Chosen By God Series
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
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Main Idea:
Knowing we belong securely to God is why we can rejoice through the various trials
of life.
Why Rejoice?
Rejoice because of God’s gracious salvation.
Rejoice because trials have an expiration date.
Rejoice because trails have a glorious purpose.
Rejoice in the genuineness of your faith.
Rejoice in the outcome of your faith.
Questions:
1. Where is your joy? Where are you tempted to place it other than in the gospel? What impact does it have on your life when you seek joy in something more than you seek it in your salvation?
2. How have past (or present) trials shown you the genuineness of your faith? How might that change the way you think about those times of hardship?
3. “We can smile as we cry.” How do you need this to comfort you right now—or is there
someone else you can help to smile in their tears.