Genuine

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Scripture: 


 1 Peter 1:6 In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.


Observation:


God’s people rejoice because they are protected and empowered by God’s presence. Throughout Peter’s epistle he talks about persecution and the need to endure the trials that they are facing. The trials are various, and the word used here is the same that is used to describe Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness. Some trials are long, others may be shorter, but ultimately, just like they did in Jesus’ life, they result in an authenticity in our spiritual lives 


Genuineness of faith is to be seen in the life of every believer, and this authenticity is of more value than gold. Praise, glory, and honor comes as a result of Christ being revealed in the life of those who persevere. Those who persevere will come to know Jesus in a profound way; in loving him and believing in him there will be great joy. All of this is in relation to understanding the great hope that comes from freedom from sin, and living into all holiness. 


Application:


We’ve all met those people who could “talk the talk,” but rarely do we meet the one who genuinely “walks the walk.” Peter was concerned that the faith of the diaspora would be genuine. What people see on the outside should genuinely reflect what is happening on the inside, and anything short of this warps our witness of Christ. 


There is no promise of an easy Christian life. The people to whom he was writing already knew this because they had left their homes for their own safety. However, even in the midst of “trials” we are to remain genuine. Even when burned in the crucible of persecution, what is left standing is the reflection of Jesus Christ. So, when we see the challenges and difficulties around us, they are not meant to just disappear because of prayer, but we are to learn to be Jesus in the challenge.


A genuine Christian is one who looks and acts like Jesus, even when things are not going their way. To be genuine is to become entirely devoted to knowing and loving Jesus. These were God’s holy people in Asia Minor, and God is still calling for holy people today. There is no promise that this life will be without its troubles, but even when faced with temptation, we are to become more like Jesus. 


Prayer:


Lord, may your people become genuinely more like you every day. Amen.  


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