Big Idea - S - The book of 1 Peter ends where it began with a call to stand firm in our faith in the midst of suffering. In 1:7 Peter begins by saying that faith is more precious than gold. Faith is the greatest resource we can ever possess. We think riches and wealth will protect us and give us what we want and need, but Peter reminds us that these things fail and perish. The only thing that can really protect us and give us what we need is faith, that is our faith in the eternal God who alone can protect us and give us what we need. In his final words, Peter comes back to the same themes of suffering and faith. In order for our faith to be strong and to be adequate, it must be put to the test. It is put to the test through times of suffering. But, anything that can be tested can also fail. Peter gives us some final words of wisdom to make sure our faith stands strong in the midst of the testing. So, how can we make sure our faith passes the test in times of suffering and hardship?
Humility is the attitude of the heart that makes faith possible. Pride wants to make us God, or at the very least convinces us that no one knows what we need or can take care of 'me' better than 'me.' Humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God is admitting we don't know what is best and that we do not have the power or ability to take care of ourselves. Only the humble person will ask for help, and we desperately need God's help Faith has no power in itself. The power of faith lies in the object or content of our faith. We put our faith in God because He is more than able to take care of us.
But faith has no power in itself. Humble faith understands that we are helpless to do anything, but faith is a strong confidence in what God can do. The power of faith lies in the object or content of our faith. God is the object of our faith and Peter gives us three essential truths about God that form the basis or content of our faith. First, we must know that God is mighty. That is, He is more than able to rescue us, care for us, and keep us safe. Second, we must also believe that He actually wants to help us. That He actually cares for us and has a heart to help us. Thirdly, we must believe that, even though we don't deserve such help, and no matter how much we may feel unworthy of His kindness, He is a God of all grace! Grace is at the very core of who God is. He shows us kindness, not based on anything we have done to deserve it, but on who He is - a God of infinite and unfailing love. We stand up to the Devil firm in our faith by holding on to these three vital truths that form the core of our faith. While grace is a free gift, Peter reminds us that there are two important things we must do to tap into God's grace. The first is to humble ourselves, the second is to have faith in God's power and goodness. So, the beginning of faith is humility, and the condition of grace is humility. Faith is an unshakeable confidence in what God can do and will do for us according to His grace. Suffering is putting faith to the test - when things go bad, do we turn to self to keep us safe and give us what we need? Or, do we trust in God and hold firmly to His power and His grace? Turning to self is actually being devoured by the Devil. Turning to God is overcoming every enemy. And in the end, we will share in His glory!
