Sermon Tone Analysis

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.

!!! Conclusion