WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.339 Two readings this morning, one from Psalm 73 and in the New Testament from 1 Peter 1, verses 6-12. 00:00:12.019 --> 00:00:14.419 First from Psalm 73. 00:00:16.699 --> 00:00:21.219 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 00:00:21.900 --> 00:00:25.379 But as for me, my feet has almost slipped. 00:00:26.080 --> 00:00:27.679 I had nearly lost my foothold. 00:00:27.679 --> 00:00:32.060 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 00:00:32.880 --> 00:00:34.259 They have no struggles. 00:00:34.799 --> 00:00:37.100 Their bodies are healthy and strong. 00:00:37.719 --> 00:00:39.640 They are free from common human burdens. 00:00:40.280 --> 00:00:42.140 They are not plagued by human ills. 00:00:42.920 --> 00:00:44.659 Therefore pride is their necklace. 00:00:45.219 --> 00:00:47.140 They clothe themselves with violence. 00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:50.179 From their callous hearts comes iniquity. 00:00:51.100 --> 00:00:53.140 Their evil imaginations have no limits. 00:00:53.659 --> 00:00:55.899 They scoff and speak with malice. 00:00:55.899 --> 00:00:58.399 With arrogance they threaten oppression. 00:00:59.820 --> 00:01:03.679 Their mouths lay claim to heaven and their tongues take possession of the earth. 00:01:04.280 --> 00:01:07.799 Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. 00:01:08.780 --> 00:01:10.819 They say, how would God know? 00:01:11.459 --> 00:01:13.400 Does the Most High know anything? 00:01:13.400 --> 00:01:16.120 This is what the wicked are like. 00:01:16.540 --> 00:01:17.700 Always free of care. 00:01:18.160 --> 00:01:19.500 They go on amassing wealth. 00:01:20.600 --> 00:01:23.219 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure. 00:01:23.620 --> 00:01:25.740 And I have washed my hands in innocence. 00:01:26.480 --> 00:01:28.280 All day long I have been afflicted. 00:01:28.700 --> 00:01:30.800 And every morning brings new punishments. 00:01:30.799 --> 00:01:35.620 If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children. 00:01:36.700 --> 00:01:40.780 When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply. 00:01:41.500 --> 00:01:44.399 Till I entered the sanctuary of God. 00:01:44.959 --> 00:01:47.739 Then I understood their final destiny. 00:01:47.739 --> 00:01:51.500 Surely you placed them on slippery ground. 00:01:51.979 --> 00:01:53.399 You cast them down to ruin. 00:01:54.039 --> 00:01:55.959 How suddenly are they destroyed. 00:01:56.479 --> 00:01:58.439 Completely swept away by terrors. 00:01:59.039 --> 00:02:01.439 They are like a dream when one awakes. 00:02:02.339 --> 00:02:05.500 When you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. 00:02:05.500 --> 00:02:09.900 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 00:02:09.900 --> 00:02:11.900 I was senseless and ignorant. 00:02:12.439 --> 00:02:14.419 I was brute beast before you. 00:02:15.340 --> 00:02:16.759 Yet I am always with you. 00:02:17.219 --> 00:02:19.159 You hold me by my right hand. 00:02:19.819 --> 00:02:21.539 You guide me with your counsel. 00:02:22.180 --> 00:02:24.379 And afterward you will take me into glory. 00:02:25.360 --> 00:02:27.780 Whom have I in heaven but you? 00:02:28.360 --> 00:02:31.560 And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 00:02:32.420 --> 00:02:34.719 My flesh and my heart may fail. 00:02:35.520 --> 00:02:37.599 But God is the strength of my heart. 00:02:37.900 --> 00:02:39.500 And my portion forever. 00:02:40.819 --> 00:02:43.879 Those who are far from you will perish. 00:02:44.439 --> 00:02:46.639 You destroy all who are unfaithful to you. 00:02:47.180 --> 00:02:50.000 But as for me, it is good to be near God. 00:02:50.560 --> 00:02:53.079 I have made the sovereign Lord my refuge. 00:02:53.079 --> 00:02:55.400 I will tell of all your deeds. 00:02:57.000 --> 00:03:00.219 Now moving to 1 Peter chapter 1. 00:03:01.360 --> 00:03:03.120 Starting from verse 6. 00:03:04.719 --> 00:03:08.419 In all this you greatly rejoice. 00:03:08.960 --> 00:03:14.199 Though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 00:03:14.199 --> 00:03:18.839 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith, 00:03:19.339 --> 00:03:24.439 of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire, 00:03:25.159 --> 00:03:30.379 may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 00:03:30.819 --> 00:03:33.560 Though you have not seen him, you love him. 00:03:33.560 --> 00:03:41.240 And even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 00:03:41.800 --> 00:03:46.719 For you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 00:03:46.719 --> 00:03:53.960 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, 00:03:54.599 --> 00:03:56.979 searched intently and with the greatest care, 00:03:57.479 --> 00:04:03.560 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing, 00:04:03.560 --> 00:04:08.420 when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 00:04:09.420 --> 00:04:13.420 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, 00:04:13.960 --> 00:04:17.199 when they spoke of the things that have now been told you 00:04:17.199 --> 00:04:22.500 by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. 