The Scarcity of Salvation

The scarcity of salvation. Have you wondered why there seems to be a whole lot of of unsaved people. Today more than ever it seems the ungodly have become embolden? Look what what happen in El Paso yesterday. Hate is so prevalent. Whether its coming out of Washington or just hate filled people’s rhetoric.

I have news for you its going to get worse. Why because there is a scarcity of salvation. I would like to warm everyone and say all will be saved but that’s not the case. I shared last week that the road to salvation is narrow.

Its in this letter that Peter speaks to the Christian about suffering Christ sake is an honor. 12Dear friends, do not be surprised by the fiery ordeal among you that is taking place to test you, as [if this were] something strange happening to you. 13Rather, to whatever extent you share the sufferings of Christ, rejoice, so that also when his glory is revealed you will exuberantly rejoice. 14If you are vilified because of the name of Christ, [you are] blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.❐ 

Its similar to what Paul told Timothy about his own sufferings 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. English Standard Version. (2016). ().

Jobes, K. H. (2005). 1 Peter (p. 285). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

Song writer said I've learned how to live holy I've learned how to live right I've learned how to suffer, for if i suffer I'll gain eternal, eternal life So we must learned how to suffer.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Why would it be necessary to discuss suffering before making the bold statement 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” English Standard Version. (2016). (). There must be some benefit in suffering and must be some benefit in reminding us of our position as righteous people. Righteous people have issues, problems, suffering and a whole lot more. We will have folks talk about us, scandalize our name. We will experience hurt and pain. We will have let downs and disappointments. No there is two types of suffering we need to be aware of.

One that brings Gods glory because we suffer because our walk with Christ. That’s good because the Bible says, if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,

English Standard Version. (2016). ().

We are cautioned not to take pride for suffering as a murderer, thief, evildoer or meddler. Now I can go more into that if you like but I think we get the picture. Its no need of trying to get a pity party going if you brought it on yourself. Look at them 4 categories Murderer, Thief, EVILDOER, Meddler. King James version uses the word busy body. English Standard Version. (2016). ().

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

So if we are to be a part of the narrowly saved we first must learn how to

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.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). ().  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.

Don’t be surprised by your suffering

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Notice Peter said Don’t be surprised at fiery trials when it comes upon you! Not if but when!

James said, Count it all joy, my brothers, when fall into divers temptations which is saying when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Say WHEN..... Keep in mind some of our WHEN is more frequent than others. Yet everyone has a WHEN coming

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

The psalmist said, Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

said, Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

Rejoice in our suffering.

Rejoice in our suffering.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Verse 13 says, But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. ().   This is very similar to what Peter wrote in chapter 1. 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. (). Now suffering is not easy but the approach of the saint is different from the world. We count it all joy when we far into divers temptation. We cant let what we are facing consume us. We must know that the God we serve is well able. As a matter of fact when we suffer for Christ sake, we are actually blessed! Its this simple the Spirit of Glory. We have to see the benefit of suffering. What does it produce in us. I tell you want has done for me. It has increased my tenacity, my self awareness. There are some things i could imagine coming through until I came through it. It has shored up my faith. If we are to walk by faith and not by sight suffering will do that. Because many times we do not know whats on the other side of the cancer diagnosis, or that relationship failure, or that income shortage. The only thing we know is that the Lord is with us. And since the Lord is with us we can go through. We must know that the God we serve said he will never leave us or forsake us.

English Standard Version. (2016). ().

Don’t be Ashamed of our Suffering

16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. ().

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

The Roman writer said, 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Look when suffering comes what ever it is there is nothing to be ashamed of. Some folks try to act like super saints. Suffer is silence because they feel someone will judge their suffering. Well first of all its no one business. Your suffering is not an indication you did something wrong or you are being punished for something. I told you not to be surprised by the fiery trial when it comes upon you. I told you it was when.

say all this to its our response to life suffering that will give a good indication of who we are and whos we are.

17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.