The Genuine Faith

SERMON # 1117-CHURCH IN THE HOUSES DATE: AUGUST 5, 2020

TOPIC: "The Genuine Faith" 1 Peter 1:6-7 Our salvation is such an extraordinary good that it well deserves that in order to take care of it and maintain it, we need to endure the trials of life. Because, after all, WHAT THE TESTS DO IS TO REFINE THE CARATS OF OUR FAITH, whose great value is shown when we endure it all!

I. We do it knowing in our being the bliss, the happiness that awaits us!

A. The Word says that we should rejoice in the midst of various trials.

1. These brothers from the beginning were suffering persecution because of their testimony for Christ.

2. Peter tells them about one of the delicious paradoxes (which is a saying or fact that seems contrary to logic) of Christianity: JOY IN THE MIDST OF PAIN!

3. Believers can rejoice in considering that there is an inheritance saved for those people who are saved!

4. Joy can be found in knowing that the various tests are for a limited time!

5. While the glory WILL BE FOREVER! (2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all...")

6. J. H. Jorsutt wrote referring to earthly things: "As for me, I never expected to find a spring in a

desert as unpromising as this land."

7. Nothing takes away the pain, but we know that at some point it will go away from you.

8. (Vs. 7) The tests to which we are subjected in this life are of great benefit, since they measure the carats of our faith, purify and polish it.

9. There is an additional consolation for the suffering saints, KNOWING THAT THEIR SUFFERINGS ARE NOT WITHOUT PURPOSE, NOR WITHOUT FRUIT!

10. One of the many purposes of the afflictions for a child of God is that it tests THE GENUINITY OF HIS FAITH.

11. The tests show how genuine faith is in your life!

12. Peter compares our faith to gold.

13. Of all the stable and uniform substances known to man, gold is one of the most imperishable.

14. It can be subjected to intense heat and may appear indestructible.

15. But, despite seeming indestructible, gold can be finished in many ways.

16. However, TRUE FAITH IS INDESTRUCTIBLE!

17. The believer can suffer severe trials and afflictions, but instead of destroying the faith it becomes food for it.

18. Job endured more severe pain and loss in one day than any man in the history of the world. But we see that he said: “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him…” (Job 13:15)

19. THE TRIAL OF FAITH CAN TAKE PLACE ONLY THROUGH FIRE!

20. When the prevailing conditions are favorable, it could be easy to be a Christian. But when persecution and suffering come, then superficial followers turn away and get lost in the crowd!

21. THE FAITH THAT REFUSES TO PAY THE PRICE IS FALSE!

22. Genuine faith will result in praise, glory and honor, when the revelation of Jesus Christ takes place!

23. This simply means that God will give a reward for every example of faith that the believer has given by standing the test.

24. He will give praise to those who are joyful although surrounded by sorrow!

25. He will award (reward) with glory and honor the tested and suffering believers who have been able to accept their tribulations as a vote of confidence in Him.

26. This public display of these awards will undoubtedly take place in the Second Coming of Christ here on earth.

27. 27. When Jesus Christ returns to earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords, even if the unbelievers persecute or reject you here and now, God will honor His promises when considering that you were a winner in the trials and kept the faith.

28. Then, he will also give us the rewards in heaven at the Judgment Seat of Christ after the Rapture. How many and wonderful promises of God for those who honor him with faith! Amen.