May 17, 2020                                                                        Rev. Thomas M. Cox
LIVING HOPE #3: Joy Inexpressible  1 Peter 1:6-9

➔ Why should I R_________ in the midst of life’s T__________?

1) Because God C____________ us to do so. (see James 1:2)

2) Because I U____________ that God is building C____________ into my life.

➢ James 1:2-3 – S__________________
➢ Romans 5:3-5 – E_____________ → H_________

3) Because we know that God is T___________ our F________ .

4) Because doing so expresses our T________ that God is in C_________.

5) Because I do not have to be R________ by my C________________!

6) Because I do not have to allow my F___________ to D_____________ my life.

* The Scripture does make room for us to G_________.

7) Because we walk by F_____, not by S______ and we are R________ on Christ into E________.

1 Peter 1:6-9 (ESV)

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have
been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of
your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested
by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the
revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen Him, you love
Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice
with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the
outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
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James 1:2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Romans 5:3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering
produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character
produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has
been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

John 20:26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”