1 Peter 1:3-12
To start off here are some attributes to Faith: Guard, Shield, Seal, Producer, invisible, looks to the future, evidence of things unseen, non-tangible.
In 1 Peter 1:3-12, Faith and Salvation are mentioned 3 times each and Grace once. In verse 5 it speaks of Faith being our guard over out salvation. When you look at Ephesians 6:16 it's our shield against satan's attacks. In Romans 9:30-33 it brings righteousness and in Hebrews 11:6 it would be impossible to please God without our Faith. Given to us by God, but our choice/seed to use as God expects. In James 1:2-4 our Faith is tested daily and produces steadfastness. Then in 2 Peter 1:5-8 we need to supplement our Faith. This helps us to strengthen our shield, guard and fortress. We work on this and so does God. It's not our work alone or anything to earn heaven it's just our way of growing.
We grow by our daily walk, devotional time in the Bible, relationships with other Christians, attendance at Church and many other ways but these are core to strengthening our faith. Our Faith grows and is strengthened by various trials that test us and how we respond can either strengthen or weaken our Faith. Both of these provide us with a Faith so we can defend our salvation and provide a defense against satan's attacks. Practice and application within these areas means that our Faith will and is more precious than gold. Our salvation is that important that we have a system in place to protect it all costs.
In verse 9 our faith produces / outcome is a strong, flourishing, fruitful salvation that brings in v. 7 praise, glory and honor at Jesus revelation at the last time as shown in verse 5. Now Faith is interesting because it's our side of the coin. It is ours to make the decision. God draws us all to Him but each of us makes the choice. Faith is reference as ours. Possessive to the person. God provides the grace to all and salvation to those who put their Faith, Trust in God and what Jesus accomplished on the cross and His resurrection.
Just look at Matthew 17:19-20 where Jesus speaks of the disciples Faith and how they needed to have little faith to at least so the little things. In Luke 17:5-6 the disciples ask to have their faith increased by Jesus and Jesus says again how they need to have just a little faith and they will have enough. Grace is the soil for our seed of Faith that we provide the choice to do something with it. Ephesians 2:8-10 states that it's by Faith that we are God's not by anything that we do beyond making the choice to follow. Here are some more references: Matthew 21:21-22, Mark 11:22-23 and James 2:22-23.
The act of doing completes our Faith. Our works are our outward expression of our faith and it builds our faith, and strengthens it. Do you take responsibility for your Faith? Do you nurture it, feed it, help it to grow? What are you doing with your faith? It's like a plant so take care of it.
Our Faith is the words in the book of our life. What's written in your book? Are you daily trusting God for your well being?
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