A Faith That Loves God!

1 Peter 1:6–9 NKJV

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Intro

Author: Peter

Reason: Persecution on account of their faith. The local populace applied social pressure on the Christians on account of their beliefs and refusal to conform to their way of life.

Time and Place: Pontus, Galatia, Capadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.

A.D. 63-65

Some say Babylon is another name for Rome but the place is inconsequential as the matter is settled 1 Peter 5:9. People were suffering the same persecutions everywhere.

Purpose: Peter in our passage wants the people to understand the connection between suffering and salvation.

Thesis: Peter wanted the suffering Christians to understand that the suffering they were receiving was temporary to test their faith but their salvation is eternal which is the result of an enduring faith.

The Devil Proclaims Our Failure While God Proclaims Our Faith

Psalm 66:10 NKJV

For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined.

1 Peter 1:4–5 NKJV

to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

A Faith That Loves God Must Understand Trials are Temporary

1 Peter 1:6 NKJV

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

The Pressure From Society Will Greatly Increase and Should be Expected

1 Peter 4:12 NKJV

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

1 Peter 4:13 NKJV

but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

A Faith That Loves God Must Must Be Genuine

1 Peter 1:7 NKJV

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

Trials are allowed by God

Job 23:10 NKJV

But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

Hebrews 2:10–11 NKJV

For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Genesis 50:20 NKJV

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Illustration: The Price of Gold and Fire Burns Away The Impurities of Gold.

Illustration: Fire burns away the impurities of Gold and reveals the pure precious God.

Application: Trials and suffering burns away our trusts in ourselves and builds our trusts in God.

Trials and suffering burns away the impurities of pride and self-reliance and leaves the result of humility and and reliance on God!

People are too dependent on the government.

People are too dependent on money

People are too dependent on material things which make them less dependent on God.

Online Worship made people less dependent on God.

A Faith That Loves God Must Must Be Built on What We Have Not Seen

1 Peter 1:8 NKJV

whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

Faith Walks By Faith

2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Faith Believes Without Seeing

John 20:26 NKJV

And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”

John 20:27 NKJV

Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”

John 20:28 NKJV

And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

John 20:29 NKJV

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

A Faith That Loves God Must is Culminated in the Saving of Our Souls

1 Peter 1:9 NKJV

receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Salvation is present!

Conclusion