1 Peter 1:6-9, 18-19

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

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1. Jesus emphasized the priceless treasure in His parable of the pearl of great value. A pearl merchant sold everything to get it (Matthew 13:45-46). The greatest treasure is the kingdom of heaven and the only way to enter it is through faith in Jesus Christ. What price was paid?

2. Believers in Christ’s Church on earth will have problems-some because they live their Christianity. What does Peter encourage Christians to do-even with their problems (v. 6)? Why?

3. Yet, trials can be a blessing. What does Peter go on to say (v. 7)?

Jesus, Priceless Treasure (CW 349)

Jesus, priceless treasure,

Fount of purest pleasure,

    Truest friend to me,

Ah, how long in anguish

Shall my spirit languish,

    Yearning, Lord, for Thee?

        Thou art mine,

        O Lamb divine!

I will suffer naught to hide Thee;

Naught I ask beside Thee.

In Thine arms I rest me;

Foes who would molest me

    Cannot reach me here.

Though the earth be shaking,

Ev’ry heart be quaking,

    Jesus calms my fear.

        Lightnings flash

        And thunders crash;

Yet, though sin and hell assail me,

Jesus will not fail me.

Satan, I defy thee;

Death, I now decry thee;

    Fear, I bid thee cease.

World, thou shalt not harm me

Nor thy threats alarm me

    While I sing of peace.

        God’s great pow’r

        Guards ev’ry hour;

Earth and all its depths adore Him,

Silent bow before Him.

Hence, all earthly treasure!

Jesus is my pleasure,

    Jesus is my choice.

Hence, all empty glory!

Naught to me thy story

    Told with tempting voice.

        Pain or loss,

        Or shame or cross,

Shall not from my Savior move me

Since He deigns to love me.

Evil world, I leave thee;

Thou canst not deceive me,

    Thine appeal is vain.

Sin that once did blind me,

Get thee far behind me,

    Come not forth again.

        Past thy hour,

        O pride and pow’r;

Sinful life, thy bonds I sever,

Leave thee now forever.

Hence, all fear and sadness!

For the Lord of gladness,

    Jesus, enters in.

Those who love the Father,

Though the storms may gather,

    Still have peace within.

        Yea, whate’er

        I here must bear,

Thou art still my purest pleasure,

Jesus, priceless treasure!