The Test of Your Faith

What is God doing when he tests our faith? Why is it necessary that our faith be tested? What are some of the ways he tests our faith? How are we to respond in times of testing? I recently had the privilege of preaching a sermon called, The Test of Your Faith at Bethel Grace Baptist Church. In it we covered 1 Peter 1:3-9 where we looked deeply at all these questions. This was one of those sermons were it seemed like the Holy Spirit took over as I preached. I pray it will both challenge and encourage you. The video versions is available on YouTube.

The audio version is also available on Spotify

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In 1 Peter, the letter’s audience was a group of people who had to flee for their lives from Jerusalem because the persecution they were facing for following Jesus was so intense. They had lost jobs, homes, and even some of their closest family members had disowned them. In writing this letter, Peter reminds them of the hope and joy they have in Jesus, and even though they had lost earthly possessions and relationships, they still possess something better. What they were facing was a test of faith, which God was working to his praise and glory and their joy.

SERMON OUTLINE

The Faith (1 Peter 1:3-5)

The Test (1 Peter 1:6)

The Result (1 Peter 1:7-9)    

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS     

• Was there anything particular in this passage or sermon that ministered to you?

• Has there ever been a time when you felt your faith was being tested? What was it like, and what kind of pressures were you feeling at the time?

• In 1 Peter 1:3, Peter tells us we have been born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead? What are some of the implications of that truth?

• In 1 Peter 1:6, it says, “if necessary,” you have been grieved by various trials. What are the theological implications we can draw from those words?

• In 1 Peter 1:6, why do you think Peter thought it was important to add the word “grieved” instead of just saying, you will face various trials? How does it encourage you that he included that word?

• The testing of gold often does two things, it reveals the quality of the metal and improves its preciousness. How is a test of faith similar?

• Read 1 Peter 5:6-11. How does this passage encourage you to live differently in the future?