In the midst of all that is going on in our world—wild weather, family “stuff”, changes all around us, whatever else you face this week—we hold on to hope.
Peter reminded his readers that their trials (vs. 6)
“have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7).
- True faith stands through the testing.
- The closest translation for “proven genuineness” is found in James 1:3, “the testing of your faith.”
- Our faith is worth more than gold.
- We don’t usually think of gold as something that perishes, which is why it is valuable.
- Imagine how much more valuable our faith is to God!
- Genuine faith has a particular purpose, to praise, glorify, and honor Jesus Christ.
*How has your faith been strengthened and proven true through trials?
*Why is our faith so valuable to God?
Don’t you love it when God’s Word is cohesive and supports itself? This week I’ve been writing a bible study lesson based on Colossians about our hope in Christ. Those verses define the inheritance Peter mentioned:
“In His mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4). 
The treasure we have already received is the revelation of the mystery of how God will bring His people back to Himself.
*How is God drawing us to Himself a treasure for us?
“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
- Our hope—faith—is in the truth that we can invite Christ into our heart to live with us.
- Our hope is in the future glory of heaven and eternal life with God.
- Our hope is that Christ living in us will stand with us through any trials we face.
*What does hope in the future glory of heaven mean to you?
*How has Christ stood with you through times of trial and testing?
Our faith will praise, glorify, and honor Jesus Christ now and when He comes again.
Through Christ we have access to God’s wisdom, which is much greater than man’s.
The riches we have in Christ include understanding of God and His Word as we walk with Him.
*How does our faith glorify and honor Jesus?
*How is an understanding of God’s Word and knowing Him a treasure?