1:6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
Everybody has lost something at some point in our lives. Once the object was found there is generally happiness and great joy. Our grief is quickly replaced by gladness. However, the joy we experience from our salvation is not something that brings temporary joy (see Matthew 13:44; Luke 2:10-11; Acts 13:52; Romans 5:11; 14:17; Philippians 4:4). Verse six starts with the idea of rejoicing, something that makes us exceedingly glad (see Matthew 5:12). The Greek word used here is never used in regards to earthly pleasure. So what is Peter talking about? Peter is pointing to the previous three verses that indicate our salvation is truly secure and that should make us joyful enough to rejoice!
Peter continues with what we might call a ‘downer’ by saying though for a little while we might be grieved by various trials. How long is a little while? Some might not agree on that statement as they may have been suffering for many years. But Peter is comparing our time on earth with eternity (see 2 Corinthians 4:17). It is interesting to note the use of the phrase “if necessary.” Some of us might want to ‘opt’ out of suffering but that’s not up to us. God is sovereign and knows what we need, regardless if we think we need it or not. God uses trials (see James 1:2-4) for a variety of reasons. For example, through our trials we learn how: 1) to better serve others (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-7); 2) to humble us (see 2 Corinthians 12:17-10); 3) to keep our hearts and minds on Him (see John 16:33); 4) to value God’s blessings (see Romans 8:17-18; 1 Peter 4:13); 5) to discipline us (see Hebrews 12:5-12); and 6) to strengthen us (see Romans 5:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:4-6; 1 Peter 5:10).
We often grieve when we face various trials. Some trials may be minor such as an unexplained increase in anxiety, or it can be something very serious like a life-threatening injury. Trouble can come in many forms, but we need to know that regardless of where, who, what, or how big the problem is, God is the solution. God’s grace is not only sufficient, He also oversees everything and will not allow something to occur that we cannot handle (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).
After offering the news about having to endure trials, Peter gives us an invaluable insight as to the reason why. He says it gives proof of the genuineness of our faith in God. Our ability to handle pressure, as suffering and persecution demonstrates to the unbelieving world that our faith is real, and that God is real. In the engineering community there is a concept called ‘proof testing’. Whether it is a physical strength property (like how much pressure can a tank handle or how much weight a chair can handle), an electrical dielectric (how much voltage an insulator can handle), etc. Proof testing evaluates products and materials to see if they can handle the job effectively and safely. In like manner, Christians are also proof tested; we are being watched by the world. How we deal with issues, stress, etc., is a witness to others. Simply put, we are to practice what we believe!
1:7 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.
Peter says our genuine faith is more precious than gold. On a side note about gold we need to remember the highest admired and appreciated metal here on earth is nothing more than asphalt (or paving material) in heaven (see Revelation 21:21). Which illustrates that the greatness of heaven is beyond our human understanding. Peter refers to gold as something that will perish and we know the old earth will pass away. The word Peter uses (Greek ‘apollymi’ here translated as ‘perish’) can also mean that it at some point will be rendered useless[1] (see James 5:3).
Peter compares proven (proof-tested) faith to the finest and purest of gold. Being tested by fire will expose any impurities in gold. Our faith will also be tested by fire (see Numbers 31:22-23; Proverbs 17:3; Job 23:10 and Zechariah 13:9). Once we persevere the ‘fire’, what remains is a heart that seeks only to please God. This is nothing new, we can find several in the Old Testament that were also tested in this way (for example, see Genesis 22:1-19; 37:1-41:57; 43:1-47:31; Job 1:6-2:10).
Peter reminds us that our tested faith will be found in praise, glory, and honor from Jesus when He returns (see 1 Corinthians 1:7-8). We will be receiving God’s glory (again one of those things we cannot fully understand, see Romans 2:6-10; John 17:22; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:4). God will be rewarding us for our faith including giving us honor by becoming royal priests (see 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; Colossians 3:24; 1 Peter 2:9). It’s hard not ask ourselves how will we be found? Will we be doing our Savior’s work? Will we be able to “hold up” under any proof testing? What does our witness look like?
1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Peter then informs us about two important indicators of our faith. Though we do not see Him (our first test of our faith) we love (highest level of love, see John 14:21) and believe in Him, and as a result we rejoice. We are to rejoice with a joy that is inexpressible with words alone. The phrase “filled with glory” is actually one Greek word (the root word we get the word doxology from)[2] essentially meaning the highest praise possible. Peter then notes that it is through faith that we will receive the salvation of our souls.
Going back to the idea of the joy of finding something that was lost, what about if you didn’t know you lost something, or what if you didn’t know you were lost? The concept of salvation is lost on those who don’t know they are lost! We need to be found trusting in God in all things so we can be effective in helping others to be found. Our unbelieving friends or family may not know they are lost. We need to be willing to show them the way, reveal to them the Truth!
⇐Previous Chapter (Introduction/Index) Next Chapter⇒
[1] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Strong’s Greek No. 622
[2] Myers, A. C. (1987). In The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (p. 293). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. Strong’s Greek No. 1392