May Our Faith Have Proven Genuine

May Our Faith Have Proven Genuine
(1 Peter 1:3-9)
Rev. Mark Kosko

 I. Praise to God for his great Mercy!
It’s an unbearable relief to be spared God’s wrath we deserve
Deut 9:5- God’s favor not because of righteousness or integrity
Titus 3:4-5 God saved us because of his mercy, not because of righteous things we had done
 

 II. A new birth and inheritance greater than gold (v. 4)
Christ died for us, we are heirs of his mercy and faith in this life
What are we passing down to our children and next generation?
Responsibility as a parent, Christian faith is not hereditary

 III. In this life we are shielded through faith in God’s power (vv.5-9)
We rejoice despite grief we suffer as Christians
Our faith will prove genuine as a result of enduring suffering
Hebrews 11:1 Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see

 IV. Reflection:
When you suffer crisis does it cause a crisis of faith in you? In your darkest hour do you run from God or to Him? Do the inevitable hardships in life cause you to deny the goodness and mercy of God? Or do you consider whether the crisis was intended to refine your faith and you emerge from grief with a more mature and genuine perspective?