Work of the Ministry

Living the Christian Life 

Lesson 3 – I Peter 1:5-10 

Read I Peter 1:5-10 before you continue reading. As you read, pay close attention to the sincere love of God and His people that radiates from Peter’s writings! 

REVIEW: I Peter 1:1-4 – A quick review will remind us that Peter is praising God for His mercy in bearing us to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus. God has given to us eternal life that is reserved in heaven, because of our faith in Him. 

Verse 5 “Who are kept [guarded, preserved] by the power [ability] of God through faith unto salvation [deliverance from the wrath of God] ready to be revealed [uncovered] in the last time.” 

From the beginning of time, man has been delivered from the judgment of God by faith! It is your responsibility to “keep yourself” from sin, by yielding yourself to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Jude 1:21 teaches this, 

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” 

You are “kept” by God through your faith in Him. Faith is shown by your actions in responding to God’s conviction of His Holy Spirit. God has empowered us to keep ourselves from sin according to Revelation 2:26, 

“And he that overcometh, 
and KEEPETH MY WORKS UNTO THE END,  
to him will I give power over the nations.” 

We must keep ourselves from sin, because satan knows that sin in our lives will keep us from inheriting eternal life. “The wicked one” and his false teachers are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness”, so that he can cause you to receive the wrath of God as I John 5:18 teaches, 

“We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not [does not practice sin]; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” 

We are “kept” by God through our faith, which is shown by our obedient actions! This is very important to understand, for false teachers will twist these verses to say that God keeps them even though they practice sin. Those who claim to “know Jesus”, but disobey Him are liars according to I John 2:4, 

“He that saith, I KNOW HIM, and KEEPETH NOT HIS COMMANDMENTS, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 

The next verse [I John 2:5] teaches us the exact opposite result for those of us that love God and keep His commandments. 

“But whoso KEEPETH His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby KNOW we that we are in Him.” 

Hebrews 11 records a list of all who were delivered by their faith throughout the Old Testament. Every one of those listed were delivered by faith shown by their actions. They overcame the world, the flesh, and the devil. 

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”                                                                                                    I John 5:4 

As you see, the sons of God are kept “through faith unto salvation” by the power of God, Who empowers them as they yield to His Holy Spirit! This salvation is ready to be revealed or “uncovered” at the end of this wicked world. Those who claim, “eternal security”; yet continue in their sins, will find out they are very wrong at judgment day, which is when their eternal fate will be revealed! 

Satan must continue to deceive with the “strong delusion” as the vast multitudes claiming salvation will be damned to hell as they cry… 

“…Lord, Lord, open unto us; and He shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are…But He shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from Me, all ye workers of iniquity.”  Luke 13:25-27 

It is amazing how many people claim to “know Jesus”, but they do not keep His commandments! They claim to have already “attained” eternal life; yet they allow the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life to choke out the Word of God. Without bearing fruit to perfection, they wither and are cast into the fire! Read Luke 8:14, 

“And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.” 

Unfortunately, most of the world looks to “America” as a “Christian nation”, but how can a nation be “Christian”? How can a nation that is built upon brutal slavery of human beings, be Christian? How can a nation that lifts itself up in pride taking advantage of others, be Christian? How can a nation that murders thousands of unborn babies a week, be Christian? How can a nation that is bent on immorality, fornication, and the lusts of perversion, be a Christian nation?  

America is the “viper den” of false teaching as it sends out missionaries to other countries who make those who follow them “twofold more the child of hell than yourselves…” as Jesus warned in Matthew 23:15. 

“Woe unto you…(American missionaries)…, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” 

Unfortunately, the wealth of this godless country lures those in other countries to desire the “prosperity” that America and other countries take for granted. The greatest majority of those in this country claim to “know Jesus”, yet they live, talk, and act like the devil, His enemy! It cannot be long before God must bring His judgment upon such wickedness! Do not go after the wickedness of those who claim to be “Christians”! You heard what Jesus will say… “…depart from Me, all ye workers of iniquity.” 

Nothing in this world can keep you from the love of God, BUT your own sin that you choose! Paul explained this much better in I Corinthians 10:13,   

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, 
Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; 
but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 

This ability to escape sin is available to all who have denied themselves, taken up their cross, and followed Christ daily! These Spirit-filled Christians who yield to the Lord, depend upon His mighty power, and obey His commands will be preserved blameless before God on Judgment Day. 

I Thessalonians 5:23 tells us that as we yield to God’s Holy Spirit and obey His conviction within our hearts teaching us to keep the commandments of God, God separates us completely to Him, so that we are preserved blameless!  

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

Don’t listen to the lies that the false teachers spew! You are NOT “preserved blameless” while you practice your sins without obedience to the gospel! Your obedient actions control this power from the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30 warns of the results of our sins that grieve, distress, or cause heaviness to the Holy Spirit of God. It is God’s Holy Spirit within us that is the down payment for our redemption, being purchased back through the shed blood of Christ after God has granted us repentance. 

