1 Peter 1 :3-12

What an incredible week of weather. The church was closed most of the week. Schools were closed most of the week. What was your reaction to the week?

Prior to that, we received the results of the elections. I think regardless of the side, there was some good and some bad. Our country needs continued prayer. It needs the church to act as a reflection of Christ who stand ready to defend the hope that is within us. Our country needs believers who will speak truth in love. As a part of that group of believers, that is the goal when we study the word here. To assist each other to better reflect Christ to the world around us. With that lets turn to the Scripture.

Last week we began our discussion in 1st Peter. The initial discussion was over Peter’s description of Salvation. Lets start by reading verses 3-9 again and the continue the discussion.

1 Peter 1:3–9 ESV

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

We made it through verse 5 last week. However, Is there anything from that part of the discussion or something new that stood out in verses 3-5 there?

In verse 6 and 7, Peter points to rejoicing in our salvation and being grieved by trials. In doing this, he also points that our faith is more precious than gold. He also points out that this faith results in praise, glory and honor as it reveals Jesus. What is Peter pointing out about our trials?

What happens when our faith is tested?

How is it proven to be genuine?

What is the value in our faith being proven genuine?

In verse 8 it says that we don’t see Him, but love Him and believe in him and rejoice with a joy that can’t be described.

What is it that gives you the confidence to maintain faith in Christ even as the world is full of trials of that faith?

1 Peter 1:10–12 ESV

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

Concerning the prophets:

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible Chapter 1

They were already certain of the redemption being about to come. They did not like us fully see, but they desired to see the one and the same Christ whom we fully see in spirit.

What does it say about Salvation that the prophets had such a key role in introducing a Gospel that they could not see in their lifetimes?

Psalm 33:11 ESV

11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.

When considering the prophets, what does that say about how God utilizes humans?

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

2 Peter 3:9 ESV

9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Considering the prophets and how God used them, when we look at these verses, what is the purpose of the church?

As you leave this week, Consider what plan God has in store for you that impacts believers of tomorrow?