Persevere in God's Preservation (1 Peter 1:3-9; COD Head 5)
Introduction
So often we think that once we are Christians, our lives will get easier. We need to realize that the Christian life isn't always easy sailing. We will taste the pain and struggles of this age. Afterall, this world is under sin’s curse even as Christ’s redemption stands firm.
We need to see perseverance as our conscious pushing forward in this world. We must remember that it is God who preserves us through His power. However, perseverance is our conscious focus on our eternal inheritance secured in Christ.
Peter is uniquely qualified to teach that we persevere through God’s preserving power. Peter struggled to persevere during Christ’s trial. However, he met with Christ and received his assurance that Christ will preserve him to the end.
Saved by God's Power
Our assurance comes from Christ, not our own worthiness or our faith in itself. We must look to Christ as our anchor and redeemer rather than constantly trying to prove ourselves worthy through works.
Yes, as we take hold of Christ by faith, we are assured that the person of Christ is our redeemer. We proceed in His power. It is in his power that we move forward and conform to Christ.
Preserved in God's Strength
God guards both our inheritance in heaven and us through His power. Despite facing trials and persecution, believers are protected by God's strength, not their own. Our faith and hope must be in God Himself. We do not hope in our faith, but we hope in God. This is not my opinion, but this is Peter’s glorious reminder in 1 Peter 1:21.
Persevering Through Fire
Trials are God's way of refining our faith like gold, weaning us off worldly reliance, and teaching us to depend on Him. These difficulties aren't accidental but purposeful, purifying our faith and burning away what we trust apart from Christ.
Conclusion
Our victory is certain. This is not because of our competence or strength. We are assured that Christ guards and preserves us as our shield and defender.
Let us continue to look with eyes of faith to our invisible Savior. He guarded Peter until the end. He guards our inheritance. He will guard you. Walk forward in that confidence, offering yourself as a living sacrifice unto him.