OUR GENUINE FAITH

I. REJOICING AND TRIALS

1 Peter 1:6 “In this you rejoice…”

1 Peter 1:6 (ESV) — 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,

2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV) — 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

John Piper in a Look at the Book session said this 'necessary' referred to God's ordaining suffering for us because He sees it as necessary to accomplish His work in us.

1 Peter 3:17 (ESV) — 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

1 Peter 4:19 (ESV) — 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

James 1:2 (ESV) — 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

II. WHY THE TRIALS?

1 Peter 1:6–7 (ESV) — 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.

Proverbs 17:3 (ESV) — 3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts.

Luke 18:8 (ESV) — 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Tested faith that proves genuine results in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.