Overcoming Trials and Achieving the Goal (1Peter 1: 6-9)

OVERCOMING TRIALS AND ACHIEVING THE GOAL (1Peter 1: 6-9):

Peter starts the sixth verse with, “You greatly rejoice in this”. The reason for rejoicing could be derived from the prelude (v3-5) or even the postlude (v7-9) of the sixth verse. We can rejoice for God’s mercy, New Birth, Immortal Hope, Inheritance in God, Faith in God, Protection by God’s Power, Salvation, etc. as mentioned in the prelude (v3-5).Also, though there can be sufferings due to various kinds of trials for a little while, and we can rejoice in it as the trials will enable us to empower certain valuable qualities or be strengthened in God. The trials are very much necessary for us to experience and test our own spirits, where we stand in our commitments and decisions in the real and practical situations of life. It also helps God to entrust us, as He never contradicts the Freewill that was given from the beginning of time.

The Genuine Faith is compared with Gold and Peter says that it is even more valuable than Gold. Gold is one of the most valuable metals that are very less reactive, ductile, and exists alone without mixing with other metals in nature which adds value to it. It is often enclaved in the rocks below the grounds along with specks of dust and separated from it by mining and heating at high degrees to remove the debris. The testing of Gold and the purification process involves very tough situations that it should go through and so does the testing of Genuine Faith. In spite of the value of Gold, it has only certain degree of tolerance and is subjected to wear and tear but the genuine faith of a person will be along with him, multiplying, being useful to others in the life on this earth and the life that is yet to come. This may result in the praise, glory, and honor to ourselves and God during the revelation of Jesus Christ that could be probably the return of Jesus Christ as a righteous judge.

Most of the recipients of Peter may not have seen Jesus Christ as the believers, other disciples, or people associated with Jesus did. Though they hadn’t seen Jesus, they heard about Him, experienced His power to transform and thereby love Him. Their quest for truth and reason to believe Jesus Christ doesn’t really need a want to see Him. The Joy that surpasses all understanding in believing Jesus Christ is inexpressible and it could allow to awe, be filled with glory, and glorify God. The belief in Lord Jesus Christ helps every believer to obtain the outcome of faith which is the salvation of souls, the freedom of heart and mind from the sins, taking the guilt away. 

Stimulations for Self-Reflection

1.      For what, we can greatly rejoice?

2.      Why do you think that the believers should face trials?

3.      With what, Genuine Faith is compared? Why?

4.      Why Gold is tested with fire?

5.      What is the result of testing the Genuineness of Faith?

6.      How does the love and belief in God of the early believers apply to us?

7.      What do we get when we believe in Jesus Christ?

8.      What do you mean by ‘Salvation of your souls’?

9.      When you face trials, how will you handle it?

10.  How will you preserve your faith?