Inexpressible Joy 1 Peter 1:6-9 Jeremy Bell Main Point: God’s people greatly rejoice in His salvation even while He refines our faith through purposeful testing. I. God Tests Us To Purify Our Faith Four aspects of trials: 1. Trials are temporary 2. Trials come from God’s hand 3. Trials bring purposeful grief 4. Trials have a wonderfully redemptive purpose II. God Fills Our Faith With Great Joy Questions for Discussion/Application: *Consider taking time to read 1 Peter 1:6-9 out loud. What initial insights or observations of the text do you have? *Overall how have this passage and this sermon encouraged and ministered you? *Jeremy listed four aspects of trials (re-read in recap above). Which of those stands out to you as particularly helpful, that you want to intentionally remember in the trials and afflictions you may be facing today? *Why do we find it difficult to trust God in trials? How does this passage give needed clarity and perspective on the trials we face? *How does the following quote apply to us? “When we walk a clear road feeling fine, and someone takes our arm to help us, as likely as not we shall impatiently shake him off; but when we are caught in rough country in the dark, with a storm getting up and our strength spent, and someone takes our arm to help us, we shall thankfully lean on him…therefore God takes steps to drive us out of self-confidence to trust in Himself.” – JI Packer *What trials are you facing today, that you would like prayer for that the Lord would help you to trust Him in the midst of? *Consider taking time to pray, asking God to help us to take the wonderful truth of this passage and apply deeply to our hearts and lives in the trials we face.