PECULIAR 1 — A Special Kind of Faith
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; – 1 Peter 2:9
Based on the book of 1 Peter:
1. For those facing a trial.
Seems unfair. Wish you could change it. Don’t have answers. Trying can’t conceive, Financial obstacles and struggling to pay your bills
Battling cancer, Child is making unwise decisions—Feel helpless.
2. For those about to face a trial
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Context: Peter written by Simon Peter (Spoiler)
Peter is often described as an Uneducated Fisherman – he had a very sharp mind!
Peter writes to hurting Christians: Election, Foreknowledge, Sanctification, Obedience, Blood of Christ, Trinity, Grace, Revelation, Hope.
What’s most emotional in his writing—speaking to those suffering
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Not sure when 1 Peter written: Between 60-65 AD during reign of Nero—Christians faced extreme persecution.
July of 64 AD—fire in Rome burned out of control 6 days— another 3.
Believed Nero started fire insatiable lust build—Blamed Christians. (Senate)
Animal skins—Wax on trees!
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This is not your home! We are Peculiar to this earth.
This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.
1 Peter 1:1
parepidēmois—exiles, sojourners, aliens, strangers, foreigners, different and peculiar to the norm
Because you are not from here—You don’t live like those from here.
As followers of Jesus—we are not called to look like the rest of the world.
Different values, Different standards, Different goals.
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WEEK 1: Peculiar Faith in Trials
WEEK 2: Peculiar Values in an Unholy Culture
WEEK 3: Peculiar Calling in a Dark World
WEEK 4: Peculiar Perspective in Persecution
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PECULIAR FAITH IN TRIALS
Trials are bad! Why would God allow?
If you are in the middle of a difficult time—say—Faith is being tested
6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine.1 Peter 1:6-7
If there is a “genuine faith,” there’s also a false faith.
One of the biggest challenges I see in churches today: False faith. ——————————————————————————
FALSE (NORMAL) FAITH
Inherited faith: My Dad was a Methodist, mom a Baptist, baptized as a baby
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Shallow faith: Sower sows seed—Takes root—worries of life, deceitfulness wealth, desire things choke word.
Some of you won’t be engaged with things of faith in six months.
Busy with school—Student loans—Car payment—Partying—Pot.
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Conditional faith: I will believe as long as things go my way.
Guy gym—Wife left me, struggling financially—how can I believe God?
Trial is testing my faith!
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HOW DOES GOD USE YOUR TRIALS?
1. TRIALS REVEAL YOUR FAITH.
7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine.1 Peter 1:7
A faith that has been tested is a faith that can be trusted.
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”Luke 22:31-32
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Early years—Obnoxious: Impulsive, Cocky, Very inconsistent Later years—Faithful, Devoted, Patient—Bold.
Denied Christ 3x—Young girl
Willing to die death as a martyr.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
Wrecked with pain—There is purpose in your pain!
God never causes a hurt But God never wastes a hurt!——————————————————————————
2. TRIALS DRAW YOU CLOSERTO GOD.
8 You love [God] even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with aglorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9 NLT
The good news isn’t that God saves us from our trials. The good news is that God saves us from our sins!
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As you grow to depend on God
You rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.
Peter—Rock!
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Blame God (inherited, shallow faith) Turn from God to own ways (conditional faith)
We are willing to face the trial with God We dont look for God in the trial.