ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES
Faith In The Unseen Savior
Text: I Peter 1:1-9 IBCSWS July 16, 2006
Preacher: Jose B. Cabajar
When we say faith in the unseen Savior based on I Peter Chapter 1, we are not talking about faith in an unknown god deified by men, but faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Living Savior.
In I Peter 1:3-5, it written, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (KJV) We praise God for the abundant mercy He has shown to us through our Lord Jesus Christ. Reading the above passages not only reminds us of our joy-giving hope in Christ, but also of the many blessings we have in Him in this life and beyond.
During the earthly ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, countless people believed not His true identity and the words of truth He has spoken to them. They met Him face to face and saw His great miracles, but their hearts were still filled with unbelief. It even came to a point that His early followers doubted His resurrection and appearances. Even Thomas doubted Christ’s resurrection and said, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” How sad that many people today have Thomas-like way of thinking. Do they hope to have a chance to see Jesus these days before believing Him? How sorrowful it would be when they see Jesus in the Judgment Day, but it would be too late for them.
God gave Thomas a chance to recover from his failure to believe, and as an excellent proof of his spiritual revival, he confessed his final statement of faith when he said unto Jesus, “My Lord and my God.” The Lord said unto him, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” What a great assurance of blessing to every man who without seeing the Lord, believed Him with all his heart.
(I) Manifested Through Love
I Peter 1:8
-Faith without love toward the Lord Jesus Christ is
questionable
In I Peter 1:8, it is written, Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (KJV) The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God, and that’s exactly what verse 8 conveys to us. Through hearing the Gospel, a person could put his trust in the Lord without even seeing Him. His living faith in Christ will surely grow and his love for the unseen Savior will become undeniably visible.
On the other hand, countless people claim they love the Lord, but their attitude toward Bible reading, praying, Church attendance, giving and spreading the Gospel obviously reveal that their hearts have no notable love for the Lord Jesus Christ. They show much love for things of the world, but are indifferent toward serving the Living God.
If we really love the unseen Savior, it’s only appropriate for us to love His ministry on earth as well. Through our active involvement in our Local Church activities, we can do wonderful works for the glory of God. We could also give our best in praising, honoring, worshipping and glorifying God. Remember, faith-triggered love is unstoppable.
(II) Produces Unspeakable Joy
I Peter 1:8
-Faith in the Living Savior produces extraordinary joy
…yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of
glory.
Many unbelievers across the world are yet to be convinced that believers really possess unspeakable joy, but that’s what the Bible says: that believers can rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. May true believers truly prove and convince the world that the people of God are indeed experiencing such joy unspeakable.
Faith in Christ produces joy even in times of difficulties. In I Peter 1:6-7, it is written, Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (KJV) Test of faith is extremely important in a believer’s life and it’s worth rejoicing for. A well-tested faith is a well-treasured faith. The joy we experience through the process and the benefits we get after fiery trial will surely lead us to praise God throughout our lifetime. No doubt, Job once said, “but he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
Unspeakable joy is undeniably present in the lives of true believers.
(III) Assures Man’s Salvation
I Peter 1:9
-Sure salvation
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is a saving faith; not an obscure salvation but with certainty. In I Peter 1:9, it is written, Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (KJV) This verse makes us realize that faith in Christ is essential and beneficial to a sinful man. It has a wonderful result that works cannot attain.
A man who repented from his sins and truly trusted the Lord Jesus Christ for his salvation is a blessed man. He has the assurance of eternal life that no man could take away from him. In John 10:28-30, it is written, And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. (KJV) What a blessed assurance we have in Christ! Give thanks unto God for His great salvation. Keep on rejoicing! Keep on telling to others that Jesus Saves!
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