The Testing of our Faith

Terry Ellis

1 Peter • Sermon • Submitted 10 months ago • Presented 10 months ago

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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.

James 1:2–3 NKJV

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

The testing of our faith produces:

I. A rejoicing saint

Philippians 4:4 ESV

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

A. Trials are temporal

1 Peter 5:10 ESV

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

An evangelist told the following story in one of his campaigns. He said, “I have a friend who during the depression lost a job, a fortune, a wife, and a home, but tenaciously held to his faith – the only thing he had left. One day he stopped to watch some men building a stone church. One of them was chiseling a triangular piece of rock. ‘What are you going to do with that?’ asked my friend. The workman said, ‘Do you see that little opening way up there near the spire? Well, I’m shaping this down here so that it will fit in up there.’ Tears filled the eyes of the heartbroken man as he walked away. It seemed that God had spoken through the workman to explain the ordeal through which he was passing.”

B. They are necessary

1 & 2 Peter and Jude The Hope of Eternal Life / 1:3–12

WHY ME?

The problem has vexed philosophers since they first asked questions: Why does an all-powerful, good God permit suffering? To which most people add: “And if someone has to suffer, why me?” Instead of answering these questions on the philosophical level, Christians face suffering by adopting a new set of responses:

• Confidence that God knows, plans, and directs our lives for the good. It’s hard to calculate sometimes, but God always provides his love and strength for us. God leads us toward a better future.

• Perseverance when facing grief, anger, sorrow, and pain. Christians believe in expressing grief, but we should never give in to bitterness and despair.

• Courage because with Jesus as Brother and Savior, we need not be afraid. He who suffered for us will not abandon us. Jesus carries us through everything.

Instead of asking, “Why me?” respond to your trials with confidence, perseverance, and courage.

2 Timothy 3:12 ESV

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

The word necessary is a conditional frame

II. A loving saint

i John 4:7-8

John 4:7–8 NKJV

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.

Th eWord used here is the same word that is used in 1 John

It is a reciprocation of the love that God has for us.

A. Praise

B. Honor

C. Glory

Noun- meaning great beauty. Our faith should display the beauty of God.

verse 7

III. A believing saint

Are your trials making you bitter or better.

John 16:33 ESV

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.”

A. Joy

B. Glory

Verb-To boast

verse 8

C. Salvation

IV. A perfected saint

Romans 5:3–4 NKJV

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Job 23:10 ESV

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.

A. Endurance

B. Character

C. Hope

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