Peter 1:6-9 (NIV)
The apostle Peter had given the Jews in exile several reasons for rejoicing:
- They have a Living Hope. (1:3)
- They have a Lasting Inheritance. (1:4)
- They have a Long-term Salvation. (1:5)
- They have a Longed for Final Reward. (1:6)
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The apostle Peter then taught them about their trials and why Christians must suffer.
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Reality of Christian Sufferings (1:6)
Christians are to be a rejoicing people.
We are to rejoice in spite of our troubles.
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But being saved is no hedge from trouble!
Christians are not immune from all kinds of trials.
These trials hit us from every side and often with devastating consequences.
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Realignment of Christian Sufferings (1:7)
When troubles come, they concentrate their power against our faith in the Lord.
Satan wants to do all that he can to make Christians doubt the power of God to meet their need.
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The apostle Peter spoke of the refining process that gold goes through.
When it is subjected to the flame, the impurities and dross in the gold come to the top.
The result is far purer gold than that which was present before!
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The same is true in the life of the believer.
When Jesus allows us to go through the furnace of affliction, it serves to remove from our lives things that were not needed and it brings into a closer and purer relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Our trials are working for our good (Rom. 8:28).
We may not see the benefit today.
But when we stand before the Lord in Heaven, and we are rewarded for our walk with Him and for the sufferings we endured below, it will be worth it all.
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God knows best.
He will not let us crash and burn.
He just allows what He does to strengthen our faith and to grow us up in Him.
If the Lord doesn’t challenge us, we would never grow!
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Reliability of Christian Sufferings (1:8)
As we weather the storms of life and see God come through time and again, we can actually learn to develop a spirit of praise as we journey toward Heaven.
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We will find that our unseen Savior will see us through every trial!
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The Lord Jesus ever abides with His own.
When we face trials, He goes through them with us.
He will never leave us nor forsake us .
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His grace is always sufficient for every need.
This ought to cause us to be filled with unspeakable joy.
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The apostle Peter gave us hope regarding the overcoming of life's difficult times.
Let us not lose hope.
Let us rejoice in all our trials.
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