1 Peter 1:6-12

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Our Faith Will Be Tested and Our Salvation Was Revealed

Why is the date 64 A.D. significant in church history?
When did Christianity become illegal throughout the Roman Empire?
When was the epistle of 1 Peter written?
What was Peter’s overall purpose in writing this epistle?
What was God’s purpose in allowing persecution of the Christians then and today?

It was the year of the great fire in Rome. The Roman Emperor Nero said that the gods were upset because of the Christians. Thus, Christians were blamed for the fire and the Roman persecutions began. Until this time Christianity was not illegal in the Roman Empire.
After 64 A.D., Christianity became illegal throughout the Roman Empire.
It was written about 64 A.D., either right before the Roman persecutions began or soon after they began.
To encourage Christians who are suffering for their Christian faith.
God had a purpose in allowing the persecutions of the early Christians and the same is true today. The church grows in times of persecution and faith is strengthened. See 1 Peter 1:6-7.

Discuss the relationship between gold and a Christian’s faith. How do you react in times of adversity and testing? Are you a faithful, stand-solid Christian or is your testimony hidden? Would you deny Christ or would you stand firm in the faith if you were tortured or your life threatened? Our faith is tested every day, in big and small ways. The subject here is that trials are tests of our Christian faith. Recall some of the tests you have experienced or are experiencing right now. Consider who will receive honor and praise and glory. (Refer to Romans 8:17 and Matthew 25:21).
1 Peter 1:8-9 reminds us that our Christian faith is not just based on facts, but it is placed in a Person – the Lord Jesus Christ. The Christian faith is a personal relationship with Christ. Have you experienced the joy that comes with such a relationship? Remember, true and lasting joy does not depend on circumstances.
There’s a long history of the revelation of our faith. The Old Testament prophets did not fully comprehend all that they wrote about, but they certainly knew that the Messiah was coming with salvation, and that He would have to suffer before He was glorified in order to obtain the salvation. See 1 Peter 1:11.

Thank the Lord that you are more than an angel. Angels will never know the inexpressible and glorious joy of 1 Peter 1:8 that we will experience forever because of our salvation. How often do you thank the Lord for your salvation?

“…trials come 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
“Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible…” 1 Peter 1:8