“And grieve NOT the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”  
Ephesians 4:30 

Paul warned the brethren not to grieve or disobey the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit “seals” as the earnest deposit for the preserved eternal inheritance. If you grieve the Holy Spirit, He will not seal you; because like the good tree, you cannot produce evil fruit!  

Verse 6 “Wherein [because you are kept by the grace of God] ye greatly rejoice [“leap for joy”], though now for a season [short time], if need be, ye are in heaviness [sadness, concern] through manifold temptations [persecutions, imprisonments, martyrdom]:” 

Jesus used almost these same words in Luke 6:22-23,  

“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company,  
and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil,  
for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is GREAT IN HEAVEN: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.” 

Would you “leap for joy” when persecuted for the faith? Do you consider yourself “blessed” as you suffer for the cause of Christ? You have the assurance that you will receive the reward of the inheritance as has been promised by God.  This is a far cry from the lies being taught in the “social clubs” called churches of today! Their “prosperity” is only very temporal and damnable to your soul! 

These brethren were persecuted, yet they were comforted in knowing that God would be with them. They were assured that all that God had promised would be granted to them and they would soon be with their Blessed Savior, Jesus Christ, even through the persecutions. Paul rejoiced in Romans 5:3 about his persecutions, 

“And not only so, but we glory [rejoice, leap for joy] in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.” 

Jesus taught us this in the gospel in Matthew 5:11-12, 

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for GREAT IS YOUR REWARD in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” 

Are you exceedingly glad when people mock you for your faith? Do you fear persecution from others for standing for the holiness that God has commanded? When you fear persecution, remember how great your reward in heaven is. Remember what God has prepared for those who love Him enough to obey Him even when others mock and ridicule you for striving to keep His commandments! Do not be discouraged! You should encourage yourself, for Jesus told you in the gospel that you would be persecuted, just as the prophets of God were! 

Verse 7 “That the trial of your faith [tribulation], being much more precious [valuable] than of gold that perisheth [will be destroyed], though it [trial of faith] be tried [tested] with fire, might be found [perceived by onlookers] unto praise and honour and glory [to glorify God] at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 

Most people would do “anything”, including disobey God, for gold and silver! They have programmed themselves to think that if they had more things in this world, then they would be “happy”! They are not content with what God has given them, nor for the situation in which they were born. What does God say will be done with all the riches that man covets during judgment in Ezekiel 7:19? 

“They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and gold shall NOT BE ABLE TO DELIVER THEM IN THE DAY OF THE WRATH OF THE LORD: they shall NOT satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because IT IS THE STUMBLING BLOCK OF THEIR INIQUITY.” 

A few days ago, as I walked home, I passed a man who looked to me to resemble a national pastor that we work with in another country. He is a different nationality than I am, but he lives in the same city in which I live. You could see that he was not happy; even though he had earrings, a gold watch, large mobile phone in hand, and looked rather financially “blessed”. As I passed him, I said, “Hello,” but he barely acknowledged me. I prayed, “Lord, I wish that young man who looks just like Pastor _____ would have been born in another country, for perhaps he would have had a better opportunity to know You!” 

“And He {Jesus} said unto them, Take heed,  
and BEWARE OF COVETOUSNESS: 
for a man’s life consisteth  
NOT in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” 
Luke 12:15  

Peter is teaching you that the trial or testing of your faith is by far more valuable than gold! It is of far more importance eternally! The trial or testing of your faith, though it feels like “fire”, that will consume you is such a blessing. It causes you to draw near to God, Who is the only One that can help you through such a time. The trial of your faith is much like the chastening hand of the LORD, for it has the same affect upon you spiritually! Read what Jesus said in  
Revelation 3:19, 

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: 
be zealous therefore, and repent.” 

The persecutions [trial of your faith] that these brethren were going through were more valuable to the testimony of God’s work than all the gold that will someday perish. The average “professing” Christian today, if they suffer by being teased or ridiculed, will shrivel up into a depressed ball. This is nothing compared to what our brethren in the past have had to go through for their faith. Here are the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:22, 

“And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” 

This is also found in Luke 21:17 and Mark 13:13. Persecution of the faithful is prophesied in Matthew 24:9,  

“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name’s sake.” 

Why will the world hate you? Jesus answers this in John 3:19,  

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, 
because their deeds were evil.” 

Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6); but satan, false teachers, hypocrites, and the world do not like to hear the Truth. Jesus explained this very well in John 3:20-21,  

“For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” 

The reason the church of today is not being persecuted is very simple: the “social club” that is called “the church” is not “the church”, but a business that promises lies and lives like hypocrites! They have adopted a style of conformity that pleases the devil and the world. They have changed salvation to anyone who “believes” (has a head knowledge of Jesus).   

The worldly accepted “church” no longer preaches the scriptural holiness of the believer or the judgment of God upon this wicked world. The church dresses like the world and longs or lusts to have the things of the world. They are not content to be “NOT OF THIS WORLD” as Jesus taught, so they have a “form of godliness” as they lust for the pleasures and comforts of this life!  