00:04:22.500 --> 00:04:26.879 Even angels long to look into these things. 00:04:28.399 --> 00:04:30.120 Thanks be to God for his word. 00:04:31.259 --> 00:04:37.259 So our question today as we turn to 1 Peter is this. 00:04:37.860 --> 00:04:41.839 Can I have joy in suffering? 00:04:42.720 --> 00:04:45.600 Can joy and suffering go together? 00:04:45.600 --> 00:04:58.939 Let me begin with the story of a friend who years ago was running or competing in, I guess, a triathlon in the North Highlands. 00:04:59.939 --> 00:05:02.260 And he'd done the bike element. 00:05:02.879 --> 00:05:04.560 He'd done the swimming element. 00:05:05.560 --> 00:05:09.180 I remember talking to him about the run that was the climax of the race. 00:05:09.300 --> 00:05:11.300 He was saying it was absolutely brutal. 00:05:11.920 --> 00:05:13.980 And for those last few miles, he said, 00:05:13.980 --> 00:05:16.460 all I was thinking of was home. 00:05:17.040 --> 00:05:24.400 All I was thinking of was being at home in the warmth, enjoying a hot shower and a hot cooked meal. 00:05:25.680 --> 00:05:28.480 Now consider what Peter is doing here. 00:05:28.580 --> 00:05:29.500 Who is he speaking to? 00:05:29.560 --> 00:05:33.340 He's speaking to exiles, speaking to pilgrims. 00:05:34.020 --> 00:05:39.640 They are beginning to suffer as they're running the race of faith. 00:05:39.639 --> 00:05:43.079 And Peter writes to encourage them. 00:05:43.639 --> 00:05:50.120 And in particular, he says, look, remember your true home, which isn't here. 00:05:50.339 --> 00:05:51.300 It's in heaven. 00:05:52.039 --> 00:05:54.319 He says, keep your eyes on Jesus. 00:05:54.319 --> 00:06:00.159 And the prospect of future and final salvation. 00:06:02.959 --> 00:06:04.339 But there's still this question. 00:06:04.599 --> 00:06:10.000 When Peter puts joy and suffering side by side, we think, how can these co-exist? 00:06:11.300 --> 00:06:13.560 And maybe especially it's a challenge for us. 00:06:13.560 --> 00:06:23.500 We're told we live in the age of comfort, where one of the idols, the things that we live for and enjoy most would be comfort and security. 00:06:24.280 --> 00:06:27.340 Where we're encouraged to find our best life now. 00:06:27.339 --> 00:06:33.859 And this message of the reality of suffering strikes our ears in a difficult way. 00:06:34.519 --> 00:06:44.120 The reality of Christianity and the realism of the Bible is that we follow Jesus, who is a suffering and dying saviour. 00:06:44.120 --> 00:06:56.540 We are called by Jesus to carry our crosses, to deny ourselves, to live with self-sacrifice. 00:06:57.100 --> 00:06:59.980 And indeed, Peter, who's writing this, that's his story. 00:07:00.120 --> 00:07:11.180 You read about Peter in the book of Acts and we find him being imprisoned and opposed because of the message of Jesus that he teaches. 00:07:11.180 --> 00:07:17.980 And then we think about our current situation and the suffering that we are experiencing. 00:07:18.139 --> 00:07:23.379 And perhaps today you're asking the question, can joy really be possible? 00:07:24.379 --> 00:07:28.240 Is that even realistic in the middle of trials? 00:07:29.579 --> 00:07:36.740 Or perhaps you're a Christian and you're thinking, I wish I could face trials with trust and with hope. 00:07:36.800 --> 00:07:39.439 I see other people do it. I wish I could do it. 00:07:39.439 --> 00:07:44.560 Well, I hope what Peter has to say will prove helpful to us. 00:07:45.600 --> 00:07:51.819 Because Peter is clear that suffering with hope, suffering with joy is possible. 00:07:51.819 --> 00:08:06.079 And indeed, if you belong to this church, if you belong to Beclu, if you cast your mind around our congregation, you will find examples in our church. 00:08:06.959 --> 00:08:10.959 I'm profoundly thankful for those who suffer well and have so much to teach us. 00:08:10.959 --> 00:08:14.979 For all of us, it's vital. 00:08:16.479 --> 00:08:21.000 Peter is saying that we hold on to Jesus and we hold on to his salvation. 00:08:21.779 --> 00:08:24.039 If we want to face trials well. 00:08:25.079 --> 00:08:31.079 Especially this prospect that we thought about last week of an eternal inheritance. 00:08:31.079 --> 00:08:37.000 The goal of our salvation, again, is placed before us to keep us going. 00:08:37.000 --> 00:08:42.080 So as we think about the question, how can I suffer with joy? 00:08:42.580 --> 00:08:45.320 There are three truths to consider from our text. 00:08:45.440 --> 00:08:49.600 One, we need to consider the value of our salvation. 00:08:50.299 --> 00:08:52.879 We need to consider the goal of our salvation. 00:08:53.700 --> 00:08:58.240 And thirdly, we need to consider the pattern of our salvation. 00:08:58.340 --> 00:09:00.100 And we'll look at each of these in turn. 00:09:00.100 --> 00:09:05.460 So first of all, let's consider the value of our salvation. 