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Reliable Reasons for Rejoicing | Javon Ruff

Sunday, June 9



Scriptures

1 Peter 1:1-9; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Ephesians 1:4; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 2:11; John 3:7-8; Ephesians 2:2-5; 2 Peter 1:4; Hebrews 10:23; Jude 1:24; Psalms 121:1-5; 2 Corinthians 1:20

Introduction

Welcome to our small Bible group's study guide on the sermon "Reliable Reasons for Rejoicing." In this session, we'll dive into the profound insights shared by Pastor Javon Ruff, focusing on the Apostle Peter's encouragement to the early Christians as recorded in 1 Peter 1. This sermon is especially relevant in today's world, offering us solid reasons to find joy despite the challenges we face.

The sermon focuses on 1 Peter 1:1-9, where Peter addresses believers who are enduring significant trials and adversities. Pastor Javon Ruff underscores Peter's role as a shepherd, offering words of encouragement and steadfastness to his flock. The central theme of the sermon is Peter's call to rejoice despite difficulties, anchored by reliable reasons rooted in their faith and hope in Christ.

1 Peter 1:1-51 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 

As we study this sermon, let's reflect on the following questions:

  • How can we maintain our joy in the midst of trials?
  • In what ways can we remind ourselves of our true identity as pilgrims and chosen ones?
  • How does the assurance of our eternal inheritance shape our daily lives?
  • What practical steps can we take to live from a place of victory in Christ?

By exploring these questions together, we aim to deepen our understanding of Peter's message and apply these reliable reasons for rejoicing to our own lives. Let's encourage one another to stand firm in faith, celebrate our identity in Christ, and live with the hope and joy that come from knowing Him.

The Clear Path

The sacrifice of our Lord Jesus is not just a historical event, but a profound opportunity for spiritual rebirth. Through Him, our sins are not just forgiven, but washed away, providing us with a clear and perfect path back to the Father.

1 Peter 1:3-5 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."

Our faith, our trust in this inheritance, covers and protects us. Since God gives Himself to us now, our inheritance begins here and now. 

  • How does knowing that Jesus' sacrifice gives us a fresh start and hope for the future change how you live every day? 
  • Think about 1 Peter 1:3-5. How does this make you feel more secure and hopeful right now and for the future?

Rejoicing Through the Fire

Many times, when life throws its toughest obstacles in our path—such as sickness, financial struggles, confusion, anxiety, loneliness, or loss—it's easy to cry out to God and play the "why me" card. In that state of mind, our doubt can get the best of us, and suddenly, it feels like God isn't there for us anymore. These are the lies the enemy tells us.

However, Peter shows us how valuable our faith is:

1 Peter 1:6-7 "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 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 honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." 

Pastor Javon said it best: a season of hardship is just a foreshadow that victory is coming. How you react to hardship during these trials is a defining moment for your faith. Your faith has character. 

  • The Bible clearly explains just how valuable our faith is and how God is exalted through the victory of a trial. Consider this: how do you react when troubles come your way?

Do you throw in the towel and find yourself a victim of the situation, or will you cling to God's word and truth, seeing the troubles as an opportunity to grow your faith, which is more valuable than gold and rubies in the Lord's eyes?

Discuss the questions above with your small group and challenge each other to speak on real-life experiences.

Conclusion

As we conclude our study on the sermon "Reliable Reasons for Rejoicing," let us reflect on the profound truths shared and their application in our lives. The Apostle Peter's encouragement to the early Christians, as recorded in 1 Peter 1, offers us timeless reasons to rejoice, even in the face of trials.

Peter's message reminds us of our true identity as pilgrims and sojourners in this world, emphasizing that our ultimate home is with Christ. This perspective helps us remain focused on our eternal destination and not be overwhelmed by present sufferings. We are chosen by God, sanctified by the Spirit, and cleansed by the blood of Jesus—each of these truths affirms our worth and purpose, providing solid grounds for rejoicing.

Central to our joy is the concept of being born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This new birth grants us an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance, reserved in heaven. We are assured of victory through Christ, knowing that our faith, tested by trials, will result in praise, honor, and glory at His revelation.

As Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:8-9, "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." These verses encapsulate the essence of our study, highlighting the profound joy that comes from our faith in Christ, even amidst unseen and future promises.

As we ponder the questions posed in our study:

  • How can we maintain our joy in the midst of trials?
  • In what ways can we remind ourselves of our true identity as pilgrims and chosen ones?
  • How does the assurance of our eternal inheritance shape our daily lives?
  • What practical steps can we take to live from a place of victory in Christ?

Let us encourage one another to stand firm in faith, celebrate our identity in Christ, and live with the hope and joy that come from knowing Him. By embracing these reliable reasons for rejoicing, we can face life's challenges with a steadfast heart, confident in the salvation and eternal inheritance that await us.

In closing, let us carry the inexpressible and glorious joy of our faith into our daily lives, supporting and uplifting each other as a community grounded in the love and hope of Jesus Christ.

Resources

·      YouTube

·      Audio Podcast

Bonus Notes

1.         This world is not your home. You are a pilgrim passing through. Life on Earth is just a dress rehearsal for Heaven. Jesus is returning to rapture His Church, and we are going to Heaven. Everything on this side of eternity is temporary.

2.         You are chosen, called, and cleansed. You are not an accident or mistake but a deliberate choice of God. You have value because God created you as His masterpiece. He hasn’t chosen you to fail but to succeed, excel, and thrive in every area of your life!

3.         You were born again to a living hope. Being born again is the key to having a living hope. Whether you are down or up, rich or poor, strong or weak, religious or non-religious, you must be born again if you want eternal life, your sins forgiven, and to reach your God-given potential. Hope is not wishful thinking. Biblical hope is a confident expectation built on the certainty of the Word of God. If you are alive, there is still hope!

4.         You must fight the fight of faith. The character of your faith will be revealed by the trials you face. It’s easy to praise when everything is going well, but what happens when life throws you a curveball? You can walk by faith or by sight. Choose faith! The fight is worth it. Get your fight back.

5.         Rejoice in your salvation. You weren’t just “unsaved” before God saved you; you were an enemy of God! Now, the joy of the Lord is your strength! God is for you, with you, and loves you.

6.         Remember God’s promises. The promises of God are found in His Word. A promise is only as good as its promiser, and God is a great promiser! His promises are unfailing and everlasting. So don’t forget what God said because of the problems you face. You have promises for every area of your life. Don’t get so focused on your problems that you forget about your promises.

7.         Rejoice because of God’s power. You are kept by the power of God through faith. Refuse to live within the limitations of your strength and abilities. Life will hand you gaps between your ability and what needs to happen. The only thing that can fill that “G.A.P.” in your life is God’s Grace and Power. He’s the God of the gap! God’s grace and power will move you exponentially toward your purpose.

8.         You have keeping power. You are kept by the power of God through faith. You don’t have to give in to temptation. God is a reconciler, restorer, and keeper. Have faith not just to be saved but to be kept from falling and stumbling!