation that this book is true, down to the last jot and tittle, and I am kept by His power, and He will come get me one day, or if it be, he will be standing to meet me.

Verse 13 - things which angels desire to look into. Then Peter adds, the Gospel reveals truths “angels desire to look into.” The Gospel intrigues the angels. It stunned the heavenly host when their Eternal King humbled Himself and became a man... It horrified them when He let Himself be nailed to a Roman cross.

For thousands of years now, the angels have tried to comprehend the depth of love God has for the human creatures He made from dust.

And if angels spend all their time pondering grace, wouldn’t it be worth our while to do the same?