In this message we have a mini-theology of trials from God’s Word. If you have every wondered about the Biblical teaching on trials in the life of a Christian, stop and dwell here.

Teaching Notes:

Fiery Trials

1 Peter 1:6-7

Central Theme of 1Peter is Trials & Suffering. Repeats it often. 2:18-21; 3:13-17; 4:1; 4:12-19; 5:10.
In this you greatly rejoice – in what? In our sure & certain future salvation! In our eternal glorious inheritance! In fact that it’s reserved for us & we are protected for it!

1. Trials Are Temporary:

“now for a little while”. Don’t last forever. At most, last for length of our life – but that just little while compared to eternity. Wiersbe: “When God permits His children to go through the furnace, He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat.” Watson: “Affliction may be lasting, but it is not everlasting.” 2Cor.4:17 “For momentary light affliction…” 1Pet.5:10. That’s why Peter starts letter focusing on eternal inheritance. So readers can bear temporary sufferings! Hang on to this hope!

2. Trials Are Necessary:

“if necessary”. Gr. Verb is same root word Jesus used when spoke to Nicodemus of new birth (3:7), or of necessity of death & resurrection (Mt.16:21). 1Pet.3:17; 4:19 – sovereign will. 1Thess.3:3. Why? Rom.5:1-2 Perseverance – Proven Character – Hope. James 1:2-4 Endurance – Perfect & Complete. Lam.3:33 “He does not afflict willingly, or grieve the sons of men.” Next time go through trial, tell self, God knows this is necessary for me. John Newton: “Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise physician prescribes, because we need them; and he proportions the frequency and weight of them to what the case requires.”

3. Trials Are Distressing:

means “to experience grief or pain.” Used to describe sorrow of saints at death of loved ones (1Thess.4:13) or Jesus in Gethsemane (Mt.26:37). But also “greatly rejoices.” Christian lives w/ both emotions. Gladness & Sadness. Joy & Distress. “As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.” Trials distress him – truths gladden him. Thus, what should we do when facing trials, if we want joy? If person was very poor & living on street, but received news that in week was to become billionaire – constantly thinking about it & rejoicing! Us!

4. Trials Are Diverse:

Peter uses this Gr. Word only 1 other place. 4:10. Manifold. Means many-colored. Many kinds & shades of trials. Our trials come in all kinds of sizes, shapes, colors! Financial pressures, sickness, death of loved one, grief over sin, loss of job, persecution.

5. Trials Are Purposeful:

NIV helpful here. “These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fine – may be proved genuine…” Compares faith to gold. Rather genuine faith to pure gold. Gold may be refined by fire to remove dross and be completely pure. Extremely valuable, even though it is perishable. Genuine faith more precious than that! 49ers – risk life & limb, gave up livelihoods, traveled thousands of miles, subjected families to Indian attacks, disease, suffering, worked around clock to get gold! If we value gold so highly that we put in fire to eliminate dross & acquire full value, why wonder if God puts our faith in furnace to purge it & prove it’s genuine? How many of us realize value of true faith? When you go through trials & suffering, and come out clinging even tighter to Jesus, know faith is genuine. Trials have done invaluable service – proven to you that faith is real. 4 soils. Mt.13:21. Do trials drive you to Jesus, or separate you from Him?

6. Trials are Rewarded:

God will reward every instance of faith which stood test in midst of fiery trials. Praise: when Christ returns will praise before men & angels. “Well done…” 1Cor.4:5. Glory: privilege of God’s people in sharing His divine splendor & majesty. 2Cor.4:17. Rom.8:18. Honor: has to do w/ rank, position & privilege. He shall lift us up to high dignity by setting on thrones & giving crowns. Thomas Brooks: “Afflictions are our Father’s goldsmiths who are working to add pearls to our crowns.”

Application:

Oh, how we ought to live! If were convinced of what will occur on that solemn day when Christ returns. How little would be concerned w/ hardships. Look for eternal crown! How little affected by opinions of men – only regard the opinion of God. What trials you suffering? Remember they are temporary, necessary, purposeful and will be rewarded! Resign to will of God and suffer meekly!

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