Worship In Pain (Salvation Foundation For Joy)

3) Because of Inheritance (v. 4-5)

a. Peter ends this sentence with continued theological and practical depth as he speaks about the

culmination of our Christian faith. Knowing that some would suffer much then be killed or suffer so

much that they wish they were dead; he points to the prize. With the language of the OT promised land,

he tells of a home that they are exiled from now but will one day see. He describes is as one that does

not decay or rot, one that is pure and holy, and one that never dries and withers as the flowers or laurel

crowns do. I wish we had time to go into those three. After those three descriptions, he gives two more

points of encouragement. First, our salvation, our final glorification is guaranteed. Second, it is ready to

be revealed. Nothing else is needed. It’s simply a matter of time.

b. Argumentation

c. Illustration: One commentator so eloquently puts it, “The paronomasia of the three verbals is most

effective; the inheritance is untouched by death, unstained by evil, unimpaired by time; it is compounded

of immortality, purity, and beauty.” Some argue that nothing can take it from you, but you can take it

from yourself. Wouldn’t that make you more powerful than God?

d. The descriptions of heaven make it beautiful. We know that the bible promises that it will be greater than

we can imagine. And being in the presence of Almighty Jesus will be the ultimate absolute ecstasy for

eternity. It will not be boring, get old, or lack anything. This thought may be what gets us through the

worst times in our lives. You may be so down that there is nowhere to go but up. Hang in there; for a

great reward is coming to those who remain faithful. When we are depressed and can’t get out of bed,

when we are angry and can’t it under control, when we think about suicide, know that those thoughts of

evil can’t compare to the joy laid out for you. Know that when you think you have failed, when you are

unlovable, when you are wrestling with doubt, you can never lose what has been given to you. He keeps

salvation, and notice he guards you too, by his power, unbreakable, unassailable, incomprehensible,

absolute sovereignty over everything. He will not let us go. Know that if you possess this salvation, it is

ready to be revealed in you when the time is right.

A. Closing illustration: During times of uncertainty, stress, trials & struggles you can still find peace &

laughter. All you gotta do is encourage each other with support & understanding. Today there’s not one

single thing we can do to find answers or fix the situation. God tells us “take no thought for tomorrow for

tomorrow will take thought for the things of itself”.

Today has turned out to be a perfect day! Thank you, God!

The weather is beautifully perfect don’t need air conditioner or heat, so windows raised. Meat cooking

filling the air with the aroma that stirs during this time of year for us (Brunswick Stew). I found my

husband jamming without a care in the world! And to top it off the Ga/Fla game going.