Making Wise Investments (Part 6): Faith More Precious Than Gold

Making Wise Investments (Part 6): Faith More Precious Than Gold

The next and final lesson in our series will deal with the “treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). But before we get to that, we must answer this question: How can we make it through the trials of life so that we will reach heaven? The answer to this question is that we will “obtain an inheritance…in heaven […] through faith” (1 Peter 1:4-5). Peter went on to describe the value of a proven faith.

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).

The Bible Definition of Faith

When we talk about faith, we need to understand it in the way the Bible defines it, rather than in the way the religious world at large defines it. Faith is not merely a belief in the existence of God. James said, “The demons…believe” (James 2:19), but they did not have faith. So what is faith? The Hebrew writer described it so that we might understand:

Now faith is the assurance [substance, KJV] of things hoped for, the conviction [evidence, KJV] of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

These verses tells us a few things about faith. First, we have faith regarding things we hope for – namely the reward of heaven. Second, faith is about things not seen (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight”). Third, those unseen things for which we hope are not unrealistic fantasies. They are based upon evidence. God does not expect us to take a “leap of faith” – choosing to believe something against our better judgment – but to be convicted and assured based upon what He has revealed to us. Fourth, faith involves belief in the existence of God. Fifth, faith involves belief in the power of God – that He is able to reward us. Sixth, faith involves the understanding of our need to seek God. This is not a mere mental acknowledgement of the existence of God. This is a desire to actively pursue God (obedience and godly living).

Understanding now what faith is, how do we get faith? Some mistakenly believe that one can only have faith if the Holy Spirit performs some sort of direct operation on his heart. This is false. The Bible tells us how obtain faith: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). We have faith today based upon what has been revealed in the Scriptures.

There Will Be Trials in Life

Peter told the Christians to whom he wrote that they had been “distressed by various trials” (1 Peter 1:6). It is true that all men – whether they are followers of God or not – will have trouble in life (Job 14:1). Yet the trials to which Peter referred are not the general hardships of life that everyone faces. These are trials that are peculiar to Christians. Notice what he wrote later in this epistle:

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name” (1 Peter 4:12-16).

Peter made it clear that the “various trials” that distress us (1 Peter 1:6) are trials we suffer for our faith in Christ. We “share the sufferings of Christ” (1 Peter 4:13). We are “reviled for the name of Christ” (1 Peter 4:14). We suffer as Christians (1 Peter 4:16). This suffering was not unique to the Christians who originally received Peter’s letter. Paul told Timothy, “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

We will, of course, face the general hardships of life as all men do. But in addition to these, we will also suffer as Christians. Though the type and severity of persecution will vary with time, place, and other factors, being targeted for suffering will be a reality for all of God’s people.

Our Faith Must Be Proven

Faith is essential for salvation (Hebrews 11:6). But if our faith is not strong enough to sustain us through the inevitable trials of life, it will not do us any good. In light of the persecution they would be facing, Jesus told the church in Smyrna, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). It would not be enough for them to be faithful only when times were good and peace prevailed. Their faith needed to be proven in trial. He said in the next verse, “He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death” (Revelation 2:11).

In the parable of the sower, Jesus spoke of four different types of soils (Luke 8:5-8). These represented four different types of hearts that would be taught the gospel (Luke 8:11-15). The rocky soil represents those who have an unproven faith that will not endure under trial. Notice the parable and the Lord’s explanation:

Other seed fell on rocky soil, and as soon as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture” (Luke 8:6).

Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away” (Luke 8:13).

Initially, those who are represented by the rocky soil will accept the gospel and begin to grow. But this will be short-lived. When it becomes difficult to remain faithful – whether it is due to persecution, intimidation, peer pressure, or any other reason – many will fall away. One with “an honest and good heart” will “bear fruit with perseverance” (Luke 8:15). One with a shallow faith will only bear a little fruit (if any) when it is convenient.

The proof of one’s faith is not about what one says or does when it is convenient. Our faith must be proven through “various trials” (1 Peter 1:6-7). Peter later wrote, “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” (1 Peter 4:1). Jesus suffered and died on the cross for us. If we believe that, we must put our faith into practice and be willing to suffer for Him. Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Paul wrote, “Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). We cannot claim to be a living sacrifice if we forsake the Lord at any moment it seems that our faith may cause us to suffer. Willingness to suffer is evidence of a genuine faith.

The Result of a Proven Faith

What is the result of our faith being proven under trial? Notice a few passages:

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4; cf. 1 Peter 5:10).

Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).

So that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7; cf. Romans 8:17).

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10; cf. James 1:12).

There are other passages that could also be cited. But just from those listed above, we can see the great benefit of a proven faith – one that endures in the face of trials – and why Peter said it is “more precious than gold” (1 Peter 1:7). A proven faith leads to endurance; perfection; completeness; citizenship in Christ’s kingdom; praise, glory, and honor at the Lord’s return; and, ultimately, a crown of life in heaven.

Conclusion

When James addressed the erroneous belief that one could be saved by “faith alone” (James 2:24), he gave a simple test whereby one could prove his faith. “But someone may well say, ‘You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works’” (James 2:18). One of the “works” we must do to demonstrate our faith is to willingly suffer for the cause of Christ. If we are unwilling to endure various trials for Christ, then the faith we have is a dead faith (James 2:17, 26), not a saving faith.


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