03-30-2025 Treasures, Trials, and Teachings

Text: I Peter 1:1-9

                   Did you know that Christians are different from those who have not accepted Jesus?  This morning, we’re going to explore just what is it that makes us so different.  When we accept Him, we come to understand that we have a new reason for living in this world even though it’s not going to be easy.  Also, we have discovered answers for life’s difficulties that set us apart from non-Christians.  Let’s look closer at why Christian can have this point of view regarding life that is so different from those who have not chosen Christ. 

                   Our text this morning is from I Peter 1:1-9 where he wrote:  “ (1) Peter, an Apostle s Christ to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.  (2) Elect [meaning those who have chosen to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and allow the Holy Spirit to guide their lives] according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:  grace unto you, and peace be multiplied.  (3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  (4) to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away reserved in Heaven for you,   (5) who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  (6) Wherein you greatly rejoice, though  now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  (7) that the rail of your faith being much  more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  (8) Whom having not seen, you love; in Whom, though now you see Him not, yet believing you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory (9) receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”  Peter was writing to the Jews who were scattered throughout the Roman Empire and to  the Gentiles as well.  Even today his message include us.  He is telling us that Christians are different, and one reason is that the things we treasure the most are eternal and not temporary like the things of this world are. 

                   In verses 1-5 we see that nothing takes God by surprise.  God knew from the beginning about everyone who would choose to become a Christian.  Christians have been in His plan from the start.  This allows them to know they have been set apart by the Holy Spirit and that they have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus.  They are recipients of the grace of God which gives them peace even when the world around them is in chaos.  Because of the resurrection of Jesus, every Christian has the promise of an eternal inheritance waiting for them in Heaven.  They are kept by God’s power and will be with Him forever. 

                   As Christians, we are told in verse 6 that even with all that is waiting for us in eternity, Christians will not be immune to trouble in this life on earth.  But we are promised that it won’t last.  This is because discouragement, trials, and trouble are only “for a season,” meaning it’s temporary.  We can take comfort that our position with Christ in His kingdom is permanent and everlasting  This is why the Apostle Paul could rejoice in times of trouble.  He praised and gave thanks to the Lord while he was in a Philippian jail as told in Acts 16:25-32 and was persecuted throughout his ministry for teaching about Jesus.

                   Verses 7-9 of our text tell us that our trials will always be filled with the purposes of God.  As believers we’re living in the circle of God’s love and because of that, nothing that comes our way happens without His knowledge.  Paul reminds us in Romas 8:28 that all things work together for our good.  He goes on to remind us in verse 29 that every experience is designed to make us more like Jesus.  Trouble and trials test our faith to prove that it’s real.  We can be assured that like Job of the Old Testament, we will come out of the fire like gold.  Temporary trails and trouble will result in triumphant eternal praise for our Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ.  And when we finally meet Him face to face, all of the problems that we experienced in life here on earth will seem small, if we remember them at all.

                   Peter mentions trials and suffering several times in this letter.  He tells us that all believers face trials when they let their light shine into the darkness of this world.  We can expect and also accept that trials are a part of the refining process that burn away our impurities in order to prepare us to meet Jesus.  Remember, when gold is heated, impurities float to the top and can be skimmed off.  In the same manner, our trials, struggles, and persecutions refine us by burning away our sinful impurities; making our faith purer and stronger so that we can be more useful to God.  Instead of asking, Why me?, we should react to suffering with a new set of responses.  First, we should be confident that God knows, plans, and directs our lives for our good and His glory.  God always provides His love and strength to us and leads us toward a better future.  Second, we should react with a determination that we will get through it when we face grief, anger, sorrow, and pain.  Yes, we express our grief, anger, and sorrow but we don’t give in to bitterness and despair.  Finally, we should be courageous because with Jesus as our Savior, we don’t have to be afraid.  He, the one who suffered for us, will never abandon us.  Jesus carries us through everything that we experience, including the good, the bad, and the ugly.

                   Peter is showing us that we do have joy and hope in times of trouble, and he bases his confidence on what God has done for us through Christ Jesus.  Our promise of eternal life is given to us the moment we choose to trust Christ and join God‘s family.  God will help us remain in our faith through whatever difficult times we must face.  No matter what trials or persecution we may face, our soul cannot be harmed if we have accepted Christ’s gift of salvation.  We will be protected by His power and receive the rewards promised to us in God’s Word.

                   If you haven’t taken that step of asking Jesus into your life and allowing Him to be your Savior and friend, please don’t wait any longer.  We are living in the last days, and every troubled sinner can come to Christ and receive eternal life.  And troubled believers can find comfort in the promises given to us by God.  He has never failed to come through with the promises that He has made in the past and because our God is a God that never changes, we can count on Him to always be true to His Word.  All we need to do is trust Him and let Him work in our lives through the Holy Spirit.  Don’t be afraid to be difference by being confident, determined, and courageous in living your faith because the rewards are beyond what our human finite mind can ever imagine.

                    Until we meet again, may God bless and keep you, may He shine His light on you, show you grace, and give you peace in all the days ahead.