 If sin would be exposed and true followers would teach the gospel like John the Baptist, Jesus, Stephen, Peter, Paul or the other Apostles preached, I guarantee you two things would happen simultaneously: many would repent, and the world would begin persecuting those faithful witnesses. If they taught the hearers to repent of their sin, instead of lying to them with “believe in Jesus and continue in your sin,” people would know what they had to repent from! 

Jesus explained this again in John 17:14,  

“I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are NOT OF THE WORLD, even as I [Jesus] am not of the world.” 

  How can God be glorified as Peter states, if His children are ashamed of the truth? How can they be found unto praise, honour, and glory at the appearing of Jesus, if they do not live for Him or keep His commandments? 

Because we are to preach against sin as Jesus did, Jesus warned us that the world may not accept the truth. Jesus further encourages us in John 16:33,  

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” 

We will have tribulation when we preach to expose sin and stand for the truth that Jesus commanded us to live, just as Paul did in Acts 26:20, 

“But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” 

 In Acts 14:22, Paul encouraged others by telling them to expect persecution,  

“…exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” 

Persecution separates the genuine followers from the hypocrites and pretenders. Paul explains in II Timothy 2:12, 

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: 
if we deny Him, He also will deny us.” 

God will comfort those who are faithful to Christ during persecution, because the same Lord that has saved them will give them the grace to withstand and endure as Paul states in II Corinthians 1:4, 

“Who comforteth us in ALL our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 

This tribulation is to be expected for anyone who will live godly in Christ Jesus as explained in I Thessalonians 3:4, 

“For verily, when we were with you, 
we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; 
even as it came to pass, and ye know.” 

The faithful will be rewarded at the second coming of Jesus as outlined in II Thessalonians 1:6-9, 

“Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven… In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction…” 

Verse 8 “Whom [Jesus] having not seen [with our eyes], ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing [faith], ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” 

Your faith and the work of God’s Holy Spirit within you causes you to love the Lord, even though you have never seen Him with your physical eyes. You have experienced His convicting power and felt His hand upon your heart and life. You have seen His answers to prayer, felt His presence, and you know assuredly that He is God! You rejoice in Him and the eternal life that He has promised to you.   

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped [faith] for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Hebrews 11:1 

You hear His voice as you read His word causing peace and joy that the world could never give or understand! By this still small voice, you are guided through this wicked world to an inheritance incorruptible that fadeth not away as this world will very soon! 

“My sheep hear My voice, 
and I know them, and they follow Me.” 
John 10:27 

Verse 9 “Receiving the end (conclusion, result, point aimed for) of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 

     You must always consider the end of a thing, for much better is the end than the beginning. The end of a sinful life of false hopes of eternal life is death and hell. At the end of your life, you receive the results of your enduring unto the end by daily denial of self and taking up your cross to follow Jesus.  

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25 

Peter again is rejoicing in the privilege to suffer for Christ, that you might receive the result of your “faithful” trust in God… eternal life! Your persevering faith produces the reward of the inheritance, which is the salvation of your soul from the wrath of God on Judgment Day! God rewards those who “diligently seek Him” as Hebrews 11:6 tells us,  

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” 

You not only believe that there is a God; but you know Him, hear from Him, and daily obey His gospel; because He has sent His Holy Spirit to convict you. As you read His Word; He encourages, reproves, and corrects all those truly seeking Him. 

If you yield to His Holy Spirit, you will endure unto the end and receive eternal life. The joy of knowing that one day you shall behold Him face to face encourages your heart to be faithful even unto death! This is not done by looking at circumstances, for it is done by faith as II Corinthians 5:7 tells us,  

“(For we walk by faith, not by sight).”       

Verse10 “Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently [to understand the prophecies], who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you [the New Covenant]:” 

The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament gave prophetic messages to the prophets who wrote them down, even though they themselves did not understand completely what these prophecies meant. The Old Testament prophets would have loved to have understood fully what these prophecies of the coming Christ actually meant. You are blessed to not only hear them, but to understand them and receive the reward of their fulfilment in your heart and life as Jesus told us in Matthew 13:16, 

“But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.” 

These prophets prophesied of the coming of the Messiah, the Redeemer. Not only are you blessed for hearing them, but Jesus has given to you the understanding of them. They change your life and your eternal destiny through His grace and your faith in your miraculous redemption. Now understanding that Jesus redeemed the entire world to Himself, you can offer the same redemption through faith in His name and obedience to His gospel to the world! Listen to what Jesus revealed to us in Matthew 13:17, 

“For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.”  

Now that you have the complete Bible, you can understand it much clearer; because you have the entire picture. God has given you the understanding of what the Old Testament was prophesying concerning the grace of God. God blessed you with His law, that you might have the “knowledge of sin” and may receive both grace and truth by Jesus Christ through repentance! 

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”  John 1:17 

We have learned in this lesson that though we may have persecution by those who love darkness, the blessings of eternal life are far more valuable than gold! God has blessed our faith by revealing to us the complete picture of what the prophets of the Old Testament did not understand! They did not understand the grace and truth of Jesus Christ that saves our souls. Next lesson will teach on the New Covenant in Christ’s blood! May God bless you all!