Posted on 02/19/2008 6:09:50 PM PST by Manfred the Wonder Dawg
Subject: Devotional "Genuine Faith"
Date: Feb 19, 2008 9:53 AM
1 Peter 1:7 "So that the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which perishes though it is tested by fire - nevertheless might be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
The Psalmist tells us that the Word is "more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold" and that "he loves the commandments above gold, above fine gold." It is common knowledge that gold is tested by fire in order to bring about the genuine evidence of the product, but Peter is emphasizing that our faith in the Lord Jesus is of far more value than gold. It is a logical contrast that Peter is bringing forward. If our faith is of greater value than gold, even fine gold then we must expect that it is going to be tested. Gold is tested by fire and it is perishable. Faith will also be tested by things that can cause harm, but it will not perish if it is genuine. The question then becomes; who does the testing of the faith?
God is the one who test our faith, but he tests it in order to bring about the genuine nature of it. This testing that God does can be called sanctification. God does a work in his children to strip them of impurities in order that they would shine all the more brightly for his glory. Every person in the world goes through struggles in life, but the difference with genuine faith is that when it comes out the other side of the testing it is much more beautiful. When the unregenerate man goes through testing in life he comes out more ugly, bitter, and callous. When the regenerate goes through God's fire he comes out with maturity, God centeredness, and joy that is unspeakable because he knows who he is. The purpose of God's fire is that the believer will be one who gives all praise, glory, and honor unto Jesus Christ. There are multitudes of people who confess faith in the Lord Jesus, but true faith will only be made evident in the fire. It is when the heat is turned up that we find what is genuine and what is false. When Jesus turned up the teaching in John 6 we find that there were only a few who were genuine disciples. Just like Daniel's friends, when the fire was turned up they came through shining for the glory of God.
Dearly beloved, if you confess to be a person who has faith in the Lord Jesus then you can expect that your faith will be tested. Take heart today and realize that your faith is tested by God and it is for the purpose of removing impurities that you can shine greatly for the praise, glory, and honor of the Lord Jesus.
Because of the truth:
Pastor: J. Randall Easter II Timothy 2:19
"Our God is in heaven and does whatever He pleases."(Ps. 115:3)
"He predestined us according to the good pleasure of His will."(Eph. 1:5)
Those who have been saved have been saved for His glory and they are being made holy for this is the will of God. Are you being made holy? Spurgeon says, "If your religion does not make you holy it will damn you to hell."
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.