The Aim of this devotional study is to grow in understanding and appreciation of Biblical Faith, and to gain greater eternal perspective of our faith and suffering.
Scripture
1 Peter 1:3-9
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 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, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith–the salvation of your souls.
Observations
- These verses are loaded with descriptive terms. In two short sentences give the summary of this text.
- Write the characteristics of the hope we are born into as Peter describes it here – and what does it mean? In short, what is this hope?
- Write the characteristics of our faith as Peter describes it here, and what does it mean.
- What is the relation between hope and faith here?
- What is the relation between suffering and faith here?
- What is meant by the phrase “that the genuineness of your faith… through tested by fire”?
- What is meant by the phrase “receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.”
Application
- It frequently happens that people who suffer (while being righteous) gets shaken in their faith, or disillusioned in their hope. Recall the last time you went through a hard patch – what did that do for your faith or hope?
- How would Peter’s text here (written to a suffering, persecuted church) be meaningful for people undergoing suffering today? Send a message similar to Peter’s encouragement to someone you know who needs encouragement.
- How does the hope that Peter writes to you make you feel? How do you relate to it? Do you long for it? Why / why not?
Prayer
In prayer mediate and talk to God about the “living hope” and “salvation ready to be revealed in the last day”. Also talk to God about the “testing” and “genuineness of your faith”.
And then pray for someone who is going through a tough time along these lines as well.
Shofar Durbanville Bible Studies 