00:09:06.320 --> 00:09:15.320 It's in verse 6 and verse 7, where we are presented with these two truths that coexist at the same time. 00:09:16.019 --> 00:09:16.680 Verse 6. 00:09:16.680 --> 00:09:25.779 In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 00:09:25.779 --> 00:09:27.360 So there's one truth. 00:09:27.439 --> 00:09:30.480 Christians have great joy, great joy in all this. 00:09:30.639 --> 00:09:31.600 What's the all this? 00:09:32.259 --> 00:09:33.299 We go back to last week. 00:09:33.360 --> 00:09:40.379 It's that future inheritance that God has laid in store for us and is shielding us until we get there. 00:09:40.759 --> 00:09:44.539 This is nothing less than eternity in glory with the risen Lord Jesus. 00:09:44.679 --> 00:09:46.139 That's our cause for joy. 00:09:46.740 --> 00:09:49.799 So we have great joy, but we also suffer. 00:09:50.740 --> 00:09:53.740 And Peter says we suffer in all kinds of grief, all kinds of trials. 00:09:53.740 --> 00:10:06.279 For his audience then and for us today, we know losses of various kinds, rejection, hardships, suffering comes. 00:10:08.159 --> 00:10:13.259 Now Peter says at the same time as you suffer, you can have great joy. 00:10:14.560 --> 00:10:16.200 How is that possible? 00:10:16.200 --> 00:10:23.660 And we need to recognise that Peter is not guilty of minimising suffering. 00:10:24.680 --> 00:10:27.640 He's not trying to pretend that it's not a big deal. 00:10:28.320 --> 00:10:29.640 Hurts are real. 00:10:30.879 --> 00:10:34.420 The pain in our heart and the struggles we have are real. 00:10:35.700 --> 00:10:38.640 Evil done against us is awful. 00:10:38.639 --> 00:10:51.319 So Peter is not minimising that, but he is maximising our view of the value of Jesus and of eternal salvation. 00:10:52.240 --> 00:10:54.000 So that would fill our horizon. 00:10:55.340 --> 00:11:00.279 And he does that by making a comparison in verse 7. 00:11:00.939 --> 00:11:04.519 It's the comparison between faith and gold. 00:11:04.519 --> 00:11:06.439 Verse 7. 00:11:06.439 --> 00:11:22.279 And these 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 honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. 00:11:23.379 --> 00:11:25.500 So there's the comparison between faith and gold. 00:11:25.600 --> 00:11:26.500 Why is the comparison? 00:11:27.059 --> 00:11:30.220 In a sense, it's to help us to weigh up in a balance. 00:11:30.539 --> 00:11:32.579 Think about those scales, those balances. 00:11:32.580 --> 00:11:42.139 It's the cost of our trials versus the eternal weight of glory that comes from knowing Jesus and being saved by him. 00:11:43.200 --> 00:11:44.520 Two points of comparison. 00:11:44.680 --> 00:11:45.300 First comparison. 00:11:45.800 --> 00:11:48.080 Each is tested and refined. 00:11:48.240 --> 00:11:49.780 Faith and gold tested and refined. 00:11:50.460 --> 00:11:56.420 Gold is tested in a crucible and it passes through fire to burn off impurities. 00:11:56.419 --> 00:12:04.479 The crucible of our faith where faith is tested is through trials and suffering, Peter is saying. 00:12:05.639 --> 00:12:12.159 In the sense that suffering tests the genuineness of faith. 00:12:12.159 --> 00:12:27.980 Suffering will reveal whether faith stands or faith was never really there and it falls. 00:12:27.980 --> 00:12:33.840 And we know that because that's how Jesus teaches in his parables. 00:12:34.680 --> 00:12:38.259 One famous parable, the sower and the soil. 00:12:39.240 --> 00:12:46.820 He talks about the farmer that goes out to sow seed and some of it falls on rocky ground and there's not deep roots. 00:12:46.820 --> 00:12:53.820 So when hardship, when suffering comes, those kind of people fall away. 00:12:53.820 --> 00:12:56.620 No deep root of faith. 00:12:57.140 --> 00:13:01.300 Or Jesus talks about the wise and the foolish builders. 00:13:02.540 --> 00:13:10.280 The wise who hears and obeys and builds his life on the words of Jesus and that house stands firm. 00:13:10.379 --> 00:13:17.260 It's built on the rock compared to the one who doesn't listen, who doesn't obey, who doesn't put into practice the words of Jesus. 00:13:17.480 --> 00:13:20.560 And that house built on sand collapses. 00:13:20.559 --> 00:13:24.779 So suffering tests whether faith is genuine. 00:13:25.539 --> 00:13:28.559 Suffering also has a refining process. 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:34.739 Just as gold put through the fire refines it so that what is of value is left. 00:13:35.239 --> 00:13:43.339 God's intention is that our valuable faith would be strengthened in trials. 00:13:43.579 --> 00:13:46.739 That it would increase our dependence on God. 00:13:46.740 --> 00:13:52.220 It would deepen our hope in eternal reality rather than the here and now. 00:13:53.580 --> 00:13:59.600 And then the second point of comparison between faith and gold is that each has value. 00:14:00.740 --> 00:14:03.740 So we know gold is a precious metal. 