"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOING THROUGH TRIALS"
1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
1 Peter 1:7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. We truly rejoice in what God has done for us. That's what we are told in 1 Pet 1:6. Which is speaking of our salvation. Here's how Peter put it a few verses earlier 1 Pet 1;3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
So, we rejoice that God has saved us. We have been saved by His mercy, and we are saved unto a living hope through Jesus Christ's rising from the dead.
2. So, here are five truths about trials.
(1) Trials are only temporary. 1st Pet 1:6b. "though now for a little while.” This means, they come for a season.
Just like we go through summer, then into fall, then into winter, and then into spring. There are seasons of nature, and they come, and they go. And, that is one of the truths of a trial. They come, and then at some point they are gone.
(2) Trials only come when they are needed. 1st Pet 1:6c "if need be" That is, they come when they are necessary. And, of course our Lord knows when they are needed, and He is faithful to allow them into our lives.
(3) Trials bring grief into our lives. 1 Pet 1:6d you have been grieved by various trials, In other words, they make us sorrowful, they bring sadness, they cause grief, and they make us uneasy. That's the truth isn't it.
(4) Trials come in various ways. 1 Pet 1:6e. "by various trials," There can be many trials that come all at once, or one after the other.
(5) Trials come only to test your faith. To show that your faith is strong and pure. That's what 1st Pet 1:7a says. "that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes,"
(6) Trials not only test your faith, but will be the basis for much praise, and glory, and honor on the day that Jesus Christ is revealed to the entire world. 1st Pet 1:7 b "may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,"
3. So, if you are in a trial right now, may I encourage you to just take a few moments and read these most descriptive and helpful verses from God that speak to what you are going through. May you simply believe what God says, and look forward to His being faithful to accomplish in You what He intends. You will be much stronger after the Lord gets you through the trial. And, He will. The 3 verses below are in the New Living Translation.
1st Pet 1:3 All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead.
1st Pet 1:6 So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.
1st Pet 1:7 These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
A prayer:
Father, each day, Your Word is indeed the bread of life for our souls. Thank You for all that You do in us through Your Word. You give us perspective, truth, insight, understanding, comfort and hope. Thank You for all You do for us day by day. And, we particularly thank You for this teaching on "trials" We go through them, and these verses really shed light on why we go through them, and how to go through them, and the purpose you have in mind for us going through them. We love You and can hardly wait to see You face to face. In Jesus name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
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