1 Peter - Fiery Trials

Pray

Well, it’s good to be back with you this morning. For those of you that don’t know, my wife and I, along with our 5 kids made the journey to my home state of New Hampshire a week back and had the opportunity to get some wonderful time with family.

And of course, being on vacation there are certain things you have to do. For instance, we went to my sister’s bakery several times, and we went to Funspot, which is the world’s largest arcade. On Thursday of the Trip, I had a chance to take Harper and Carter to Fenway Park, this was their first time there, and despite the boring game, and poor seats, it was great just to be in Boston with 2 of my kids.

And then on Saturday, this was really the highlight of the trip for me. You see, I was inside my sister’s house, and I came outside on the back deck to see that my mom and Kim, both told me to get ready, we’re going on a boat. And immediately, I was like, “wait, what? Whose Boat?” and To make a long story short, my mom has a friend that she knows from who just so happened to have a lake house, and just so happened to have an amazing pontoon boat. And so, for a couple hours, Kim and I along with our kids and mom and this nice guy who I just met named Manny went out on the lake.

But here’s what’s interesting, when we got out on the lake, it looked foggy. Like not just a little overcast, but really, dense, fog or something in the air that was taking away from the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains. Now don’t get me wrong. We had an amazing time. It was beautiful. But still, there was an underlying issue behind this fog.

Then it occurred to me, this wasn’t a cloud… it wasn’t a passing rainstorm, no, this was smoke from the Canadian wildfires. Now again, it didn’t take away from our afternoon boat ride or time with the family… but it had the potential to. Then as I was preparing for this mornings, message the idea of this smoke came back to mind. You see, when we went out on the lake, I thought the Canadian wildfires were behind us. I thought this was a chapter that had closed, but I was wrong…

And the truth is, in life, oftentimes it works the same way. Like I’m sure we’ve all had different things, probably even this weekend, that happened which we didn’t enjoy. Someone gave us a bad look, someone cut us off in traffic, someone said something rude or hurtful… We’ve all been there… and from person to person, in these momentary troubles, we (hopefully) tend to do okay at navigating these issues… But what about longer seasons? What about when the problem persists? What about extended seasons… Whether it pertains to a relationship, a challenge at home, a challenge at work, a financial burden, or any other life circumstances that has been trying… How do we navigate trying times?

If you have your bibles turn with me to 1 Peter 1 as we discuss in trying times, how we respond.in trying times: 1. Keep the faith (don’t lose Hope) 2. In trying times pursue Holiness. And 3. In trying times, love anyway!

1. In trying times: Keep the faith ( don’t loss Hope)

As you turn to 1 Peter 1, you’ll recall that over the last 6 weeks, we’ve been camped out in the book of Acts. And the book of Acts is really broken into 2 parts. The first section focuses on the apostles, primarily Peter and his persecution for being a Christian and The 2nd part of Acts turns to Paul and his missionary journeys.

So, this morning, as we jump into the book of 1 Peter, we’ll be in 1st and 2nd peter through the end of Summer by the way... but There’s already a sense of familiarity with Peter and his trials in life.

We recall from acts, his trials, and imprisonment several times. We recall the brutality and flogging that has come against peter and the other apostles. We think of the trial faced by the apostle James, and which lead to him being martyred, or the stoning of Stephen and trials faced by the entire first century church.

And from the book of Acts and the scenes we’ve looked at in the year AD 35. To now, in the writing of 1 peter in AD 63, nearly 30 years has passed. And while it would be great to say things have gotten better, things have actually, (from an outsider’s perspective. have Gotten worse) Yet Peter… Someone familiar with Trials encourages the church. He Writes:

1 peter 1: 1-9

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

After a brief introduction, would go on to address the recipient, which verse 1 tells us is: God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.

And ultimately, he’s writing to encourage them to stand firm in their faith. You see to give some context; We understand the city of Rome has recently burned just prior to this letter. And the emperor at the time, emperor Nero was believed to be behind the act. Because ultimately, This emperor was known for wanting to build greater and greater buildings. And so, the people believed that Nero was behind the burning.

