1 Peter 1:6,7

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 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, honour and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

If the resurrection didn’t really happen, this passage would be meaningless.

 In this

Peter begins v 6 with these words, referring to the living hope he speaks about in v 3. The people he was writing to were persecuted, and many dislodged from their homes. But he reminds them that they can look forward to an inheritance in Christ.

You greatly rejoice

The Greek word used here is “agalliasthe” which literally means jump for joy. It’s beyond just accepting one’s situation – it’s being extremely happy about it, like the fans of a winning team in a big match. To rejoice because of persecution would be a ridiculous thing to do, had it not been for the resurrection of Jesus.

In Matthew 5:10-12, Jesus says “Blessed (happy) are those who are persecuted…” and he exhorts us to “rejoice and be exceedingly glad” when faced with such troubles, as a reward awaits us. Acts 5:41 recounts that the apostles, after facing violence in the hands of their persecutors, rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Jesus’ name.

Whether we face mild resistance to our faith or more severe attacks, there is a reward for all who suffer for the sake of the gospel, and we can rejoice because of this. 

For a little while

Peter says these trials are “for a little while,” contrasting them with the eternity that lies ahead. Romans 8:18 says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” In 2 Corinthians 4:17 we read, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

If need be

Peter uses these words, indicating that not everyone will go through trials of a severe kind.

You have been grieved

The Bible does not tell us that we cannot grieve. David spoke of his “reins (literally, kidneys) crying out” – metaphorically expressing his deep sorrow. Sometimes we go through such experiences and grief is a part of it. But for a Christian, continued grief and despair is not possible, because of the hope we have in Christ. Psalm 34:19 says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

Various trials

The trials we face may be of different kinds, but Peter is referring to troubles that arise because of our faithfulness to the name of Christ, not those that may arise due to our own foolishness. The trials spoken about here are those that come our way when we are within the boundaries of what God has permitted.

When times of persecution and testing come in our lives, we shouldn’t be surprised. The Christian life is not always easy and will have many seasons. God uses these to make us mature and strong in Him. In 1 Thessalonians 3:3 we read, “…no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed for this.” In fact, this is also part of the message of the gospel because “we must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Trials are the means of receiving the inheritance kept for us.

The genuineness of your faith

Persecution often reveals genuine faith. Some people fail to continue in their faith when situations become difficult (see Matthew 13:22). Also, God allows our lives to be such that we need fellowship with Him. People of genuine faith will seek fellowship with God and His children when trials come.

Faith does not grow by miracles, but by trials. Genuineness of faith is not proved by outward appearances or things that we may speak and claim, but rather by our response to trials.

We are told in 2 Timothy 2:12 that if we endure, we will also reign with Him; but if we deny Him, He will also deny us. These are the only two possibilities in the midst of suffering.

Found to praise, honour and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ

Genuine faith that stands firm in the face of trials will find praise and will be rewarded. Trials are precious, don’t waste them. Use them to learn more, to become more Christ-like, and to lay up a reward in heaven that will far outweigh the present cost.