1 Pe 1(3-9)
Subject: Strengthening Faith
Text: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Proposition: We suffer through trials for the salvation of our souls.
Introduction
{Illustration} Pottery. Workable until fired, then fixed for all time; colors only come out in the fire.
This is the way it is with our life, as well. Trials come to us; how we respond to them is a reflection of who we are. As Christians, our faith – a gift from God – protects and sustains us; our hope keeps us persevering through the trials; and our love flourishes as we come to understand the trials are a blessing from God to ‘fire’ our souls. We come to realize: We suffer through trials for the salvation of our souls.
Body
Faith – Keeps us focused on the Father, the source of our power;
God is the provider, Creator, who provides us an inheritance …
… Verse 5 describes God’s power shielding us …
God, all-knowing God, protects us … from life, from the world, and ourself!
When we enter the fires of trials, how do we know we’re be ok? … Faith!
This isn’t anything we do – it’s acting with the assurance God is protecting us.
Hope – Christ is our living hope, which sustains us through our trials;
The fires of our trials are hot … although protected by God – through faith – we still suffer. With our gaze turned towards God by faith – we see Jesus Christ … our living hope. Jesus lives! Jesus is resurrected … our living hope (vs. 3).
Love – We love the Holy Spirit we do not see, and are filled with joy.
We have not – cannot in this lifetime – see God … and yet we still love God. How? God, the Creator, created us with a need – a need for a divine comforter. God, in His graciousness provided His Son to confirm our need, and present His gift – the Holy Spirit.
How do we know we have the Holy Spirit living within us? We are filled with joy. Not an earthly joy – but an “inexpressible” joy …a “glorious” joy.