These people, these roman residents are now homeless, their entire lives have been destroyed. All of their possessions, their place of business, their shrines and temples have burnt up.

And so, in response rather than Nero taking the heat… He puts the blame on the Christians. He would spread the word that the fires had nothing to do with him, but that that Christians were behind the blazing inferno. And in response… widespread persecution and retaliation would come against these Christians, who would then go into hiding. In places like the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.

And here’s the point… the Christians of course, didn’t start the fire… but yet, they would be tried, they would face persecution as if they did.

But how does Peter tell the Church to respond? In times of trial, to not lose hope, to keep the faith? Vs 6 Explains: 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

You see, in the midst of the trials, in the midst of the fire… they could rejoice… They could have hope… They look to God; they could be encouraged… Knowing that He was with them in the fire.

James 1 2-4 tells us: 3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I’m reminded of a story I came across this week involving one particular giraffe. The author explains that an Angolan giraffe was giving birth. I stood next to zoo animal keeper, Jack Badal, to watch. She was standing up, and the calf's front hooves and head were already visible. "When is she going to lie down?" I asked Jack.

"She won't," he answered.

"But her hindquarters are nearly ten feet off the ground!" I said. "Isn't anyone going to catch the calf?"

"Try catching it if you want," Jack responded, "but its mother has enough strength in her hind legs to kick your head off." Soon the calf hurled forth, landing on his back. His mother waited for about a minute, then kicked her baby, sending it sprawling head over hooves.

"Why'd she do that?" I asked.

"She wants it to get up." Whenever the baby ceased struggling to rise, the mother prodded it with a hearty kick. Finally, the calf stood—wobbly, but upright. The mother kicked it off its feet again! "She wants it to remember how it got up," Jack offered. "In the wild, if it didn't quickly follow the herd, predators would pick it off."

It's easy for us to view trials as unwelcome intruders in our lives. But they do have a way of prompting us to get up and seek the protection of our heavenly father.

Of course, we read this story. And some of our hearts go out to this giraffe. But the truth is, the mother didn’t abandon the giraffe. No, she was there the whole time. And although to us (this morning) it may seem like she was being cruel, she knew that through the trials and difficulties that this giraffe would face… it would ultimately prepare the newborn baby for its time in the wild.

These first century Christians we’re facing Trials… but God did not abandon them… God didn’t turn his back on them. No God was with them...

For us this morning, it’s the same…. Church, you may be in a season that doesn’t feel good. You may be in a fire. But it’s only in the fire, that the clay becomes stronger; it’s in the fire that the imperfections come out.

I’m reminded of Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Friend, are we choosing fear this morning, or are we choosing faith. Are we fixing our eyes on Jesus this morning?

2. In trying times, pursue Holiness

Continue with Scripture we’re told: 1 Peter 1:13-15 13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

We consider the scripture and see that Peter calls these Christians to be alert and fully sober.

Some of your translations may say: 13 gird up the loins of your mind, be sober… and here, Peter is calling believers in the midst of fiery trials to prepare their minds for action. By the way, To gird up your loins would be to tighten your belt or pull the corners of the robe in And this expression, was a common practice at the time. Especially for roman soldiers preparing for battle… they would put on their belt and tie up their robe so that its loose ends would not hinder their effectiveness in combat.

And so, in the midst of their trial, Peter calls these Christians to gird up the loins of the mind. In other words, pull in all the loose ends of their life and be prepared. And then he continues to tell them in verse 13 to not only keep their minds alert, but also fully sober…

What does he mean when he says, fully sober? He’s telling them not to get drunk.

Now remember, these are first century Christians, who are enduring persecution and hardship for the Lord. and yet he’s telling them to stay sober and avoid evil. And the question is why? Why would Peter have to encourage the church to avoid their evil desires?

And the answer is, if we’re not careful… if we don’t look to Christ… in the midst of their fiery trials… The temptation is to turn to sin, rather than turning to the Savior. And so, peter addresses them and reminds them 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

By the way, if we look at this term obedientchildren. The word obedient is the Greek word hypakoē . means obedience as characterized by every true child of God. And there’s a distinction in scripture between children of obedience. And children of disobedience.