00:14:04.720 --> 00:14:10.759 The gold standard as a measure of the value of wealth. 00:14:10.759 --> 00:14:13.399 And Peter knows that. 00:14:13.399 --> 00:14:16.720 But he makes the point, yes gold is a treasure. 00:14:17.500 --> 00:14:20.240 But it's a treasure that won't last. 00:14:21.039 --> 00:14:24.019 It will in the end perish. 00:14:24.720 --> 00:14:33.539 Of infinitely greater value, a value worth more than gold, is faith in Jesus. 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:35.059 Because that's not temporary. 00:14:35.620 --> 00:14:38.200 That's eternal treasure. 00:14:38.200 --> 00:14:45.980 And the true value of faith is revealed in the future when Jesus Christ returns. 00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:54.220 And the people of God, the church of God receive praise and glory and honour. 00:14:55.180 --> 00:15:00.140 When we are welcomed into eternal glory. 00:15:00.139 --> 00:15:04.379 So Peter's point to a suffering church is this. 00:15:04.639 --> 00:15:06.919 If we imagine our balance scale. 00:15:07.559 --> 00:15:15.059 If we put trials and suffering on one side and the joy of salvation on the other. 00:15:15.939 --> 00:15:20.740 Compared to that eternal weight of glory that far outweighs any suffering. 00:15:20.740 --> 00:15:29.740 Our trials, though real and painful, have no more weight than a feather. 00:15:30.779 --> 00:15:40.039 Compared to the incredibly great glory of knowing Jesus as Lord. 00:15:41.659 --> 00:15:45.100 Prompts us perhaps to ask some important questions. 00:15:45.100 --> 00:15:51.560 If Peter is saying salvation has value in his real treasure. 00:15:52.560 --> 00:15:56.060 What is it that we treasure today? 00:15:56.940 --> 00:16:00.560 Are we placing our hope on comfort now? 00:16:01.720 --> 00:16:06.159 Or joy in and from and with Jesus for eternity? 00:16:06.159 --> 00:16:09.679 In a comfortable day. 00:16:10.079 --> 00:16:11.600 In a secure day. 00:16:12.139 --> 00:16:14.159 We typically tend to think about the here and now. 00:16:14.240 --> 00:16:19.159 And perhaps the pandemic is helping us to think about mortality and eternity. 00:16:19.299 --> 00:16:20.719 And that's actually good for us. 00:16:23.399 --> 00:16:24.159 Here's another question. 00:16:26.159 --> 00:16:28.360 Where am I pursuing praise and glory and honour? 00:16:28.360 --> 00:16:39.200 Am I willing to risk losing praise or glory or honour from others because of my Christian faith? 00:16:39.840 --> 00:16:51.060 Because I feel secure in knowing that in Jesus, in trusting him, I have all the praise and glory and honour that I need as I anticipate eternity. 00:16:51.059 --> 00:16:57.519 How much does eternity shape my life, shape your life? 00:16:57.559 --> 00:17:00.859 How much does it influence our thinking today? 00:17:02.039 --> 00:17:06.659 We need to live in the good news of the gospel each day. 00:17:06.660 --> 00:17:16.680 The good news of our salvation, which isn't just for now, but is for eternity. 00:17:16.680 --> 00:17:24.940 That looks ahead to King Jesus coming back and us being with him in the world, being made new so that we live in the world we all want. 00:17:27.120 --> 00:17:36.279 Perhaps you are one of the many households back to the joy of P.E. with Joe. 00:17:36.660 --> 00:17:40.960 Joe Wicks, body coach, personal trainer. 00:17:41.620 --> 00:17:49.420 And if you watch him or watch other personal trainers, you get encouragement for them. 00:17:49.720 --> 00:17:54.840 It's like, you should be feeling this in, and they'll list muscle groups you didn't even know existed. 00:17:55.420 --> 00:17:58.860 You should be feeling this in your quads right now or your intercostals. 00:18:00.080 --> 00:18:04.980 But you'll feel pain, you'll feel the burn, but you'll feel great. 00:18:04.980 --> 00:18:06.519 It'll be great for you mentally. 00:18:06.880 --> 00:18:10.019 You'll gain muscular stability, all those kind of things. 00:18:11.420 --> 00:18:14.839 Yes, you know pain, but you will know gain. 00:18:15.960 --> 00:18:17.880 That's what Peter says to the church. 00:18:18.420 --> 00:18:22.740 You know and are experiencing pain now, but take heart, be encouraged. 00:18:23.620 --> 00:18:26.620 You will know eternal gain. 00:18:26.619 --> 00:18:31.000 That's the value of our salvation. 00:18:33.079 --> 00:18:37.759 But Peter presses this still further. 00:18:39.199 --> 00:18:45.679 The second thing to think about is to consider the goal of salvation. 00:18:45.680 --> 00:18:57.120 Again, he directs suffering Christians forward to future glory, even as we have a present experience of our salvation. 00:18:58.580 --> 00:18:59.660 So, verse 8. 00:18:59.660 --> 00:19:15.540 Notice what he draws attention to there. 00:19:15.539 --> 00:19:38.659 Life for a Christian, in a sense, is like when we used to go to the cinema and you would see the movie trailer. 00:19:38.660 --> 00:19:46.759 And that would prepare you for watching the main event when it came on our screens. 00:19:47.540 --> 00:19:50.160 Or to bring it into the kitchen. 