My New Life of Faith for the Future - July 19, 2009

Text: 1 Peter 1: 3-9

I. FAITH SAVES ME

(2) "…who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, … for obedience to Jesus Christ."

Eph 2:8-10

Gal 5:6 “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."

The Apostle Paul had this attitude: 2 Cor 12:15 “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls.” NKJV


II. FAITH SHEILDS ME FROM MY ADVERSARY

(5) "…who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation."

A. You must recognize the evil forces that want to steal, kill and destroy.

Jesus illustrates this in several parables: Matt 13:3-4, 19, 31-32; 17:20

B. You must resist these evil forces. It is your faith that is under attack; it is your faith that needs to be fed and nurtured; it is your faith that sustains you in life’s battles.

Jude 20-21, 1 Peter 5:8-9, Eph 6:16



III. FAITH SUSTAINS ME THROUGH DARK VALLEYS

(6) "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials."

A. Valleys are inevitable


B. Valleys are impartial


C. Valleys are purposeful


What do you do when you go through dark valleys?

Psalm 23:4"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Refuse to live in fear.

Remember that God is with you.

Rely on God’s protection and guidance.


CONCLUSION: Do you have a faith in Christ Jesus that SAVES, SHIELDS & SUSTAINS you? If not, today you can have faith for the future.