PREPARED FOR ACTION A Study from 1 Peter JoLynn Gower 352-2458 493-6151 jgower@guardingthetruth.org

A TIME FOR REJOICING 1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials… What causes rejoicing? Protection by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Why are there trials? 1. refusal to worship emperor 2. refuse to worship at pagan temples 3. didn’t support Roman ideals 4. exposed and rejected pagan immorality

NATURE OF THE TRIALS These trials weren’t natural disasters; they were persecution for being Christians When you are light in a dark place, people know 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. Ephesians 2:1-2 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.

THE VALUE OF TRIALS Romans 5:3-5 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. “BORN AGAIN TO A LIVING HOPE” James 1:2-3 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

REFINING Proven character: dokime Testing: dokimion Refining: removing those things that aren’t pure so that what is left is pure Romans 12:1,2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

WHAT CAN BE SPOKEN 1 Peter 1:7 … so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; Joy inexpressible and full of glory Inexpressible: aneklaletos: unable to put into words Romans 8:26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; Too deep for words: alaletos: not expressible in words

THE PROPHETIC MESSAGES The outcome of faith: the salvation of souls Souls: psuche: the part of you that gives you identity God is triune: people are triune God is Father, Son, Spirit; People are body, soul, spirit Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God Peter is speaking about changes in your personal sense of who you are; this is the way we work out salvation Philippians 2:12-13 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

THE PROPHETS THEMSELVES 1 Peter 1:10-11 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. Prophets frequently see events without seeing time lags in between events Luke 4:18-21 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord." And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." Isaiah 61:2

MESSAGES FOR THE FUTURE 1 Peter 1:12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look. Daniel 12:5-9 Then I, Daniel, looked and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the river and the other on that bank of the river. And one said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long will it be until the end of these wonders?“ I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed. As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, "My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?“ He said, "Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time.

PROPHECY REVEALED Matthew 13:17 For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. 1 Corinthians 4:9 For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. Ephesians 3:10 … so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.