Text: 1 Peter 1:6-7
There are many investments that one can make (stocks, real estate, collectibles, cryptocurrency, etc.). All of these have to do with financial growth and security in this life. Yet there are certain investments we are to make that are spiritual in nature, and these are most important. In this series, we are going to discuss some of these investments we are to make. In this sixth lesson, we are going to talk about the value of a proven faith.
The Bible Definition of Faith
- Faith is fundamentally important, yet many misunderstand what the Bible means by faith – it is more than just a belief in the existence of God (James 2:19)
- The Hebrew writer helped define faith for us (Hebrews 11:1, 6) – it pertains to things we hope for; it is about things “not seen,” it is based upon evidence, it involves belief in the existence and power of God, it includes the understanding that we must seek God
- The source of faith is the word of God (Romans 10:17) – not some direct operation of the Spirit
There Will Be Trials in Life
- Peter said they had been “distressed by various trials” (1 Peter 1:6) – everyone faces trouble (Job 14:1), yet Peter was referring particularly to the suffering we face as Christians (cf. 1 Peter 4:12-16)
- If we follow Christ and hope for heaven, we must be willing to face these trials (2 Timothy 3:12) – “through many tribulations” we enter the eternal kingdom (Acts 14:22); this is the ultimate goal
Our Faith Must Be Proven
- Faith is essential (Hebrews 11:6) – but it needs to be strong enough to sustain us through trials; we must be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10), not give up when things get difficult
- When Jesus told the parable of the sower, He spoke of the rocky soil (Luke 8:6) – these are the ones with an unproven faith that will not endure under trial (Luke 8:13); the “honest and good heart” is the one that will “bear fruit with perseverance” (Luke 8:15)
- Our faith must be proven through “various trials” (1 Peter 1:6-7) – we must suffer as Christ did (1 Peter 4:1); we must take up our cross (Luke 9:23), and be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)
The Result of a Proven Faith
- It produces endurance, which leads us to be perfect and complete (James 1:2-4; cf. 1 Peter 5:10)
- It enables us to obtain the reward of the kingdom (Matthew 5:10)
- It leads to us receiving the crown of life (Revelation 2:10)
- It results in praise, glory, and honor when the Lord returns (1 Peter 1:7)
Conclusion
- We are saved by faith, but not by “faith alone” (James 2:24) – faith is demonstrated by works
- As we put our faith into practice, even in difficult times, we prove our faith – this will lead to our reward