Ephesians 2: 1 – 2 (NKJV) And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience. So, there’s a distinction here.

But here’s the key, that in Good times, and in bad… That Christians are called to be holy.

17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Illustration

Friends, we’re called to live our lives as foreigners in reverent fear of God. We’re called to be holy. We’re called to be set apart. Are we doing that this morning?

3. In trying times pursue love.

and as we discuss this point, I think this can be one of the hardest things to do as Christians. I mean the truth is, if someone has upset up, we have a hard time loving them. When someone makes me angry, the last thing I really, really want to do is love them and give them a big ol hug. Can anyone else relate with me on that?

And yet, we’re told in verse 22. 22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.

Let’s go back to verse 22 for a brief moment. We’re told 22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other (in other words, now that we’re living out our faith, and obeying the word of God…) Don’t stop there. love one another deeply, from the heart.

And as we consider this verse, there are 2 words I want us to consider. The first word is Love. Which, we understand there are several times of love in the Greek language, phileo a brother love, Storge, a family sort of love (sometimes out of necessity), it’s not talking about those types of love in this setting and certainly not eros love, or erotic love… no, the word being expressed here is agape. Unwarranted, undeserving love. It’s the type of love, that Comes from God that we are underserving of this morning.

So, we’re told to agape love others, deeply from the heart. This word deeply, some of your translations may say fervently. Is a psychological term, which deals with the body, and it means to stretch oneself to the furthest limit of a muscles’ capacity.

Now here’s the key, I don’t about you, but the older I get… the harder it becomes to stretch. Like when I was a kid, maybe Carters age, I could do a split, with no effort at all…. If I tried to do a split today, well let’s just say at best I might need some help getting up, and who knows, we might just have to call Kenton fire down here with a stretcher.

But the point is, stretching, is something that can be difficult to do… Especially at certain points in the day.

But you know what’s interesting… The more we stretch, the more we become accustomed to stretching. And actually, it’s good for our health.

Here, Peter calls these believers, despite their trials they are facing… To love one another deeply from the heart. And he encourages them to do so, because agape, loving others… is not always something that comes naturally. It’s something that we have to stretch at, and work hard at.

Friends, I don’t know about you, but there are times in my life where it’s easy to love. When nothing’s breaking in or outside of the house. When Kim and I have a nice peaceful dinner. When the kids are smiling and not saying or doing anything that will look embarrassing. As an example, if you’ve never heard of ding dong ditch, Just ask my 6-year-old son to explain this concept of how he and his best friend on occasion will go to different houses in the neighborhood. Ding dong… and then ditch.

Church, in moments like this… Loving can be difficult. In times of frustration with ministry, it can be difficult to love… In times of tension at home with Kim… it can be difficult to love… and yet, this is exactly what we are called to as believers this morning. Church, how are we doing in this department?

I’m going to call Tom? Up front as we prepare to close.

And as he/she comes forward, I just want to encourage us with one last thought.

1 Peter 4:7-8 7 The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins

Friends, this morning, the end of all things is near. It’s nearer each day. And in this, we’re to be alert, and pray. But above all, we need to love others deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Can I ask you something. Is it possible this morning that there is tension between you and someone else? Is it possible that someone has offended you, maybe you’ve offended them… And the idea of moving past this issue, is like scaling the hoover dam?

Church, this morning, God’s in the business of restoration. Peter is addressing these Christians and like us, they can fall back into their old sinful ways. They can sin. And they’re tendency, if they’re not careful is to act in a manner that is not loving…. Friends, we need to love, we need to forgive.

Just want to talk to a few groups this morning.

1. Maybe you’re here in a season of life. Lingering season. Fiery trial. A persistent problem. Maybe it’s in your marriage, maybe with stress, anxiety, or any other thing. Can you go to God?

2. Maybe if you were honest, sin has crept in. Over time, you’ve became distant from God. God wants to restore you this morning and bring you back.

3. Maybe you’re here… and for you this morning, love has been a struggle… Need to forgive…

Pray