I. Praise God for our eternal hope. V. 3-5
-blessed = eulogetos
"Divine mercy takes the sinner from misery to glory (a change of condition), and divine grace takes him from guilt to acquittal (a change of position)."-MacArthur
-anagenneo = to cause to be born again
a. Our hope is living. V. 3
b. Our inheritance is imperishable. V. 4
-imperishable = aphtharton = not corruptible, not subject to destruction.
-undefiled = amianton = pure, unstained, unpolluted
-will not fade away = amaranton = permanent
c. We are protected by God. V. 5
-protected = shielded, guard, keep watch over
II. Rejoice in times of suffering. V. 6-9
a. Trials can produce positive effect.
i. Trials prove our faith.
-proof = dokimion = approved after trial
ii. Trials demonstrate the worth of our faith.
"The genuine element in their faith was proven by a process similar to that of metal refining and is found to be something more precious than these precious metals."
b. Trials cannot last forever.
c. Trials cannot stop our love for Christ.
d. Trials cannot steal our joy.
e. Trials cannot prevent the outcome of our faith.