00:19:50.900 --> 00:20:00.980 It's like licking the whisk or the baking spoon, which creates a sense of anticipation for the cake, for the pudding, soon to be ready. 00:20:01.840 --> 00:20:03.340 You know what I'm talking about, I'm sure. 00:20:03.339 --> 00:20:12.079 Peter is saying to this church, look, you enjoy your salvation now. 00:20:13.359 --> 00:20:20.779 You have a love for God because God has loved you and has sent Jesus to save you. 00:20:20.879 --> 00:20:23.099 And the Spirit of God is in your heart. 00:20:23.159 --> 00:20:30.259 So you have a love for God and you have a joy from God because you know that you belong to him. 00:20:30.259 --> 00:20:38.819 But you also need to remember that the best is yet to come. 00:20:39.500 --> 00:20:43.960 There is so much more in store for the Christian. 00:20:47.180 --> 00:20:57.920 If you look at verse 8, what we have is Peter, who was one of the disciples, who is an apostle, who was an eyewitness of Jesus on this earth. 00:20:57.980 --> 00:20:59.440 And he is commending their faith. 00:21:00.259 --> 00:21:03.700 If we are Christians today, he's commending our faith. 00:21:03.819 --> 00:21:09.099 He's saying, you have love for a Jesus you've not seen. 00:21:10.079 --> 00:21:11.879 Now, how does that love develop? 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:16.519 Well, it develops through the message of Peter and the apostles and the New Testament. 00:21:16.920 --> 00:21:18.000 The message of the Bible. 00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:22.519 That God, in his great kindness, has sent Jesus. 00:21:23.160 --> 00:21:30.079 Jesus, who lived perfectly and then died as a sacrifice in our place, taking our sin. 00:21:30.160 --> 00:21:36.880 Who then rose in victory over the devil and sin and death. 00:21:36.880 --> 00:21:39.540 And now he's ruling and reigning in heaven. 00:21:39.660 --> 00:21:43.220 And one day he'll come back and take his people to be with him. 00:21:43.740 --> 00:21:47.780 And he sends the Holy Spirit into our hearts. 00:21:47.779 --> 00:21:55.200 That if we trust in Jesus, we are brought into the family of God. 00:21:55.339 --> 00:21:57.019 Our sins are forgiven. 00:21:57.420 --> 00:21:59.700 We have the hope of eternal life. 00:22:00.079 --> 00:22:02.559 Now, they've not seen Jesus. 00:22:02.680 --> 00:22:03.579 We've not seen Jesus. 00:22:03.680 --> 00:22:06.440 But yet, we can know love. 00:22:07.099 --> 00:22:09.200 We can hear and believe. 00:22:09.200 --> 00:22:15.559 Peter also says, you have joy in a Jesus you have never met. 00:22:15.640 --> 00:22:16.720 How is that possible? 00:22:17.600 --> 00:22:19.460 Well, remember what he said in the opening verses. 00:22:19.580 --> 00:22:23.860 You can have joy because in Jesus you have a new identity. 00:22:24.140 --> 00:22:25.240 We are a new creation. 00:22:25.640 --> 00:22:26.700 But we trust in Jesus. 00:22:27.140 --> 00:22:29.799 We are given a new spiritual birth. 00:22:29.799 --> 00:22:31.720 And we have this new inheritance. 00:22:32.019 --> 00:22:35.600 This eternal hope that no one can take from us. 00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:39.000 And so Peter says to these suffering Christians, 00:22:39.200 --> 00:22:42.039 your love and your joy are real. 00:22:42.940 --> 00:22:44.960 They are evidence of real faith. 00:22:45.039 --> 00:22:49.720 But remember, this is just the first taste that is so much more still in store. 00:22:50.799 --> 00:22:55.440 And he makes that clear by shifting again to the future in verse 9. 00:22:56.160 --> 00:22:57.000 When he says, 00:22:57.120 --> 00:23:00.100 For you are receiving the end result of your faith, 00:23:00.420 --> 00:23:03.819 the salvation of your souls. 00:23:04.700 --> 00:23:06.519 So there's more love and joy to come 00:23:06.519 --> 00:23:08.819 when you enjoy the full result of your faith, 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:10.259 full and final salvation, 00:23:10.700 --> 00:23:14.980 when you are with Jesus and made like him forever. 00:23:15.619 --> 00:23:21.359 Because then you'll be totally free from the sin that dogs us, 00:23:22.379 --> 00:23:23.579 from our shame, 00:23:24.379 --> 00:23:28.079 from the pain and death and hurt that's all around us. 00:23:28.079 --> 00:23:37.220 Then we'll have a clearer vision of the beauty and the love and the kindness and the grace of our Lord Jesus. 00:23:37.799 --> 00:23:39.339 Because we'll see him face to face. 00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:41.480 So again, 00:23:41.480 --> 00:23:44.740 if we are to suffer well, 00:23:44.740 --> 00:23:47.099 to suffer with joy and with hope, 00:23:47.500 --> 00:23:51.819 you and I need a big picture gospel. 00:23:51.819 --> 00:23:55.679 to recognise that the best is yet to come. 