The Path of PerseveranceSample

First Peter is a letter that was penned by the apostle Peter to the body of believers scattered throughout the Roman Empire. These early Christians were facing tough times, including being rejected from their communities, financial hardship due to the government confiscating their property, and even physical harm. These early believers were “scattered” and many were homeless due to their faith in Christ.

Peters's letter offered them hope. His writings were a reminder that their various trials were momentary, and his encouragement was to focus on things eternal and to rest their hope fully on the revelation of Jesus! This hope built their faith and gave them strength to have endurance in what seemed like their darkest day.

In chapter one, Peter's words ignite that flame of hope in the heart of the reader. He reminds them that they are precious to God, chosen and cherished! Like gold refined in the fire, their faith is being purified. Yet, they would find in the midst of it that their tested faith would prove to be far more precious than silver, gold, or rubies. Although trouble was near, a heavenly inheritance awaited, an ‘incorruptible’ treasure that will never fade.

Just as a pearl is formed by enduring the grit and grain of sand within an oyster shell, so too does faith form by the grit and grain of trial and hardship.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 1:6-7

1. What are the fiery trials I am facing in my life right now, and how can I see them as opportunities for my faith to be refined and purified, revealing the beauty of Christ within me?
2. What are earthly treasures in my life that I am holding onto too tightly, and how can I let go of them to live, trusting that God has a greater inheritance for me?
3. What does it mean to be born again of an “incorruptible seed” (v. 23), and how does this impact my identity?