Developing Fire-Proof Faith I. Introduction A. Acts 14:21-22 1. Paul's message to the churches in Asia Minor: through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God 2. While the direct referent might very well be persecutions (imprisonment, beatings, etc.) that the Christians in that area had suffered, were suffering, and would suffer, it is interesting that the first person plural pronoun is used ("we") 3. Luke will not enter the discussion proper until Acts 16:10; we can conclude, then, that the use of the first person plural pronoun indicates that the message is relevant not just for those Christians in Asia Minor, but for all Christians 4. It is, then, through many tribulations that we must enter the Kingdom of God! B. Tribulations, then, are a necessary part of our walk with God 1. They are not pleasant, no doubt, but yet they are necessary so that we may have the testing of our faith 2. Tribulations are our test-- can our faith withstand the darts of the evil one? 3. Since we are to withstand these tribulations, it is good for us to explore them deeper 4. What are the tribulations that we go through? 5. How do we persevere through tribulation? 6. What is the result of our perseverance? C. Let us examine these matters from the Scriptures, using Peter in 1 Peter 1:3-9 as our guide II. 1 Peter 1:6b-c: The Reality of Trial A. We will return to vv. 3-5, and therefore understand the first part of v. 6 better ("in this you rejoice") as we look toward how to persevere through trial, but for now let us look at the reality of trials B. "Now for a little while" 1. As Peter begins to explain how Christians have to suffer through trial, he prefaces such by demonstrating their duration in the grand scheme of things 2. Whatever trials may come, they are only for "a little while" 3. "A little while" could be one month, one year, one decade, or many decades 4. Regardless of its actual duration, compared to eternity, it is for only a little while (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17) 5. Throughout all suffering, we must keep Hebrews 12:11 in mind, and recognize that the momentary suffering can lead to far better reward, both in our own faith on earth and the eternal reward of glory C. "You have been grieved by various trials" 1. Contextually, Peter is speaking to the Christians of Asia Minor a. they were most likely going through difficult times, involving beatings perhaps, imprisonment, perhaps even death b. these were on top of all the regular sufferings that Christians are called upon to endure 2. We in 21st century America are most likely not going to be called upon to suffer this level of persecution 3. This does not mean, however, that we are not going to be called upon to suffer! 4. What are the types of trials that we today suffer? a. mockery or derision of the faith ("cult", "antis", etc.) b. invitations to sin with friends (go out drinking, dancing, etc.) c. isolation/derision from/by friends d. for men particularly, falling to the societal view of men e. temptations to lust by immodest women f. challenges to faith from denominationalists, others g. and many more 5. These trials are a burden, and they are said to be grievous 6. They are not pleasant-- but they can be overcome! III. 1 Peter 3:5-6a: How to Persevere Through Trial A. We have seen that the New Testament reveals clearly that we will have to suffer through trial B. God, however, has not left us without any means by which we can persevere through them C. Let us explore the many ways through which we can persevere in trial D. As seen in 1 Peter 1:3-4, we can focus on the great promise awaiting us! 1. We can also see 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 to this end 2. When one is trying to walk toward a given location, what happens when one only looks down at the ground? Will he reach that place? Or does such a person keep his eyes fixed toward the place where he desires to go? 3. In bowling, do you score better when you look down at the lane or when you look toward the pins? 4. It is the same in spiritual terms-- if you focus only on the short-term, what is right in front of you, it is easy to lose heart 5. If, however, you remember to continue to look toward the goal of our salvation in Heaven, the trials will be easier to bear 6. This is made manifest in Peter's very deliberate and hopeful language-- "born again in a living hope" , "inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading" 7. These are strong words of promise, and are to be trusted! 8. Let us then keep a heavenward focus in life E. 1 Peter 1:5: "Who by God's power are being guarded" 1. In the midst of trial it can be easy to start trusting in your own strength and not in God 2. In reality, however, we only can persevere in trial through the almighty strength of God (Proverbs 3:5-7)! 3. Romans 8:31-39: an impressive reminder for us all that if God is for us, no one can be against us, and that we can be more than conquerors through Him 4. We must remember, then, that we will not succeed through our own strength, but gain the victory through God's strength and power, and be willing to rely on that power! F. 1 Peter 1:6a: "In this you rejoice" 1. Another essential means by which we persevere through trial is rejoicing in all that God has done for us 2. We are to rejoice in the salvation God has wrought and the eternal rewards awaiting us 3. Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-- we are called always to rejoice 4. Colossians 3:17-- we are always to be giving thanks to God 5. When we count the cost, constantly keeping in mind the great things that God has already done for us and the things which He has promised us, we will see clearly how whatever trials we might be suffering pale in comparison! 6. We will see that whatever trifle we are going through, God is more than able to help us conquer! 7. The value of such an attitude is even manifest in the world a. almost any competent training in sales will emphasize the positive mental attitude b. all kinds of survival stories are predicated upon the survivor's positive mental attitude c. those who think positively will be more likely to succeed in difficult circumstances d. those who suffer from bad attitudes and are often pessimistic are not as successful! 8. In the end, the Christian does not have enough reason to be lost in the dark waters of pessimism and cynicism-- God has triumphed too strongly for such to keep us down! G. Other ways to persevere through trial 1. Prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) 2. Assembling with the saints and being encouraged (Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Corinthians 14:26) 3. And there are many others! H. Let us then persevere through trial using these methods! IV. 1 Peter 1:7-9: The Result of Perseverance in Trial A. Having seen the reality of trial and how to persevere through trial, it is good for us to examine what the results are of our perseverance in trial B. 1 Peter 1:7a: The tested genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that perishes 1. There is an old adage, "what does not kill you makes you stronger" 2. Such is certainly true! 3. If an illness does not kill you, you more likely than not gain some immunity from that disease 4. The suffering of such things leads to a stronger person 5. This is just as true in spiritual terms! 6. James 1:2-4: the Christian is to in fact rejoice in trial because it does lead to one's faith being strengthened, leading to the perfection of the soul! 7. Peter describes this in terms of purification of metal a. a consistent metaphor in the Scriptures-- cf. Malachi 3:2-3 b. how does one get pure silver or gold? By fire! Fire separates the metals, and leaves you with pure gold! c. therefore, our faith must go through the fire of trial to shed the alloy and the dross from our faith, leaving only the genuine article! d. in the end, gold will perish just like every other physical thing (2 Peter 3:9-10); our faith, however, will last forever! C. 1 Peter 1:7b-9: Salvation 1. The ultimate result of our perseverance through trial is our salvation! 2. Such is the result of the praise, glory, and honor at the coming of Jesus! 3. Our trials, our belief, and our rejoicing leads to the obtaining of our salvation! 4. Let us keep such things in mind as we strive for the goal of the upward calling in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14) V. Conclusion A. We have seen the nature of trial through 1 Peter 1:3-9 B. We will have to suffer various trials C. We can persevere through those trials through focusing on the goal, rejoicing always, prayer, and other means D. The outcome of our perseverance is a stronger faith and salvation E. 1 Peter 1:13-- because of these things, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ! F. Let us follow Peter's advice and continue to persevere through our trials