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:58.679 To be able to see from here to eternity, 00:23:59.259 --> 00:24:00.839 through faith in Jesus, 00:24:00.939 --> 00:24:03.519 to recognise that when Jesus said, 00:24:03.700 --> 00:24:04.639 it is finished, 00:24:04.700 --> 00:24:06.480 he has accomplished a salvation 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:09.159 that has implications for now, 00:24:10.159 --> 00:24:12.079 that we can know God now, 00:24:12.079 --> 00:24:16.399 but also that we look forward to life with him forever. 00:24:18.240 --> 00:24:19.519 And it's important too, 00:24:19.579 --> 00:24:20.480 to recognise 00:24:20.480 --> 00:24:24.079 that Jesus is the hope 00:24:24.639 --> 00:24:28.119 that our world is desperately looking for. 00:24:28.960 --> 00:24:30.139 We need to remember, 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:31.079 as Christians, 00:24:31.379 --> 00:24:32.859 the good news that we have. 00:24:33.919 --> 00:24:35.240 And if you're not a Christian, 00:24:35.240 --> 00:24:38.059 let me encourage you to look deeply into 00:24:38.059 --> 00:24:41.900 the message at the heart of our Christian faith. 00:24:43.000 --> 00:24:45.099 If you are listening today 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:47.380 and you're looking for love 00:24:47.380 --> 00:24:49.519 and you feel loss 00:24:49.519 --> 00:24:50.680 and you feel isolation, 00:24:50.839 --> 00:24:54.000 if you find yourself desperately needing joy, 00:24:55.640 --> 00:24:58.099 understand that Jesus offers both. 00:25:00.160 --> 00:25:02.599 Jesus offers both without loss, 00:25:03.120 --> 00:25:04.240 without separation, 00:25:04.240 --> 00:25:07.039 and with no end. 00:25:08.039 --> 00:25:10.240 If we will put our trust in him. 00:25:11.620 --> 00:25:14.059 So Peter again is saying to us, 00:25:14.660 --> 00:25:15.039 you and I, 00:25:15.120 --> 00:25:16.960 we can suffer with joy 00:25:16.960 --> 00:25:21.339 when our hearts are set on Jesus. 00:25:23.420 --> 00:25:25.859 So that's the goal of our faith 00:25:25.859 --> 00:25:26.819 that he's talking about. 00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:29.059 But now let's think about, 00:25:29.420 --> 00:25:29.759 thirdly, 00:25:29.920 --> 00:25:32.819 the pattern of our salvation. 00:25:33.099 --> 00:25:34.200 To suffer with joy, 00:25:34.240 --> 00:25:36.319 we need to consider the pattern 00:25:36.319 --> 00:25:37.980 of our salvation. 00:25:38.099 --> 00:25:39.299 This is verse 10 to 12. 00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:39.579 Now, 00:25:40.019 --> 00:25:40.759 let's remember 00:25:40.759 --> 00:25:42.620 who Peter is writing to, 00:25:42.740 --> 00:25:43.759 who's his audience. 00:25:43.920 --> 00:25:44.120 They're 00:25:44.120 --> 00:25:45.859 former pagans, 00:25:46.519 --> 00:25:48.240 people who worshipped false gods, 00:25:48.359 --> 00:25:49.940 people who lived immoral lives, 00:25:50.039 --> 00:25:51.160 people who were far from God 00:25:51.160 --> 00:25:52.160 and far from his word. 00:25:52.160 --> 00:25:52.800 But now, 00:25:52.800 --> 00:25:56.620 it becomes clear in Peter's writing 00:25:56.620 --> 00:26:01.540 that they have received the wonderful gift of salvation. 00:26:02.540 --> 00:26:06.279 And to further encourage them to find joy as they suffer, 00:26:06.960 --> 00:26:10.220 he puts two remarkable patterns on display 00:26:10.220 --> 00:26:12.340 in verses 10 to 12. 00:26:12.339 --> 00:26:19.319 And the first is the pattern of Old Testament prophecy. 00:26:19.319 --> 00:26:21.039 So, 00:26:21.159 --> 00:26:22.240 look with me at verse 10. 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:25.359 Concerning this salvation, 00:26:25.359 --> 00:26:26.939 the prophets, 00:26:26.939 --> 00:26:27.240 the prophets, 00:26:27.879 --> 00:26:30.979 who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, 00:26:31.979 --> 00:26:34.099 searched intently with the greatest care, 00:26:34.859 --> 00:26:37.000 trying to find out the time and circumstances 00:26:37.000 --> 00:26:39.639 to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing. 00:26:40.219 --> 00:26:42.439 When he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah 00:26:42.439 --> 00:26:44.059 and the glories that would follow, 00:26:44.599 --> 00:26:47.039 it was revealed that they were not serving themselves, 00:26:47.699 --> 00:26:49.059 but you. 00:26:49.059 --> 00:26:50.919 So, 00:26:50.980 --> 00:26:53.220 there's the pattern of Old Testament prophecy. 00:26:53.740 --> 00:26:54.700 The Old Testament prophets, 00:26:54.839 --> 00:26:57.619 they spoke and they wrote about Jesus, 00:26:58.059 --> 00:26:58.740 the Messiah, 00:26:59.179 --> 00:27:00.460 and his grace. 00:27:01.440 --> 00:27:02.240 And in so doing, 00:27:02.339 --> 00:27:04.440 they were led by God's Holy Spirit 00:27:04.440 --> 00:27:06.519 and they did it for you, 00:27:06.659 --> 00:27:07.339 Peter says. 00:27:08.559 --> 00:27:11.740 For those of us who live this side of Jesus. 