1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV), “6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” [1]
Gold can be tested. Melting it down causes other metals and impurities present in the gold to separate from the gold and float on top where it may be skimmed off leaving pure gold. As Peter called this illustration into sight, he brought us a great understanding of what God is doing when his people are in trials. Trials prove the genuine nature of the faith of true believers. This proven faith brings praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Some suggest that trials in the life of a believer are a sign of weak faith. They falsely claim that those of strong faith will prosper in all ways and trials will disappear from their lives. How Sad! Because to believe that way suggests that great faith lies unproven below the calm surface of the believer’s life. This is problematic because plain observation shows that even unbelievers can live relatively trial-free existences with no faith at all. God’s way is better, because as true believers persevere through trials, they show genuine faith. God uses the trials in a believer’s life to bring praise and honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ!
Not convinced? Look through the Bible and ask Abraham, Job, David, Nehemiah, Elijah, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Peter – Wait! Just about every person of God in the Bible experienced trials! Oh yeah…and Jesus! Of course, our Lord himself. “For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.” (Hebrews 2:10) [2] Oh, of course that was only for Him…or was it? Well, Peter settles it for us later in the same later, “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:13) [3] Embrace the testing, for in it we share in Christ’s sufferings just as we will share in his glory!
[1 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (1 Pe 1:6–7). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.]
[2 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Heb 2:10). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.]
[3 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (1 Pe 4:13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.]
0 Comments