Different – Faith In Trials

DIFFERENT – 1

DIFFERENT TYPES OF “FAITH” IN TRIALS

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as ‘aliens,’ scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.      1 Peter 1:1 NASB

As Christians, we are different – a different value system, a different calling, a different perspective, AND . . .

• Different Faith in Trials

God never promises the Christian smooth sailing:

“For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”     

Philippians 1:29 NASB

HOW DOES GOD USE TRIALS IN OUR LIFE?

TRIALS REVEAL OUR FAITH

In this (salvation ready to be revealed to you in the last time – v. 5b) you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the ‘proof’ of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

1 Peter 1:6-7 NASB

TRIALS DRAW US CLOSER TO GOD

And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.   1 Peter 1:8-9 NASB

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.    James 1:2-4 NASB

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, 4 perseverance, character, and character, hope.     Romans 5:3-4 NIV

TRIALS CAN BE FACED WITH CONFIDENCE BECAUSE OF OUR HOPE

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  

1 Peter 1:3-5 NASB

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.    Philippians 3:20-21 NASB

PRINCIPLE: Because our citizenship is in heaven, we live with an eternal perspective.