00:27:13.379 --> 00:27:14.460 The prophets, 00:27:14.919 --> 00:27:17.399 they longed to know when the Messiah would come. 00:27:17.960 --> 00:27:20.360 They wanted it to be in their day, 00:27:20.440 --> 00:27:21.940 but it was revealed to them 00:27:21.940 --> 00:27:24.740 that the pattern of God's salvation, 00:27:25.640 --> 00:27:26.600 as it had always been, 00:27:26.800 --> 00:27:29.980 would be that people would be saved by grace, 00:27:31.220 --> 00:27:33.320 ultimately through the sacrifice of Jesus. 00:27:33.440 --> 00:27:35.259 Now, that was a mystery to them, 00:27:35.720 --> 00:27:37.259 but as they pointed forward, 00:27:37.660 --> 00:27:40.160 they were speaking for our benefit. 00:27:41.240 --> 00:27:43.960 For those of us who live after the time of Jesus. 00:27:43.960 --> 00:27:47.980 And then Peter goes on to talk about the apostles. 00:27:49.860 --> 00:27:51.720 In verse 11. 00:27:53.519 --> 00:27:55.620 These things that have now been told you 00:27:55.620 --> 00:27:58.100 by those who have preached the gospel to you 00:27:58.100 --> 00:28:00.779 by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. 00:28:01.319 --> 00:28:02.519 The apostles too, 00:28:02.600 --> 00:28:05.500 they speak inspired by the Holy Spirit. 00:28:06.180 --> 00:28:09.299 They also speak a good news of salvation. 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:13.519 They bring the same message of God's grace 00:28:13.519 --> 00:28:14.339 through a Messiah, 00:28:14.440 --> 00:28:15.759 only they can make it clearer 00:28:15.759 --> 00:28:17.279 because Jesus has come. 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:22.159 The saviour bringing God's grace has come. 00:28:22.799 --> 00:28:23.419 The pattern, 00:28:24.119 --> 00:28:25.579 the Old Testament gives promise, 00:28:26.259 --> 00:28:28.919 the New Testament brings fulfilment. 00:28:29.819 --> 00:28:32.940 So Peter is wanting to point out 00:28:32.940 --> 00:28:34.359 the incredible privilege 00:28:34.359 --> 00:28:37.279 that belongs to every church and every Christian, 00:28:37.279 --> 00:28:38.839 this side of Jesus. 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:42.339 That pattern of salvation 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:45.759 is revealed in our lives through Jesus. 00:28:46.460 --> 00:28:47.759 And then there's that incredible, 00:28:47.940 --> 00:28:48.980 almost throwaway statement 00:28:48.980 --> 00:28:50.240 in the end of verse 12, 00:28:50.359 --> 00:28:52.379 even angels long to look into these things. 00:28:53.119 --> 00:28:54.259 There's a great picture of angels 00:28:54.259 --> 00:28:55.720 peering over the wall. 00:28:56.599 --> 00:29:01.779 They're desperate to see more of salvation. 00:29:01.779 --> 00:29:05.980 So we have a privilege even over the angels. 00:29:06.139 --> 00:29:06.819 The angels, 00:29:07.180 --> 00:29:10.359 they see God's saving plan, 00:29:10.899 --> 00:29:12.519 but they don't experience it. 00:29:13.440 --> 00:29:15.180 We experience it as sinners 00:29:15.180 --> 00:29:16.680 who are saved by grace. 00:29:17.920 --> 00:29:19.700 The pattern of our salvation 00:29:19.700 --> 00:29:21.180 shows us more of our privilege. 00:29:22.899 --> 00:29:24.859 So there's the pattern of Old Testament prophecy, 00:29:24.859 --> 00:29:27.419 but then also Peter draws attention 00:29:27.419 --> 00:29:29.059 to the pattern of Jesus' life, 00:29:30.019 --> 00:29:34.559 which is the sufferings of the Messiah 00:29:34.559 --> 00:29:36.779 and the glories that would follow. 00:29:38.059 --> 00:29:39.899 The pattern of Jesus' life 00:29:39.899 --> 00:29:44.219 is that he would suffer and die first. 00:29:44.899 --> 00:29:47.500 And again, that was predicted in the Old Testament. 00:29:47.659 --> 00:29:49.259 He would be the suffering servant. 00:29:49.259 --> 00:29:52.940 And then after going to the cross 00:29:52.940 --> 00:29:54.779 and paying the price for our sins 00:29:54.779 --> 00:29:57.200 and acting for our salvation 00:29:57.200 --> 00:29:58.099 and our redemption, 00:29:59.500 --> 00:30:01.259 there would be that victory at the resurrection. 00:30:01.400 --> 00:30:03.400 There'd be the glory to follow. 00:30:04.480 --> 00:30:05.920 And again, the Old Testament spoke 00:30:05.920 --> 00:30:07.759 of an eternal, global, glorious king, 00:30:07.839 --> 00:30:08.680 and that's Jesus. 00:30:08.859 --> 00:30:11.759 And Jesus combines both of these realities. 00:30:11.980 --> 00:30:12.599 He is the king 00:30:12.599 --> 00:30:15.680 and he is the suffering servant for us. 00:30:17.019 --> 00:30:18.920 Now, why does Peter remind them of that? 00:30:18.920 --> 00:30:21.140 What's the significance of that pattern 00:30:21.140 --> 00:30:22.120 for Christians suffering 00:30:22.120 --> 00:30:23.980 and Christians going through trials? 00:30:25.539 --> 00:30:26.980 Well, of course, he's saying to us, 00:30:27.340 --> 00:30:30.980 we are following in the footsteps of our Saviour. 00:30:32.259 --> 00:30:37.160 The pattern of our faith is cross-shaped. 00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:42.960 And let me say, if you're not a Christian, 00:30:42.960 --> 00:30:47.759 you need to consider the cost of discipleship. 