April 8, 2018

Encouragement for Discouraged Believers

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Living God's Way Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1–12

Living God’s Way:

Encouragement for Discouraged Believers:

1 Peter 1:1-12: 

What we focus on in life goes a long way to determining our experience of life

Introduction to 1 Peter:

By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.” (1 Peter 5:12)

What To Remember When Discouraged

  1. God has Chosen me to be a part of His family

On what basis did God choose me?  His Great Mercy (3)                                                    

If I belong to Christ Jesus, I have been (2):

  • Chosen by the Father
  • Purchased by the Son
  • Set Apart by the Spirit
  1. God is Working in my life

God’s Spirit does two things (2):

  • Cleanses you
  • Changes you

Two benefits of having God work in our lives (2):

  • We are richly Blessed (grace)
  • We will have increasing Freedom from anxiety and fear (peace)

What about my current problems?

God is Testing and Refining my faith (6-7)                                                                            

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16–18)

A faith that can’t be tested can’t be trusted!

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” (Job 23:10)

  1. God has Secured my future (4-5)
  • Imperishable - untouched by death
  • Undefiled - without defect or flaw; untouched by evil
  • Unfading - not touched by time
  • Kept - guarded, placed in safe keeping
  • Guarded - Divine protection; military term speaks of patrol, guarding; a continuous action

What is the result of focusing on these 3 facts? Joy (6,8)

When Discouragement Creeps In Remember (9):

  • God has chosen me to be a part of His family: Justification
  • God is still working in my life: Sanctification
  • God has secured my future: Glorification
  1. God has Revealed His truth to me (10-12)

This Salvation:

  • The OT prophets saw it from Afar
  • The angels Marvel at it
  • People Proclaim It in the power of the Holy Spirit
  • Believers today can Experience It personally

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

What we focus on in life goes a long way to determining our experience of life

Making It Personal

  • When discouragement comes, what do I tend to focus on?
  • Which of these truths that Peter wrote about are most meaningful to me right now? Why?
  • How am I focusing on and responding to these truths day by day?
  • Have I personally experienced the salvation that is found only in Jesus Christ?
  • Who can I share these truths with?

other sermons in this series

Jul 15

2018

Know Your Enemy

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8–14 Series: Living God's Way

Jul 8

2018

Improving Your Impact

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1–7 Series: Living God's Way

Jul 1

2018

Living God's Way in the Midst of Suffering

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12–19 Series: Living God's Way