00:30:48.920 --> 00:30:52.140 Jesus clearly calls us to die to self 00:30:52.140 --> 00:30:56.140 and to give up our own life, 00:30:56.539 --> 00:30:59.860 our claims to be Lord and King of our own life 00:30:59.860 --> 00:31:01.740 so that he might be Lord and King. 00:31:02.759 --> 00:31:04.160 And the only way we're going to do that 00:31:04.160 --> 00:31:06.220 is if we see the value of our salvation 00:31:06.220 --> 00:31:07.980 and the joy of what he offers. 00:31:09.700 --> 00:31:10.779 But recognise too, 00:31:10.840 --> 00:31:13.840 as Peter talks about in Jesus, 00:31:13.980 --> 00:31:15.840 someone who suffers first with glory to follow, 00:31:15.839 --> 00:31:18.000 it does not then mean 00:31:18.000 --> 00:31:20.039 when I suffer, 00:31:20.220 --> 00:31:21.559 I am unloved 00:31:21.559 --> 00:31:23.220 or I am forgotten. 00:31:24.559 --> 00:31:27.539 Rather, this is the experience of Jesus, 00:31:28.339 --> 00:31:31.099 the son the father loves. 00:31:31.099 --> 00:31:37.939 God has laid down the pattern of salvation 00:31:37.939 --> 00:31:39.199 in the Bible 00:31:39.199 --> 00:31:42.539 and in the life of his son Jesus, 00:31:43.459 --> 00:31:46.119 that we would pattern our lives 00:31:46.119 --> 00:31:48.419 on the pattern of salvation, 00:31:49.480 --> 00:31:52.959 that we would seek to live by his grace, 00:31:52.960 --> 00:31:57.860 that we'd be willing to suffer for Jesus 00:31:57.860 --> 00:32:02.960 as we wait for future glory with him. 00:32:05.539 --> 00:32:09.240 Peter's point is that you and I 00:32:09.240 --> 00:32:11.559 can suffer with joy 00:32:11.559 --> 00:32:14.519 by fixing our eyes on Jesus. 00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:19.240 Remember my triathlon running friend? 00:32:19.900 --> 00:32:21.220 He was kept going 00:32:21.220 --> 00:32:23.879 by the thought of home 00:32:23.879 --> 00:32:26.259 and what home represented. 00:32:27.660 --> 00:32:29.660 We are called today 00:32:29.660 --> 00:32:33.379 to suffer with joy. 00:32:35.079 --> 00:32:36.660 Looking ahead 00:32:36.660 --> 00:32:39.460 to our future home in glory, 00:32:39.460 --> 00:32:41.940 even as we enjoy 00:32:41.940 --> 00:32:44.420 the privileges of salvation 00:32:44.420 --> 00:32:45.220 in the present. 00:32:45.880 --> 00:32:48.279 We live knowing we have peace with God, 00:32:48.880 --> 00:32:50.900 knowing everyday love from God, 00:32:51.539 --> 00:32:53.319 receiving a joy 00:32:53.319 --> 00:32:55.860 that no circumstances can take away, 00:32:56.220 --> 00:32:58.279 having hope that is eternal. 00:32:58.720 --> 00:32:59.680 And we have that now 00:32:59.680 --> 00:33:00.799 and we look ahead. 00:33:02.840 --> 00:33:04.240 It's like those 00:33:04.240 --> 00:33:06.559 Zoom family gatherings 00:33:06.559 --> 00:33:08.740 that no doubt we have all been, 00:33:09.059 --> 00:33:09.819 in a sense, 00:33:09.960 --> 00:33:10.419 enjoying, 00:33:10.559 --> 00:33:11.279 but in a sense, 00:33:11.379 --> 00:33:11.799 enduring. 00:33:12.460 --> 00:33:14.379 Now we have those calls, 00:33:14.619 --> 00:33:15.919 multiple screams 00:33:15.919 --> 00:33:17.139 and we get to enjoy 00:33:17.139 --> 00:33:18.200 some fun 00:33:18.200 --> 00:33:19.879 and we get to feel love 00:33:19.879 --> 00:33:20.599 from parents 00:33:20.599 --> 00:33:21.799 or siblings 00:33:21.799 --> 00:33:22.539 or children, 00:33:22.879 --> 00:33:23.339 but 00:33:23.339 --> 00:33:26.639 that's not how we want it to stay, 00:33:26.700 --> 00:33:26.859 is it? 00:33:26.879 --> 00:33:28.960 We look forward 00:33:28.960 --> 00:33:31.639 to when we can all be gathered 00:33:31.639 --> 00:33:32.579 in the same home 00:33:32.579 --> 00:33:33.619 because we recognise 00:33:33.619 --> 00:33:35.919 that's so much better. 00:33:36.559 --> 00:33:38.379 Friends, 00:33:38.440 --> 00:33:40.299 we have so much to enjoy now 00:33:40.299 --> 00:33:42.559 as followers of Jesus 00:33:42.559 --> 00:33:44.200 to give us hope. 00:33:45.259 --> 00:33:46.480 But Peter reminds us 00:33:46.480 --> 00:33:48.240 we have so much 00:33:48.240 --> 00:33:49.720 still to come 00:33:49.720 --> 00:33:51.659 in our true home 00:33:51.659 --> 00:33:52.659 in heaven 00:33:52.659 --> 00:33:53.859 with Jesus, 00:33:54.000 --> 00:33:54.980 our Lord and Saviour. 00:33:54.980 --> 00:33:55.720 in heaven 00:33:55.720 --> 00:33:59.120 We have so much 00:33:59.120 --> 00:34:11.380 in heaven 00:34:11.579 --> 00:34:11.960 for God 00:34:11.980 --> 00:34:12.000 in heaven 00:34:12.000 --> 00:34:12.219 and 00:34:12.219 --> 00:34:13.019 we have so much 00:34:13.019 --> 00:34:13.420 in heaven 00:34:13.519 --> 00:34:14.719 to change 00:34:14.719 --> 00:34:15.780 we love 00:34:15.780 --> 00:34:16.139 our Lord have a 00:34:16.139 --> 00:34:16.380 dream 00:34:16.380 --> 00:34:17.000 in heaven 00:34:17.000 --> 00:34:17.539 is 00:34:17.539 --> 00:34:18.460 our Son 00:34:18.460 --> 00:34:18.840 and their 00:34:18.840 --> 00:34:19.960 ison 00:34:19.960 --> 00:34:21.300 will be 00:34:21.400 --> 00:34:22.740 our Quelle